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Resources & Support Cancer

Brain Tumor
Resources & Support

At UCSF Health, we are renowned for our highly specialized and cutting-edge medical care. Along with innovative medicine, we strive to provide a variety of services to ensure that patients and families are fully supported while in our care. UCSF has a team of experienced social workers and condition-specific support groups as well as classes to help patients and families navigate their experiences while in our clinics and hospitals. 

Our support services also include unique programs to help heal the mind and spirit, such as Art for Recovery, Healing Through Dance and complimentary spa treatments during infusion therapy. During an unfamiliar and stressful time, UCSF’s support services are ready to lend a hand whenever patients and families need it most.

Patient stories

"The tumor was lodged in the part of my brain that controlled my verbal, comprehension and logic skills."

Jennifer Alden

Jennifer Alden discovered her brain tumor by accident, but when it came to surgery to remove it, she left nothing to chance. She met with three brain surgeons and wound up traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco to have the procedure performed by Dr. Mitchel Berger, UCSF's chair of Neurological Surgery. Berger used a technique he developed at UCSF, called brain mapping, to remove only the tumor while sparing healthy tissue around it that was vital to Alden's brain function.

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My mom has said I was like a baby who grew up very rapidly. She even wrote down my first word, the first day I talked.

Erica Chain

Like most 27-year-olds, Erica Chain was busy living her life – working at a startup she loved, doing yoga and running, and hanging out with friends. When she was diagnosed with a brain tumor after fainting in the street, she found herself suddenly grappling with major health decisions and an uncertain future.

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Related clinics

Cancer Symptom Management

Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

1825 Fourth St.
San Francisco, CA 94158

Osher Center for Integrative Health

1545 Divisadero St., Fourth Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115

Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute

Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

See both of our San Francisco locations.

Psycho-Oncology

Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

1825 Fourth St.
San Francisco, CA 94158

Support services at UCSF Health

Support Group

Art for Recovery

Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.

Fitness

Cancer Exercise Counseling

Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.

Patient Resource

Cancer Nutrition Counseling

UCSF Health offers free nutrition counseling to our patients with cancer, as well as nutrition seminars that are open to anyone. Learn more.

Support Group

Cancer Support Groups

These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.

Fitness

Core & More Class for Cancer Patients

A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!

Patient Resource

Friend to Friend Specialty Shops

A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.

Class

Meditation & Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients

Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.

Patient Resource

Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Program

If you're caring for someone with a brain tumor, our program can help with guidance, information, resources and support at this difficult time. Find out more.

Patient Resource

Oncology Social Work

Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.

Patient Resource

Patient & Family Cancer Support Center

The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.

Support Group

Peer Support Programs for Cancer

Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."

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