Spouses and other family members can play an important role in helping the prostate cancer patient cope with the disease and in making treatment decisions. They often need support themselves.
We encourage spouse and family involvement in the Prostate/ Genitourinary Cancer Program.
Spouses and other family members often want to be fully involved in every aspect of treatment - from initial diagnosis to the decision about treatment, as well as the patient education process.
By educating themselves about our program, meeting the patient's care team, and learning more about the disease itself, loved ones can ease their own concerns about the mysteries of cancer and better focus on helping the patient recover.
Involvement in the Patient’s Treatment
Spouses and adult family members are invited to attend the following patient activities:
- Medical appointments
- Afternoon Conference - where treatment options are discussed with the interdisciplinary medical team and treatment plan decisions are made. (We particularly encourage participation in this conference.)
- Individual patient education sessions
- Group patient education (such as nutrition classes and cooking demonstrations)
- Prostate Cancer Support Group
Suddenly becoming a caregiver to a cancer patient can be stressful. It’s vitally important that spouses and family members take care of themselves during this important time.
We offer a variety of support services to aid the body, mind, and spirit. Many are free, and others are fee-for-service or low-cost. Financial aid may be available to those requiring assistance.
Holistic Support Services through the Institute for Health and Healing (low cost)
- Guided Imagery
- Massage
- Nutritional Consultations
- Art and Imagery Support Groups
Contact Us
For more information about Spouse and Family Support Services for the Prostate/Genitourinary Cancer Program, please contact Diane Brandon, MA, Cancer Resource Specialist at the Cancer Resource Recovery Center: (415) 925-7920.

