Cancer: Patient and Family Resources | Knight Cancer Institute

Hopeful patient at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

At the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, we treat your cancer — and care for you as a whole person. We offer a range of services to make your treatment and follow-up care as comfortable and successful as possible.

OHSU services and resources

Therapies, programs and support

Acupuncture
Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program: We offer support and services specifically for patients diagnosed with cancer between ages 15 and 39. It’s the only program of its kind in Oregon.
Bone marrow/stem cell transplant patients. We have resources for you.
Cancer registries: Participate in research and learn about the latest advances.
Education
Support groups
Genetic counseling
Life after cancer: We offer a range of survivorship services to help you transition to life after cancer.
Nutrition: Our cancer dietitians can help you prepare for surgery, manage side effects, and support you through treatment and after.
Palliative care: Our specialists support your needs and help you manage symptoms. You do not have to be terminally ill. Anyone may benefit.
Patient Education Resource Center: Find information and resources on the 10^th floor of the Center for Health & Healing Building 2.
Rehabilitation: Physical therapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists can help you reach your full potential after treatment.
Social work: Our social workers can provide emotional support to you and your family, and help with needs such as lodging and transportation.
Tobacco Cessation Treatment Program: Our team can help you quit smoking.
Women's sexual health: We offer the area's only program to support the sexual health of women affected by cancer.

Coping with side effects

Help with preserving fertility
Help with hair loss
- We have hats, wigs and headscarves. Call social worker Tina Johnson at 503-346-4279 or ask your care team.
Help with lymphedema
Help with other physical side effects
Help with depression
Help with anxiety
Help with other social and emotional side effects

Susan Hedland, director of OHSU's patient and family services at the Knight Cancer Institute, focuses on doing what she can "to soften the rough edges of these experiences."

Campus services

Concierge services: Friendly specialists can answer questions and help you find your way. The main concierge desk is in the ninth-floor lobby of OHSU Hospital. Hours are 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.
MyChart: Our secure online tool lets you manage appointments, get results, request prescription refills and communicate with your doctor.
Patients and Visitors: Find information on billing, preparing for your visit, language services, where to eat, spiritual services and our gift shop.
Pharmacies: We offer pharmacies on our campuses and in the community.
Rood Family Pavilion: OHSU’s guest house offers accommodations to out-of-town patients.
Resources for children and families at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital

Clinical trials

The Knight Cancer Institute is always researching better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. Your care team can answer questions about whether a trial is right for you.

Services in the community

Information lines

Call 800-227-2345. American Cancer Society specialists answer questions 24/7. Learn more.
Call 800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237). Specialists at the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service will answer your cancer questions in calls, live chats or emails.

Organizations

American Cancer Society in Oregon
The American Cancer Society’s support page provides information on help with lodging, rides, looking good during cancer treatment, and other support services.
CancerCare
First Descents, adventures for young adults affected by cancer and other serious conditions
Stupid Cancer, support for young adults with cancer
Triage Cancer