Patient & Family Support Services
At the UNM Cancer Center, we understand that cancer impacts many areas of life. We are committed to meeting the unique needs of our patients by offering a wide range of patient and family support services. Support services are a vital part of our cancer care and are offered at little or no cost.
Patient & Family Events Calendar
Please click here to view our calendar of upcoming patient and family events.
New Patient Orientation | 505-925-0182
The UNM Cancer Center’s New Patient Orientation is recommended for all new patients and their families and caregivers. This free program provides information, resources and an orientation to the facility to help new patients feel as comfortable as possible during their visits to the Center. Attendees will learn about their healthcare team, Cancer Center services and community resources, as well as have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns.
Support Groups & Programs
When facing cancer, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Meeting other cancer patients and survivors can be very helpful, so we offer many groups and programs to help you connect with others facing similar challenges. Click here for a complete listing of support groups and programs offered at the UNM Cancer Center.
Patient Navigation | 505-272-4946
Patient Navigators orient new patients to our clinic and serve as a consistent point of contact for patients, families and caregivers. They can help guide and connect patients and families to the appropriate information, services and resources throughout their care. Patient Navigators provide patients and families with personal attention and support to make their experience at the UNM Cancer Center as stress-free as possible.
Patient Navigation – American Cancer Society (ACS) | 505-272-0228
In partnership with the American Cancer Society, the UNM Cancer Center hosts the American Cancer Society Patient Navigation Program. The ACS Patient Navigator provides patients, families and caregivers with free information about specific types of cancer, transportation and lodging resources, as well as assistance finding the appropriate contact to answer insurance, legal and financial questions.
Counseling Services | 505-925-0104
Counseling services are available to help patients, families and caregivers cope with the emotional experience of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Counseling sessions for patients and family members include individual, couple and family counseling, as well as support groups. In addition, the Pastoral Care Department of UNM Hospital offers spiritual counseling for patients, families and staff. Ask the Cancer Center Counseling Service for a referral.
Oncology Social Work | 505-272-4946
Oncology Social Workers and Case Managers provide counseling and emotional support to patients and their families throughout all phases of the cancer experience and work to reduce the stress that often accompanies cancer diagnosis and treatment. They assist patients, families and caregivers in dealing with barriers to treatment, which may include transportation, housing and financial issues. They also link patients to community resources.
Nutrition Services | 505-925-0108
Good nutrition helps you feel better and stay strong before, during and after your cancer treatment. A board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition can share information, tips and recipes to help you throughout your treatment. Some treatments might affect your ability to eat, and nutritionists can teach you how to manage those side effects. A nutritionist can also provide guidelines to help you drink enough fluids to keep hydrated and can determine ways to help you maintain or gain weight. In addition, nutritionists can provide information about the safety of herbal supplements and possible interactions with food and other medications.
Patient Resource Library & Educational Programs | 505-925-0182
The Patient Resource Library, located on the first floor of the Center, offers free educational materials for patients and families who want to learn more about their own or a loved one’s diagnosis, as well as treatment, coping, supportive care, survivorship, community resources and more. The Center also offers free cancer-related educational classes for patients, families and caregivers. Please note: all health information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of the advice or recommendations of your healthcare providers.
Volunteer Program | 505-925-0182
UNM Cancer Center volunteers are an important part of the support and service we provide to patients. Please call the number above if you wish to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
