Virtual offerings are now available. See categories below, call or email us for more information.
In-person Supportive Care Programs have been temporarily canceled until further notice.
For instructions on how to register for online programs, click here.
Support for Cancer Patients and Family
The Cancer Supportive Care Program is an integral part of the Stanford Cancer Center. We provide you with emotional, physical, and spiritual support through all stages of cancer survivorship: Living With, Through, and Beyond Cancer. We're here to help you strengthen your body, nurture hope and courage, and enrich your spirit. Our FREE support groups, classes, workshops, personal one-on-one consultations and services are open to all cancer patients in the community regardless of where you receive care. Choose the offerings that best meet your needs. You don't have to go through cancer alone.
Cancer Supportive Care Program Team
Contact Us:
Cancer Center Palo Alto
Telephone: 650-725-9456
Cancer Center South Bay
Telephone: 669-233-2807
Outpatient Center Redwood City
Telephone: 650-725-9456
Lectures
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Free virtual event open to all cancer patients.
Pain can worsen the quality of life for many people living with cancer. Fortunately, there are many treatments that can help manage and reduce pain.
In this event, Stanford palliative care doctor Grant Smith, MD will highlight ways to treat pain by considering the physical, psychological, and spiritual contributors to pain. We will discuss how to lessen pain using medicine, as well as other treatments. We will also discuss which medical teams can help treat your pain, and when to ask your doctor for a referral to these teams.
Registration required. Click button to register, or see flyer for more information.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
When patients come into a therapy room, they are curious about other patient’s experience- how other patients deal with the unexpected change overload, tolerate the distress of uncertainty while questioning the usefulness of talk therapy when it does not change the reality of having cancer. The lecture will demystify what happens behind the closed door. It will examine the psychological impact and the emotional changes of moving through various stages of cancer. It will also explore how patients have created a successful blueprint to integrate management of cancer while finding a way to continue on with their lives. Guidance will be provided in identifying therapy resources and how to find a point of entry for accessing therapy support.
Registration required.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Lecture postponed.
New date to be determined.
Classes & Workshops
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Free class with Sephora
Join beauty experts from Sephora and connect with others in a fun, supportive setting. Learn how to address the visible effects of cancer treatments from the comfort of home. In this live 60-minute interactive class you’ll get soothing skincare tips and see how to restore complexion glow and the appearance of brows or lashes using clean formula products.
Each class is limited to 30 people.
| Thursday, October 29 | 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | REGISTER by 10/14 |
| Friday, November 13 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | REGISTER by 10/26 |
| Tuesday, November 24 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | REGISTER by 11/2 |
Registration is required. Select a date and click REGISTER.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Helping a loved one through cancer treatment can be stressful. The Caregiver Workshop gives caregivers and family members skills and resources to help with:
- Understand cancer and its treatments
- Cope with stress
- Deal with changing family roles
- Meet the physical and emotional needs of the patient
- Improve their own mental and physical health
- Seek out and take advantage of community resources
Registration required. Call or email us.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Finding health-related information on the Internet that is reliable, current, and evidence-based takes knowledge and skill. With a focus on neuroscience, medical librarians are available to share good research techniques and sources of trustworthy information online.
Medical librarians are available library hours and 24/7 via our Research Request form.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Stanford Cancer Center
650-736-1960
Stanford Cancer Center South Bay
408-353-0197
Our branches are closed, but our librarians are eager to help you find reliable information.
Call or email us.
FREE
Online Class
We know that there is a lot to think about and learn when you need radiation therapy. You may be wondering what radiation therapy is, what the experience is like at Stanford Health Care, and how to prepare. You may also be wondering how you will manage treatment along with work, school, responsibilities, relationships, and life in general.
This is why we have created an online radiation therapy experience program to help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident with your external beam radiation treatment at Stanford Health Care.
This program will answer many of your questions, including:
- What is the radiation therapy like at Stanford Health Care and what is the process?
- What are the side effects and how can I manage them?
- Why do I need to have a simulation visit and how do I prepare for that?
- Who will I see when I go for my radiation therapy?
- When will I find out my radiation therapy schedule?
- What should I do if I don’t understand something?
- How can I cope with the feelings and emotions that I have?
What you’ll learn
- What radiation therapy is and how it treats cancer
- About radiation therapy experience at Stanford Health Care:
- How to prepare for the treatment experience
- What to expect and do during treatment
- What comes next after treatment
Online health class for learning how to prepare and what to expect before, during and after your radiation therapy experience at Stanford Health Care. Best of all, this flexible, digital program is available any time - simply click on the link.
Whether you are in good health or dealing with chronic health issues, this course will teach you what it takes to achieve optimal health from the inside out. Lasting change comes from understanding the rationale for healthy habits and having the social support to guide you towards lifestyle change. In this course, you will learn what it takes to achieve your best health, alongside other like-minded people on the same journey.
Susan Payrovi, M.D., holds board certifications in Anesthesiology, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, and Integrative Medicine, with additional training in Functional Medicine and acupuncture.
Cost: Each weekly session is billed to your insurance as a shared medical appointment with a Stanford physician specialist.
Lecture Topics
- The Mind Body Connection
- Nutrition
- Healthy Sleep
- Exercise And Movement
- Toxins And Detox
- Vitamins And Supplements
- Complementary Therapies
Learn what every cancer patient needs to know about lymphedema - what causes it, the early signs and symptoms, how to decrease your risk, and what resources are available.
Registration required. To register click register or call us.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Second and fourth Mondays of the month
No class: 11/23, 12/28
For patients of Stanford Healthcare ValleyCare
If you are interested in learning more about nutrition as you begin treatment, this online class is for you! This information is for patients diagnosed within the last year or are less than 2 weeks into their cancer treatment.
Registration is required. To register, email: marguting@stanfordhealthcare.org.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
2nd Wednesday of the month
No class 9/9
Are you or someone you care for about to start chemotherapy for the first time? An experienced oncology nurse provides up to date information about your chemotherapy, biotherapy or immunotherapy along with a tour of the infusion center.
Registration is required. Call us.
Class Presentation:
Managing and Understanding Your Chemotherapy (English PDF)
Cómo afrontar y entender su quimioterapia (PDF Español)
Quản lý và Hiểu biết về Điều trị Ung thư của quý vị (PDF Vietnamese)
Video:
Oncology Nurse Chris Tucker Talks About Chemotherapy.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
If you are interested in learning more about nutrition as you begin treatment, this self-guided class is for you! This information is for patients diagnosed within the last year or less than 2 weeks into their cancer treatment.
To get started, see Resources section below.
- Download and review the class slides.
- If you have general questions about this content, call to schedule an appointment with a cancer dietitian.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
15 minute appointments by telephone are available as follows:
Tuesday: 2nd & 4th of the month
No appointments:11/24, 12/22
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Thursday: 1st & 3rd of the month
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Friday: 1st & 3rd of the month
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Mind, Body, Spirit
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Healing Touch is a holistic energy therapy that supports healing on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. Practitioners use light touch to balance, clear, and energize the human energy field so that an individual’s immune system can better support self healing. Healing Touch complements traditional cancer therapy and can support a reduction of anxiety, depression, fatigue and nausea, lymphedema and neuropathy. If you have never experienced a Healing Touch session and want to discover the benefits schedule an appointment today.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
The experience of living with cancer can be stressful mentally, emotionally and physically. Creating a regular meditation practice has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Receive instruction and practice in this blend of ancient wisdom traditions and modern neuroscientific research. Enjoy the peace and power of taking a pause in your day and learning valuable new skills that will serve you during treatment and beyond. Beginners welcome.
Registration is required. Click REGISTER or call us.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
This class will demonstrate techniques for head scarf tying. For this class, we recommend having scarves to practice with (including thin square and rectangular shapes), as well as hair ties or rubber bands.
Registration required. To register, email us.
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Stanford Cancer Center |
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Special online resources
American Cancer Society - Tender Loving Care
Wigs and hair loss products at affordable prices.
Milano Collection
Free personalized virtual wig consultations.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Exercise and Fitness
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This chair yoga class is designed to safely provide caregivers and patients with a set of moderate, stretching, strengthening, and balance exercises. This yoga sequence proceeds with gentle breathing, attitude bolstering, warmups, and standing balances (with chair support). For deepening relaxation, it uses a mindfulness bell to promote one-pointed focus.
Registration is required. Click REGISTER or call us.
To better prepare you for this online offering, the following items are recommended:
- A sturdy upright chair, such as a dining table chair.
- Preferable one that doesn't swivel or have wheels
- Your feet should touch the ground - Folded blanket or thin pad on the seat for comfort.
The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.
Every Wednesday
No class: 9/9, 11/25, 12/23, 12/30
Weekly classes to focus on core strength, functional movement and stability. The class uses bands and an individual’s own body weight to enhance range of motion, flexibility, balance and strength.
Registration is required. Click REGISTER or call us.
To better prepare you for this online offering, the following items are recommended:
- Weights (1, 2, 3 lbs), water bottles, or cans of soup
- Resistance bands
- Yoga block or tissue box
- Small exercise ball
- Throw pillow
- Yoga mat, towel, or blanket
- Yoga strap, belt, scarf, or necktie
- Bolsters or large cushions from couch or outdoor furniture
- Small towel
- Mirror (full length) or large mirrors in area where you are working out
- Water bottle for hydration
- Solid surface to help with balance and modified push-ups (dining room chair, kitchen table, island, or wall)
Not all items will be used in each class.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Every Tuesday
No class: 9/8, 11/24, 12/22, 12/29
Practicing core stability can improve your range of motion, reduce musculature pain, improve back strength, and increase flexibility. The mindfulness aspect of this training renews energy, reduces stress and anxiety, and rejuvenates awareness of the body, mind, and spirit. This is the first step to regaining overall physical confidence and comfort.
Registration is required. Click REGISTER or call us.
To better prepare you for this online offering, the following items are recommended:
- Bolster or rolled beach towels
- A strap, theraband, or a tie
- Light weights (ok if none are available)
- Yoga block or additional towels to support one's head
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Every Thursday
No class: 9/10, 11/26, 12/24, 12/31
Gentle yoga postures are introduced to improve total body conditioning, increase mobility and range of motion, improve circulatory flow, and relieve muscle tension. These classes are for students who can get on the floor without help.
Registration is required. Click REGISTER or call us.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Moving to Heal is movement as medicine and is for anyone seeking a gentler movement practice to compliment and facilitate healing of body, mind, emotions, and spirit. We define healing simply as, “I feel better.” In this class, students learn how to personalize movement to adapt to their comfort and health needs. A part of the Nia technique, Moving to Heal increases flexibility, mobility, stability, strength and reduces stress.
Registration is required. Click REGISTER or call us.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Every Monday
No class: 11/23, 12/21, 12/28
Experienced and certified exercise specialists are available to meet with you to develop an exercise plan. Sessions are one-hour and follow-up phone calls are included.
To schedule an appointment, reference your clinic and select a time that works for you or call us.
Cancer Center South Bay patients
Every Wednesday
No class: 9/9, 11/25, 12/23, 12/30
11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm
669-233-2807
Cancer Center Palo Alto patients
Every Thursday
No class: 9/10, 11/26, 12/24, 12/31
10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm
650-725-9456
Redwood City Outpatient Center patients
Every Friday
No class: 9/11, 11/27, 12/25, 1/1
12:30pm and 1:30pm
650-725-9456
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
This deeply relaxing and restful class will use restorative yoga poses done primarily on the floor with the support of bolsters, blankets, blocks and chairs. Designed to nurture, nourish and renew the body, mind and spirit.
Registration is required. Click REGISTER or call us.
To better prepare you for this online offering, the following items are recommended:
- Yoga mat (optional)
- Blanket or large beach towel
- Yoga bolster or bed pillows (2)
- Yoga blocks (2) or throw pillows from your couch or bed
- Eye pillow or hand towel to place over your eyes
- Folding chair or dining chair
- Access to a wall
What patients say:
"For the period of time I am there, I feel calm and energetic. You are surrounded by friendly people." - M. I.
"I would highly recommend Restorative Yoga, and have, to many friends going through cancer. I tell them it's a wonderful way to find peace in a storm and to be supported, both by the teacher and the place." - T. M. L.
"It gave me confidence to get back into group classes- look forward to coming whenever I can." - M. O.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
This online Tai Chi class will help you build balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength and can be performed by anyone regardless of age or physical condition. Tai Chi strengthens the body, quiets and calms the mind and emotions, and improves overall health and well-being.
Registration required. Click REGISTER or call us.
The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.
Fundamental yoga practices such as alignment, steadiness, and breathing are designed to assist survivors in rebuilding strength, awareness, grace and balance.
Registration is required. Click REGISTER or call us.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Every Wednesday
No class: 9/9, 11/25, 12/23, 12/30
Support Groups
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This group provides encouragement, hope, education, information, and support to all bladder and kidney cancer patients, family members, and caregivers. The group is available to those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or recovering. Now offered online via Zoom.
Registration required. Contact Elizabeth Kerr, MSW at 650-308-6274 to register.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Second Thursday of the month
We partner with Bay Area Cancer Connections (BACC) for our breast cancer support groups. BACC provides various support groups throughout the Bay Area to facilitate the opportunity for individuals to discuss their experiences, share ideas and provide support to one another. These groups and activities are voluntary associations of social support and are meant to encourage and inspire.
Support groups include:
- Breast Cancer Newly Diagnosed & In-Treatment
- DCIS
- Hereditary Cancer
- Metastatic Breast Cancer
- Online Breast and Ovarian Support Group via Zoom
- Ovarian Cancer Networking Group
- Recovery & Renewal
- Spanish Language Breast Cancer
- Young Women's Breast Cancer Group
Please see schedule for a listing of times and events.
Women diagnosed with breast cancer may feel overwhelmed with worry and fears. This group is for women who are in or just starting treatment.
For more information call 925-734-3315 or email CancerSupportiveCare@StanfordHealthCare.org
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program.
Are you caring for a loved one with cancer? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you want to talk to someone? Would you like to speak to others going through the same experience, or would you like to just take a moment for yourself?
Come join us for our new Cancer Caregiver Support Group. This is an ongoing peer-led group offering emotional, educational, psychosocial and spiritual support.
For more information call 925-734-3315 or email CancerSupportiveCare@stanfordhealthcare.org
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month
This educational and support program is designed for people with cancer and their loved ones. Participants learn how to manage their health to keep active and improve their lives. No registration is required.
For more information call 925-734-3315 or email CancerSupportiveCare@StanfordHealthCare.org
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
Every Tuesday
No class: 9/8, 11/24, 12/22, 12/29
This group provides information and support to those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or recovering from treatment. Family members are welcome.
Registeration is required. Please email Anyani Partida at apartida@stanfordhealthcare.org to register.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
First Tuesday of every month
This group offers encouragement, hope, education, and emotional support to all lung cancer survivors, family members, or caregivers.
Registration required. Call 650-353-8571.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
A monthly support group open to all pancreatic and gastrointestinal patients and caregivers for education, balance, strength and support.
Registration is required. Call to register.
The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.
View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »
The Cancer Supportive Care Program in partnership with Silicon Valley Prostate Cancer offers various support groups throughout the Bay Area. These support groups give patients an opportunity to discuss their experiences, share ideas and provide support to one another. Groups and activities are voluntary associations of social support and are meant to encourage and inspire.
Support groups offered by Silicon Valley Prostrate Cancer include:
- Prostate Cancer education and Support Group
- Advanced Prostate Cancer
- San Jose Prostate Cancer Support Group
Additional Resources
Stanford's Health Resource Hub
Explore Stanford's Health Resource Hub – an online database for you to search and connect with free and reduced-cost health resources and services both within the community, and at Stanford Health Care, Stanford School of Medicine, and Stanford University.
Features:
- Search by keyword or location (zip code, city, state).
- Get full description of program services, cost (if applicable), target population, schedule, contact information, location and more!
- Share or email to caregivers, friends and family.
Videos
Returning Patient
To request an appointment with one of our cancer specialists, call:
Stanford Cancer Center Palo Alto:
650-498-6000
Stanford Women's Cancer Center:
650-498-6004
Stanford Cancer Center South Bay:
408-426-4900
Stanford Redwood City Infusion Therapy Center:
650-724-6140