Social supports for cancer
Supporting you on every step of the journey
You are more than your disease. At Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, we offer a range of services so you and your caregivers have the support you need at every phase of your cancer journey, not just medically, but emotionally and socially too.
Our team of compassionate, diverse and knowledgeable patient navigators provide nonclinical support to all cancer patients and their families. Navigators may help you access cancer information, resources to help meet day-to-day needs and emotional support.
Specialists in integrative oncology address symptoms caused by your disease and treatment, such as fatigue, pain, nausea, anxiety and others. The practice combines conventional Western medicine with evidence-based complementary treatments. That means the treatments have been researched and proved to be safe and effective in healing.
Social workers can be an important part of your healthcare team. They are clinically trained and meet with you and your loved ones to offer supportive counseling, help coping with the impact of a cancer diagnosis and a comprehensive assessment of your needs. Social workers can help identify or address barriers to care and connect families with supportive, educational and financial resources.
Traveling for medical care isn't easy. Know what to expect before you get here and find practical tips to make your trip as easy and comfortable as possible. In our Patient Visitor Guides for Arizona, Florida and Minnesota, discover options for:
- Transportation.
- Parking.
- Dining.
- Lodging. Each campus has hospitality houses that provide lodging for people with cancer in need.
For help planning a trip tailored to your needs, contact an agent with Patient Travel Services.
Psychologists with expertise in chronic and acute medical conditions are available to help patients and families manage the demands of cancer treatment. Using evidence-based interventions, psychologists might help with issues such as pain management, sleep or lifestyle changes recommended by the medical team. Additionally, psychologists may help with any challenges related to behaviors, mood or worries that develop on your cancer journey.
Specialists in cancer rehabilitation help people with cancer maintain and restore function so they can carry on meaningful, fulfilling lives during and after cancer treatment. Team members with experience in preventive, restorative, supportive and palliative rehabilitation can tailor restoration programs to your specific cancer, goals, and physical and emotional needs.
Experts in palliative care focus on providing relief from pain and other symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatment, including side effects.
Cancer survivorship clinics help cancer survivors live well after cancer treatment. A cancer survivorship clinic may help you manage physical and emotional changes you may experience after your cancer treatment. Mayo Clinic's services are designed to help you cope with post-treatment issues and adjust to your new life.
Caring for loved ones with cancer can be challenging and stressful. Our Caregiver Support Program in Phoenix addresses the needs of the caregiver by providing one-on-one consultations. In these discussions, caregivers may seek assistance with reducing stress, financial burdens and other concerns.
Mayo Clinic provides care in a welcoming, respectful and culturally competent manner that is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions. People seeking breast cancer care in Rochester, Minnesota, who identify as LGBTQ+ may be seen in our RAINBOWS Clinic, a welcoming space that addresses the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Stephen and Barbara Slaggie Family Cancer Education Center offers free education and resources to people with cancer and their support network. The mission of the center is to remove as many barriers to care as possible by providing you with the information you need when you need it. Learn more at Mayo Clinic Connect about classes, activities and online courses or view videos.
An online community moderated by Mayo Clinic staff, Mayo Clinic Connect connects patients, family and caregivers with one another. Community members share experiences, ask questions, find answers, give and get support, and exchange vital information.
Our comprehensive Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program in Arizona and Minnesota is tailored to meet the needs of people ages 15 to 39 who have been diagnosed with cancer. Our specialists understand that people in this age group encounter challenges extending beyond the medical aspect of care, including fertility concerns, relationship dynamics, school and work considerations, financial implications, and the profound emotional impact a cancer diagnosis can have.
Experts at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Arizona and Rochester, Minnesota, treat the whole child by collaborating with child life specialists and child life assistants in the Child Life Program. Pediatric psychologists may help with pain management, improved sleep or lifestyle changes recommended by the medical team. Experts on the Compass team provide comprehensive supportive care to improve the quality of your child's life while minimizing both pain and distressing symptoms.
Because clear communication between patients and their healthcare teams can improve patient outcomes, Mayo Clinic offers interpreters for more than 200 languages, including ASL, at no charge.
Hospital chaplains offer spiritual guidance and pastoral care for patients and their families. Chaplains support and encourage people of all religious faiths and are familiar with beliefs across many different cultures.
