Click here for a calendar of upcoming patient and family events
At the UNM Cancer Center, we understand that cancer impacts many areas of life, and 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. Please take a moment to review these services and contact them directly if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
| Counseling Services | 505-925-0104 |
Counseling services are available for patients and family members, including individual, couples, family sessions and support groups. Services are available to help patients, families and caregivers cope with the emotional experience of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. In addition, counseling services are available for those patients who would like to include a spiritual dimension in their care. For more information, call 505-925-0104, or to schedule an appointment, call 505-272-6337.
Eating well is always important, but it is critical during cancer treatments. Good nutrition helps you feel better and stay strong before, during and after your treatment. A board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition can share information, tips and recipes to help you create high-quality, nutritious meals throughout your cancer 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. Nutritionists can also provide information about the safety of herbal supplements and possible interactions with food and other medications.
| Pastoral Care | 505-272-1796 |
The Pastoral Care Department of UNM Hospital provides inter-faith pastoral care to help meet the emotional and spiritual needs of patients, families and staff of all faiths. Chaplains are available to provide a variety of services, including conversation, counsel, sacraments, prayer and scripture reading. Chaplains are also available to meet with patients before and after surgery.
| Patient Education | 505-925-0103 |
Our Patient Education program provides cancer-related educational materials, classes and resources for you and your loved ones so you can become informed and active participants when making decisions about your healthcare. Educational information offered includes credible and current information on cancer, cancer treatment, coping, support, survivorship and more.
| 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. The Patient Navigators can help guide and connect patients and families to the appropriate information, services and resources throughout their care. Patient Navigators strive to provide patients and families with personal attention and support to make their experience at the UNM Cancer Center as stress-free as possible. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a Patient Navigator, call 505-272-4946. (Please note: Patient Navigators are not medical practitioners, counselors or social workers and do not provide medical advice.)
| Patient Navigation - American Cancer Society (ACS) | 505-272-0228 |
In partnership with the American Cancer Society, the UNM Cancer Center is hosting 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.
Clinical oncology social workers and case managers assist patients, families and caregivers in dealing with barriers to treatment, which may include transportation, housing and financial issues. They provide counseling and emotional support throughout all phases of the cancer experience to reduce the stress that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
UNM Cancer Center 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. Please take a moment to review these programs and contact them directly if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
| Arts-in-Medicine at UNM | 505-277-0404 |
From September to May of each year, the UNM Cancer Center waiting rooms and chemotherapy suites are transformed by the Arts-in-Medicine Program at the University of New Mexico. Through massage, yoga, Reiki, meditation and acutonics, artists-in-medicine prompt deep relaxation and openness in body, mind and spirit. Through music, art and writing, patients, family members and professional caregivers create moments of beauty, transformation and rejuvenation.
| Cancer Survivor and Family Education and Support Group | 505-925-0104 |
In partnership with People Living Through Cancer, we offer an education and support group for cancer survivors and their family members. The purpose of the group is to give participants important information that can help them cope with a cancer diagnosis, medical treatment and care-giving as well as provide emotional support.
When: 2nd & 4th Mondays 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Central United Methodist Church, corner of University and Copper, Room 311
In partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS), the UNM Cancer Center offers I Can Cope, a free educational program for people facing cancer – either personally, or as a friend or family caregiver. I Can Cope classes provide facts, information and answers to your cancer-related questions about: 1) diagnosis and treatment, 2) side effects of treatment, 3) emotions and self-esteem, 4) cancer and intimacy, 5) communication skills, 6) community resources, 7) financial concerns, 8) pain management and 9) nutrition. I Can Cope classes are also available online, allowing you to take classes in the privacy of your home or location of your choice when it is best for you. To take an online class, go the American Cancer Society Web site at www.cancer.org and enter “I Can Cope Online” in the search box. For more information about I Can Cope programs statewide, call the American Cancer Society in Albuquerque at 505-262-6029.
| Look Good…Feel Better for Women | 505-272-0228 |
In partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS), the UNM Cancer Center offers the Look Good...Feel Better program, a free service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Volunteer beauty professionals teach women about makeup techniques, skincare, nail care and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans and scarves. Each participant receives a free cosmetics kit, a wig, scarf and/or turban. To find out about Look Good…Feel Better programs statewide, call the American Cancer Society in Albuquerque at 505-262-6029 or visit www.cancer.org or www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.
| Meditation and Relaxation Group | 505-925-0104 |
The UNM Cancer Center’s Meditation and Relaxation Group practices mindful breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to relax and experience well-being. Meets weekly, call for time and place.
| Post-Stem Cell Transplant Support Group | 505-985-0185 |
A free support group for patients who have had a stem cell transplant and their loved ones. Meets monthly, call for time and place.
| Support Group for People Living with Chronic Pain | 505-925-0104 |
A free public educational and support program designed to help people who have chronic pain learn how to cope and get support from others who understand and live with chronic pain. Meets monthly, call for time and place.
| Writing Groups for Cancer Survivors and Friends and Family | 505-925-0104 |
The UNM Cancer Center offers three separate writing groups; two for cancer patients and survivors and one for family and friends. These weekly groups provide a unique combination of journaling and support group for individuals in all stages of diagnosis and recovery and their loved ones. The groups offer an opportunity for emotional expression and exploration through writing and sharing the life-changing experience of cancer and caregiving.
Survivors Writing Together
Meets weekly, call for time and place.
Friends and Family Writing Together
Meets weekly, call for time and place.
Community Resources
New Mexicans are fortunate to have a wide network of community organizations that provide invaluable resources to cancer patients. The UNM Cancer Center works very closely with many of these organizations, and we encourage you to take advantage of their services. However, please note that these are outside organizations and are not affiliated with the UNM Cancer Center.
American Cancer Society
10501 Montgomery Blvd. NE., Ste 300, Albuquerque NM 87111
Local Phone Number: 505-260-2105
Toll-Free Number: 1-800-227-2345
Fax Number: 505-266-9513
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.
Cancer Services of New Mexico
P.O. Box 15735, Albuquerque NM 87181-1735
Phone Number: 505-259-9583
Fax Number: 505-299-5489
Cancer Services of New Mexico (CSNM) provides services to reduce cancer suffering for New Mexico’s families. They are the only statewide non-profit organization that looks broadly at addressing gaps in cancer-related services while solely focusing on New Mexico.
Casa Esperanza
1005 Yale Blvd. NE, Albuquerque NM 87106
Phone Number: 505-277-9880
Fax Number: 505-277-9876
Casa Esperanza is an affordable home away from home serving out-of-town cancer patients and their family members. Casa Esperanza provides simple, home-like amenities patients and families may find lacking in commercial facilities. Four central kitchens and a spacious community/dining room encourage therapeutic interaction and sharing among families. They provide a free Clinical Counseling Program to residents and a Patient Navigation/Survivor Services Program to help cancer patients, survivors and their families access needed health, financial and social services. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 40472, Albuquerque, NM 87196.
Central New Mexico Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
P.O. Box 30047, Albuquerque NM 87190
Phone Number: 505-265-4649
Fax Number: 505-265-4651
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure mission is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.
Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico
112 14th Street SW, Albuquerque NM 87102
Phone Number: 505-243-3618
Fax Number: 505-243-1490
The Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico exists to help children and their families cope with the day-to-day emotional, financial and educational needs of living with and fighting cancer.
Comadre a Comadre
202 Central Ave., SE, Suite C, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone Number: 505-242-1222
Fax Number: 505-242-1118
The Comadre a Comadre Project is committed to empowering the lives of Hispanic/Latina women and their loved ones through advocacy, education, information, support and resources about breast health and breast cancer.
Holland’s Rose
132 Griegos Rd NW, Albuquerque NM 87107
Phone Number: 505-345-2020
Fax Number: 505-341-2922
Holland’s Rose, Inc., is a non-profit organization founded on the values and principles of a Christ-centered community. They offer a fully equipped home for families that must be in Albuquerque for medical reasons, in particular cancer. Their all-volunteer staff has firsthand knowledge of what it means to hear the diagnosis, “You’ve got cancer.” Volunteers help families with housing, making transportation arrangements for those who are unable to drive, etc. If there is a need, they organize to meet that need.
National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (CIS)
Local Phone Number: 505-272-6750
Toll-Free Number: 1-800-422-6237
The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service provides the latest and most accurate cancer information to patients, their families, the public and health professionals.
New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance
801 University Blvd., SE, Suite 102, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Phone Number: 505-272-7813
Fax Number: 505-272-7799
The goal of NMCCA, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is to increase the quality of cancer care in New Mexico by bringing to the state cancer clinical trials offered through government agencies and private sponsors. These clinical trials will contribute to the medical knowledge base, increase the quality of life for cancer patients and provide access to and information about the latest research, technologies and clinical services.
New Mexico Department of Health - Comprehensive Cancer Program
5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 800, Albuquerque NM 87108
Phone Number: 505-222-8609
Fax Number: 505-222-8608
The New Mexico Department of Health Comprehensive Cancer Program offers cancer education, information and resources to the public and healthcare providers. The Program’s efforts are guided by the goals and objectives of the 2007 – 2011 New Mexico Cancer Plan. The Plan, developed by hundreds of individuals from across the state, is intended for use as a guide for people working to address cancer issues statewide.
New Mexico Department of Health -
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
5301 Central Avenue NE, Suite 800, Albuquerque NM 87108
Local Phone Number: 505-841-5860
Toll-Free Number: 1-877-852-2585
Fax Number: 505-222-8602
The New Mexico Department of Health Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is dedicated to improving access to high-quality breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for underserved women. The program also focuses on increasing awareness through education about prevention, disease processes and the importance of annual well-woman exams for early detection.
On Borrowed Time
3939 San Pedro NE, Suite C-8, Albuquerque NM 87110<<br /> Phone Number: 505-266-1252
Fax Number: 505-266-1252
Through theatre and art, we share our creativity and stories about survivorship in order to provide hope, encouragement and empowerment to those affected by cancer. On Borrowed Time Reader’s Theatre is an innovative and dynamic outreach program which presents and explores, in a theatrical venue, the important relationship between creativity and the healing process and the transformative power of art.
St. Joseph Community Health Breast Resource Center
316 Central Avenue SE, Albuquerque NM 87102
Phone Number: 505-924-8100
Fax Number: 505-924-8121
The mission of the St. Joseph Breast Resource Center is to serve all New Mexico women, their loved ones and the community by connecting each to resources and information about breast cancer, to be a life-affirming partner through the cancer experience and to participate in the empowerment of women as active and informed consumers.
People Living Through Cancer, Inc.
3401 Candelaria NE Suite A, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Local Phone Number: 505-242-3263
Toll-Free Number: 1-888-441-4439
Fax Number: 505-242-6756
People Living Through Cancer provides peer support services to people who have personal and family experiences with cancer. They are a community of people who have been through the cancer journey. They help one another make informed choices based on individual values and lifestyles, and strive to help each other improve their quality of life.
Prostate Cancer Support Association of New Mexico
909 Virginia St., NE, #109, Albuquerque NM 87108
Local Phone Number: 505-254-7784
Toll-Free Number: 1-800-278-7678
Fax Number: 505-254-7786
The Prostate Cancer Support Association of New Mexico provides education, support and encouragement to men and their families and friends so that they can make informed decisions about how to fight prostate cancer. The organization also helps individuals find local prostate screening programs, medical organizations and civic groups that fight prostate cancer with preventative care.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (NM/El Paso Chapter)
3411 Candelaria NE, Suite M, Albuquerque NM 87107
Local Phone Number: 505-872-0141
Toll-Free Number: 888-286-7846
Fax Number: 505-872-2480
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society’s mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
United Blood Services
1515 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque NM 87012
Phone Number: 505-843-6227
Fax Number: 505-247-8835
United Blood Services exists to make a difference in peoples’ lives by bringing together the best team, inspiring individuals to donate blood, producing a safe and ample blood supply, advancing cutting-edge research and embracing continuous quality improvement.
YWCA Middle Rio Grande, HealthEquity/Encore Plus
210 Truman St. NE, Albuquerque NM 87108-1333
Phone Number: 505-254-9922 x105
Fax Number: 505-254-9953
Through its programs and advocacy, the YWCA commits its resources and the voices of its members to the empowerment of women and the elimination of racism. The YWCA provides financial assistance for annual diagnostic and screening mammograms and ultrasounds. Incentives are offered annually for any woman who completes her mammogram. The YWCA also provides assistance with navigating the medical system and transportation. This program serves all New Mexico residents.
