Support & Education at the University of Colorado Cancer Center
As you surf the Web, you may come across depressing or scary statistics about cancer. However, statistics are averages, and since none of us are average, they cannot be applied to an individual. How well any individual patient does depends on:
- The exact molecular biology of the cancer, which is extremely variable
- How well a patient responds to treatment, which is unknown until tried
- The individual’s general fitness and attitude
Whatever your diagnosis, it is important that you make an informed decision on the best course of action, guided and advised by experts in the treatment of your particular cancer.
We believe surviving cancer starts the day you are diagnosed, continues through your treatment and beyond once your cancer treatment is complete. At UCCC, we are dedicated to helping you on this journey.
We Offer Many Types of Support
You don’t need to be a patient at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. As the only comprehensive cancer center in the region, we offer support and education resources for all cancer patients, as well as their friends, families and supporters.
Cancer Information and Counseling Line
(800) 525-3777
Monday through Friday
8:30 am to 4:30 pm Mountain time
The CICL is a nationally recognized service that offers telephone counseling for people with cancer, as well as their friends and family members. This unique, free service is provided by the AMC Cancer Research Center, an affiliate of the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
- During a short-term telephone session, our trained CICL counselors take time to talk with you about your cancer concerns. All calls are confidential
- Our counselors provide well-informed and caring support. They offer simple, clear answers to medical questions. They help you to address your issues and figure out how to communicate with others about your diagnosis
- After treatment is complete, your CICL counselor can help you adjust to your life as a survivor
Cancer Resource Center
The Monfort Family Foundation Cancer Resource Center is a rich resource for people with cancer, regardless of whether you are receiving treatment at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
Our American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Navigator is located in the Cancer Resource Center and can assist you with the following information:
- Books, brochures, binders and other information about specific cancer types
- Information on cancer topics such as nutrition, side effects and clinical trials
- Support groups and educational classes at our facility and in the local area
- Computers with Internet access
- Information about lodging and transportation services near our facility
- Audio/visual materials for use during your treatment at UCCC. Topics include: stress release, guided imagery, stories, spirituality and relaxation
- Tours of UCCC for new patients, caregivers and special "Lemonade Tours" for children of cancer patients
The Cancer Resource Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm. Call (720) 848-0316 for more information.
LIVESTRONG™ Cancer Survivorship Program
We are home to one of just seven Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG Cancer Survivorship Programs in America. Our survivorship program brings resources, support and information to cancer survivors in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. The Cancer Survivorship Program consists of:
Cancer Survivorship Resource Centers at UCCC and at three Community Based Centers in Colorado, including Denver Health Medical Center, St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center in Grand Junction and St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center in Pueblo.
- Telephone counseling and support program after cancer treatment is complete
- Cancer survivor support groups and educational classes
- On-going cancer survivorship needs assessment
- Cancer survivor research and dissemination
For questions regarding the Cancer Survivorship Program, please contact Alison Faust Jones at (720) 848-0395 or Alison.jones@uch.edu.
Cancer Support Groups and Educational Programs
View Calendar
- Cancer Specific Support Groups
- Educational Workshops
- Monthly Nutrition and Cancer Classes
- Look Good…Feel Better Program
- C.L.I.M.B. support program for young children coping with a parent diagnosed with cancer
- Lemonade Tours: tours of the cancer center for children coping with a parent diagnosed with cancer
Coping with the Stressors of Cancer
Oncology Social Workers are available in the outpatient clinics and in the hospital to help patients and families manage the stresses that are associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Stresses include:
- Financial difficulties
- Insurance issues
- Parenting concerns
- Relationship issues
- Emotional distress
- Current or anticipated transportation problems
- Housing/Lodging
- Terminal illness
- Advanced directives
- Inadequate support at home
Services provided by our social workers include:
- Psychosocial assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Financial counseling
- Help with advanced directives
- Brief individual, group, marital, and family counseling
- Referrals to community resources
- Patient and family conferences
- Discharge planning
- Grief and bereavement counseling
- Hospice/Home care education and referral
- Support Groups referrals
Nutritional Counseling
Nutrition is a very important part of your care during and after treatment at UCCC. We have a registered dietitian available to help you with questions and concerns about:
- Managing side effects
- Changes in appetite
- Review of tube feeding or Total Parenteral Nutrition needs
- Cancer prevention and nutrition education
- Cancer survivorship and nutrition education
- Review of supplements
- Resources and educational materials on topics related to cancer and nutrition
Please call (720) 848-0300 to make an appointment for nutritional counseling related to your cancer diagnosis.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is available to individuals or groups Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at the Cancer Center. Gail Opsahl, art therapist and cancer survivor, provides free, fun and inspiring hands-on art activities. Experience the gifts that come through art, intuition, imagination, insight and inspiration. Please call Gail Opsahl at (720) 848-2450 for more information or to schedule an appointment. No previous art experience necessary!
Cancer Physical Rehabilitation
Cancer treatments produce physiological changes to normal tissue and normal body functions as well. Physical therapy can promote recovery from these changes. These changes include:
- A change in body fat mass
- Decreased levels of normal physical activity
We have specialists trained in cancer rehabilitation available to assist you. For more information, please contact the UCH Physical Therapy Department at (720) 848-2000.
The Center for Integrative Medicine
Universityof Colorado Hospital's Center for Integrative Medicine offers physician-managed care that emphasizes the wellness and healing of the entire person, drawing on both conventional medicine and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).If eligible, grants are available for cancer patients to receive free CAM therapies. Please call (720) 848-1090 for more information.
Palliative Care
This team provides care and support to patients and families facing a serious or life-threatening illness. The Palliative Care Consult Services team works directly with the patient’s primary physician(s) to help ease pain and other symptoms. The team also addresses psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual needs associated with end of life.