Support & Education at the University of Colorado Cancer Center

Cancer Resource Center

The Monfort Family Foundation Cancer Resource Center is a rich resource for people with cancer, regardless of whether you are receiving treatment at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

Our American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Navigator is located in the Cancer Resource Center and can assist you with the following information:

• Books, brochures, binders and other information about specific cancer types
• Information on cancer topics such as nutrition, side effects and clinical trials
• Support groups and educational classes at our facility and in the local area
• Computers with Internet access
• Information about lodging and transportation services near our facility
• Audio/visual materials for use during your treatment at the CU Cancer Center. Topics include: stress release, guided imagery, stories, spirituality and relaxation
• Tours of the CU Cancer Center for new patients, caregivers and special "Lemonade Tours" for children of cancer patients

Hours

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday

Location

University of Colorado Cancer Center
1665 Aurora Court
Mail Stop F-704
Aurora, CO 80045

Contact

Ruth Ellen Tubbs
American Cancer Society Patient Navigator
(720) 848-0316
RuthEllen.Tubbs@uch.edu

LIVESTRONG™ Cancer Survivorship Program

We are home to one of just seven Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG Cancer Survivorship Programs. Cancer Survivorship Resource Centers are located at the University of Colorado Hospital and at two Community Based Centers in Colorado: St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center in Grand Junction and St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center in Pueblo.

Our survivorship program brings resources, support and information to cancer survivors in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. The Cancer Survivorship Program consists of:

• Support groups and educational classes
• On-going cancer survivorship needs assessment
• Cancer survivor research and dissemination
• Clinical programs for cancer survivors

For questions regarding the Cancer Survivorship Program, please contact Kristin Leonardi-Warren at (720) 848-0349 or uch-survivorship@uch.edu.

Cancer Support Groups and Educational Programs

View Calendar

• Cancer Specific Support Groups
• Educational Workshops
• Monthly Nutrition and Cancer Classes
• Look Good…Feel Better Program
• Lemonade Tours: tours of the cancer center for children coping with a parent diagnosed with cancer
• CLIMB^® support program for young children coping with a parent diagnosed with cancer

Coping with Cancer

Oncology Social Workers are available in the outpatient clinics and in the hospital to help patients and families manage the stresses that are associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Social Workers can provide assistance with:

Practical Needs 

• Financial difficulties
• Insurance issues
• Housing/Lodging
• Transportation
• Referrals to community resources

Relationship Concerns

• Parenting concerns
• Brief individual, group, marital, and family counseling
• Patient and family conferences
• Medical team communication

Coping

• Support groups referrals
• Terminal illness and palliative care
• Advanced directives
• Crisis intervention
• Grief and bereavement counseling
• Hospice/Home care education and referrals 

Nutritional Counseling

Nutrition is a very important part of your care during and after treatment. We have oncology certified registered dietitians available to help you with questions and concerns about:

• Managing side effects
• Changes in appetite
• Review of tube feeding or total parenteral nutrition needs
• Cancer prevention and nutrition education
• Cancer survivorship and nutrition education
• Review of supplements
• Resources and educational materials on topics related to cancer and nutrition

Please call (720) 848-0300 to make an appointment for nutritional counseling related to your cancer diagnosis or check out the monthly nutrition lectures.

Art Therapy

Art therapy is available to individuals or groups at the Cancer Center. Gail Opsahl, BFA, MA, art therapist and cancer survivor, provides free, fun and inspiring hands-on art activities. Experience the gifts that come through art, intuition, imagination, insight and inspiration. Please call Gail Opsahl at (720) 848-2450 for more information or to schedule an appointment. No previous art experience necessary!

Cancer Information and Counseling Line

(800) 525-3777
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT

The Cancer Information & Counseling Line (CICL) is a nationally recognized service that offers free telephone counseling for people with cancer, as well as their friends and family members.

This unique, free service is provided by the AMC Cancer Fund, an affiliate of the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

• During a short-term telephone session, trained CICL counselors take time to talk with you about your cancer concerns. All calls are confidential.
• The counselors provide well-informed and caring support. They offer simple, clear answers to medical questions. They help you to address your issues and figure out how to communicate with others about your diagnosis.
• After treatment is complete, a CICL counselor can assist with concerns you may face as a cancer survivor.

Free, personal websites for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers.

Find out more

Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy

Cancer Physical Rehabilitation

Cancer treatments produce physiological changes to normal tissue and normal body functions as well. Physical therapy can promote recovery from these changes. These changes include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of energy
• A change in body fat mass
• Decreased levels of normal physical activity

We have specialists trained in cancer rehabilitation available to assist you. For more information, please contact the UCH Physical Therapy Department at (720) 848-2000.

The Center for Integrative Medicine

University of Colorado Hospital's Center for Integrative Medicine offers physician-managed care that emphasizes the wellness and healing of the entire person, drawing on both conventional medicine and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Please call (720) 848-1090 for more information.

Palliative Care

This team provides care and support to patients and families facing a serious or life-threatening illness. The Palliative Care Consult Services team works directly with the patient’s primary physician(s) to help ease pain and other symptoms. The team also addresses psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual needs associated with end of life.