Cancer Patient Support Services

Cancer and cancer treatment can affect your appetite, nutritional needs and ability to eat a healthy diet. Our registered oncology dietitians offer individualized nutrition support for patients with cancer whose efforts to maintain their weight may be affected by cancer symptoms or treatment side effects.

With specialized education and training in the latest cancer treatment and care practices, our oncology nurse navigators provide the highest levels of expertise, compassion and sensitivity. They are available to answer your questions, discuss your concerns and guide you to the most helpful resources.

Our specially trained oncology social workers understand the complexities of living with cancer and can provide short-term counseling for patients and loved ones. They help you identify and access the most appropriate community and medical resources, assist with transportation, lodging and financial concerns throughout your care, and help you transition from treatment to recovery.

You can request an appointment with a clinical oncology social worker by informing your nurse navigator, physician or anyone on your Scripps care team.

The palliative care program provides an extra layer of support by helping patients and families manage pain and other symptoms, offering emotional and spiritual support, comfort care and improved quality of life. The team can assist with care-related decisions, advanced care planning and coordination of all aspects of care, including medical, emotional and spiritual services. 

Patients, their families and friends often need professional support as they adjust to living with a cancer diagnosis. Scripps offers referrals and professional care from experts in psychology, psychiatry and emotional health, including individual and family counseling, to help with the emotional challenges of cancer.

Following treatment for cancer, many patients need the help of physical rehabilitation and/or occupational therapy professionals to regain strength, relearn skills or adapt to changes in their bodies. We offer a full range of physical rehabilitation services for cancer patients to support you through your recovery, including:

• Wound care
• Voice therapy and swallowing therapy 
• Lymphedema therapy
• Balance and vestibular rehabilitation
• Exercise programs for cancer patients
• Yoga for cancer patients
• Driving safety assessments for patients whose treatment may have affected their ability to drive

Certified lymphedema treatment therapists at Scripps Health offer care at several locations in San Diego. Collaborating with physicians and other health care professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach, they develop customized lymphedema treatment plans to help people with lymphedema alleviate pain, reduce swelling, lower the risk of infection and learn self-management techniques.

Scripps Cancer Center genetic counselors provide expert, caring support and education to patients and their families. We take a personalized approach to every patient and discuss questions and concerns to help patients make informed, confident decisions about genetic testing.

Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine blends medical expertise with complementary therapies focused on healing the body, mind and spirit. Our integrative health experts can create personalized cancer support programs, including services such as acupuncture, herbal nutrition and massage therapy, designed to complement other treatments. The center also offers advanced imaging technology for early detection and diagnosis.

Services available at the center include:

• Acupuncture, biofeedback, healing touch, massage, sound therapy and more
• Longterm Wellness for Survivors Nutrition consultation
• Fitness center — offers yoga, Aquacise, Pilates, spin classes and more

Non-denominational spiritual care is available at every Scripps hospital. In addition to providing comfort during a hospital stay, our chaplains can reach out to your own clergy, rabbi or spiritual advisor to coordinate spiritual care and counseling.

If you’re receiving cancer care at Scripps but don’t live in the San Diego area, our visiting patient services page provides information about lodging and attractions in the area.

Our patient financial services professionals work with patients and families to explore every appropriate resource, including some types of financial assistance. We offer financial assistance (help paying your bill) for those who qualify for a program such as, charity care, discounted care, cash pay or interest-free payment plans.

We offer virtual classes to help you understand your benefits coverage. Register for a Scripps Cancer Center New Patient Insurance & Benefit Information session.

Our free, secure online service for patients, MyScripps gives you access to your outpatient records and lab test results at any time. It also allows you to communicate with your doctors and their staff, make some appointments and request prescription refills.

Many volunteers share their talents with Scripps Cancer Center patients. We frequently have knit hats, lap blankets and chemo pillows that provide warmth and comfort during chemotherapy treatments. Others make inspirational cards and crafts. We share these wonderful creations from the heart to any oncology patient who would appreciate them. Call 858-733-2139 to inquire.

You are more than just your symptoms. We recognize everyone needs emotional, mental, and physical exercise to balance and restore your wellbeing. 

Our Shiley Fitness Center and the Center for Integrative Medicine provide a range of classes to meet your needs. Yoga, balance, mindfulness meditation, sound therapy and fitness are offered as pre- and post-treatment programs. 

The Oncology Nutrition Program offers individual consultations and groups cooking classes.

Patients may need head coverings or a wig to feel comfortable going about daily activities. We offer patients wigs, hats, and scarves to help. To make an appointment for the wig boutique, please call 619-819-6523 or 858-733-2139.

For transportation, lodging (for those visiting from outside the area), meal delivery or another need that is prohibiting you from accessing your care, we have social workers available to help. In addition, we have reliable community-based resources to help. You can request an appointment with a clinical oncology social worker by informing your nurse navigator, physician or anyone on your Scripps care team.

Scripps Cancer Center has resources to help patients, families and caregivers understand their cancer diagnosis and treatment journey. Our resource libraries include books, brochures and other materials regarding specific cancer types, managing treatment side effects, nutrition and legal information. For more information, please call 619-819-6523 or 858-733-2139.

Cancer has a language all its own. To help you and your caregivers understand medical terminology and learn more about the therapies and technologies your care may involve, we’ve developed a glossary of cancer terms. We encourage you to refer to it whenever you come across an unfamiliar term and want more information. We know a cancer diagnosis can seem overwhelming, and many patients find that learning as much as they can about their care helps them feel more in control of their health.

Of course, the glossary is just the beginning. Any time you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your nurse navigator or physician. We want you to be informed and comfortable throughout your treatment.