Southern Colorado Cancer Support Care
Southern Colorado cancer support care services
Social work
![Group therapy](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/29155033/Group-therapy.webp)
Social workers can help cancer patients, caregivers and families cope with and reduce cancer-related distress; can provide emotional support to address cancer-correlated concerns, such as family, work and other areas of life; offer resources and referrals, such as support groups and community resources; and teach how to live with a chronic illness through individualized care plans.
For additional information, please call 719.365.6845.
Nutrition
Oncology-trained registered dietitians and nutritionists can provide cancer patients with individualized cancer-specific nutrition consults, assessments and nutrition recommendations tailored to offset cancer side effects throughout treatment, such as changes in taste/ appetite, digestion concerns, and use of supplements/ enzymes; and nutrition resources, such as recipes, cooking classes and educational seminars.
For additional information, please call 719.365.6845.
![Couple cooking dinner](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/11095938/EMPL-Lifestyle-nutrition2.webp)
Nurse Navigation
Oncology nurse navigators will help you make your way through the overwhelming, sometimes confusing journey that typically accompanies a diagnosis of cancer. Navigation will teach you about your specific type of cancer and help you understand the information you receive from your doctors. Nurse navigators assist with facilitating and coordinating initial appointments with oncology specialists, as well as to ensure patients have access to timely care. Nurses can also refer patients to various other resources within UCHealth and the community.
![Dr talking to lady](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/23074806/Dr-talking-to-lady.webp)
For more information, please call 719.365.6845.
Support groups
Support groups provide patients, caregivers, and families a safe place for sharing feelings and challenges. Learning from the experiences of others can help increase the ability to cope. Studies have shown that participation in support groups may help people with cancer feel less depressed and anxious.
Our support groups are no-cost events hosted through in-person and virtual platforms. Support groups offered are for patients and caregivers.
For additional information, please call 719.365.6845.
Standing Firm Together cancer support group
A support group for those diagnosed with cancer.
“Put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” — Abraham Lincoln
Meets Thursday afternoons
1 to 2:30 p.m.
UCHealth Memorial Hospital North (see location page)
Cancer Center Conference Room
Contact Deborah Donnelley: 719.364.8348.
Breast cancer survivors support group
Our breast cancer support group is an educational support group for all breast cancer patients.
Group goals consist of
- Enhancing quality of life.
- Building connections with a community of breast cancer survivors.
- Exploring the role of mind, body, and spirit in coping with illness.
- Pointed topics specific to you and your care.
2nd Wednesday of the month
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Please call to register before attending: 719.579.9602.
Tobacco and Nicotine Treatment Program
Your smoke-free journey starts here.
Are you a current tobacco user, thinking about quitting? Join our on-demand virtual support group.
Our 6-week tobacco cessation support group offers:
- Smoking cessation class, free of cost.
- Tobacco education and resources.
- Weekly guides and Quit Kit.
- Assistance with FDA-approved medications.
- Individual quit plan.
- Peer support & stress management.
- Nutrition & exercise guidance.
For additional information, please call: 719.365.6845.
Tobacco and Nicotine Treatment Program
The tobacco treatment specialist can help develop a plan to work towards reducing or quitting tobacco. The specialist will advise how to manage withdrawal symptoms, deciding which tools would be uniquely beneficial, and assisting in obtaining potentially needed medications.
For additional information, please call 719.365.6845
Oncology rehabilitation services
![Patients participating in a group cardiac rehabilitation session](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/05102228/cardio-rehab-medical-500x300.webp)
Comprehensive cancer rehabilitation is designed to address and/or prevent symptoms that affect daily life such as: muscle/ joint pain, limb swelling (lymphedema), weakness, balance, fatigue, bowel/ bladder problems, memory problems, sexual dysfunction and/or pelvic pain.
For additional information, please call: 719.365.1029.
For an appointment, please call: 719.365.5642.
Genetic counseling
The hereditary cancer clinic can assist patients through providing a variety of genetic services such as: genetic counseling, family history analysis, and genetic testing.
For additional information, please call 719.365.6845.
![Laboratory staff working in genetic testing with test tubes](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/23125618/genetic_image.webp)
Cancer-related fatigue
![Woman in water exercise class](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/16140528/Water-Excersize.webp)
The lack of energy/tiredness that comes from cancer, called cancer-related fatigue, is different from the fatigue of daily life. This program can assist patients in improving strength, fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Exercise can help decrease fatigue, build up stamina and can help reduce anxiety or depression.
For additional information, please call: 719.365.1029.
For an appointment, please call: 719.365.5642.
Spiritual care
Spiritual care chaplains are available to listen and to come along side individuals who have survived the life changing experience of a cancer diagnosis. Topics for exploration include the transformative impact of cancer, the importance of hope, the reality of loss, dealing with uncertainty, building our legacy, re-developing community and relationships, addressing forgiveness and living fully with integrity. Chaplains are available for one on one conversations or family discussions. Developing a ritual that marks one’s survival is also available.
For additional information or to make an appointment, please call 719.365.2427
![sun rise in mountains](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/18154340/sun-rise.webp)
Survivorship navigation
Completion of treatment is not the end of your support.
Your survivorship navigator is a member of your Oncology care team that can provide support and education as you transition from active treatment into survivorship.
Goals of a survivorship navigation visit
- Provide caring assistance with the steps that follow completion of treatment.
- Review your cancer diagnosis and related treatments.
- Discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
- Identify and create management strategies to help you cope with the physical, emotional and social side effects of treatment.
- Recommend or refer you to resources related to health, nutrition, exercise, finances, smoking cessation, counseling and support groups.
- Create a personalized guide for follow up care after treatment.
![provider explaining a treatment](https://uchealth-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/17114446/provider-explaining_a-treatment.webp)
For additional information, please call 719.365.6845.
Contact us
Please contact us directly with any questions, or comments you may have.
Phone: 719.365.6845
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.