Cancer Support Services

Self-Image Resources
The boutiques at our cancer centers in Durham and Raleigh provide wigs, hats, turbans, and scarves at no charge to women and men who are losing hair as a result of cancer treatment. Complimentary salon, make-up, and skincare services are also offered at all three boutiques. Our professional volunteers and therapists also offer educational materials, community resources, and counseling to help with self-image issues.

Survivorship Support
Our cancer survivor specialists create personalized plans to identify and treat the long-term effects of treatment. These plans also include screening regimens to watch for the return of cancer or the development of other cancers.

Physical Rehabilitation
Our blended focus on fitness, stress management, and nutrition provides the tools and support you need to maintain your strength, stamina, and positive outlook.

Cancer Physical Activity Consultations (Virtual Only)
Duke's Supportive Care and Survivorship Center offers free, one-on-one physical activity consultations with exercise physiologists. These personalized sessions are available to oncology patients and survivors. Each 60-minute consultation includes a discussion of your health and exercise history to create recommendations unique to you and your goals. Video chat or phone sessions are available Mondays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and Wednesdays from 8:30 to 11:30 am. To schedule a physical activity consultation, email cancersupport@duke.edu.

Cancer Nutrition
Our registered dietitians/nutritionists specialize in working with people with cancer. We help you prevent malnutrition, restore your digestive health, minimize the side effects related to your cancer treatment, and work with you in survivorship. 

Smoking Cessation for People with Cancer
Our Quit at Duke program meets the specific challenges of cancer survivors who smoke. You'll benefit from expert guidance, a range of treatment options, and follow-up care.

Acute Care Clinic for Cancer Symptoms, Side Effects, and Complications
The Duke Cancer Center Acute Care Clinic offers same-day appointments when you need urgent medical care due to symptoms, side effects, or complications of your cancer treatment. Our cancer specialists provide the care you need to help you avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room. This clinic does not accept walk-ins. 

Recreation Therapy
Certified recreation therapists help you and your family enjoy and employ your creativity and personal drive in your fight against cancer. Activities, interventions, and techniques are offered at no charge.

Pets at Duke
Our animal-assisted therapy program is an effective psychotherapy intervention that has been shown to aid stress and depression. It also provides a sense of companionship that can combat feelings of isolation and maximize health outcomes.

KidsCan!
Our specially trained staff members help children and their families overcome some of life’s most challenging events, particularly those related to cancer treatment and hospitalization. Our KidsCan! program supports children ages four to 18 who have a parent or significant caregiver who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Child Life Services
The diagnosis of cancer impacts every member of the family, including children and teens. We offer child life services to help children and teens better understand and cope with illness in the family. Education and support activities provided by Child Life Specialists reduce the stress experienced by children and teens. 

Bobby's Coaches
This free program provides one-on-one peer support for people ages 18 to 29 who are being treated for cancer at Duke. Peer coaches who were cancer patients themselves help young adults navigate the journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival and can offer guidance on a variety of issues from communicating with providers to career goals.

Support for Teens and Young Adults
We provide teens and young adults, ages 15 to 29, and their families with support and community during diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The program offers specialized medical care, counseling support, peer connection, and activity-based groups.

Patient Navigators
Some of our cancer centers offer you the opportunity to work with a patient navigator. They can guide you through testing, treatment, surgery, and beyond. You can contact them directly with questions during business hours.

Clinical Social Workers 
Oncology clinical social workers you and your family cope with the emotional and practical concerns that accompany the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Individual, family, and group consultations are available.

Consultations with Psychologists and Psychiatrists 
We offer a variety of services to ensure your emotional and psychological health and well-being during treatment and beyond. 

Individual, Couple, and Family Counseling
Licensed medical family therapists provide crisis counseling, ongoing scheduled therapy sessions, and unscheduled supportive counseling in waiting rooms, exam rooms, and hospital rooms.

Palliative Care
Duke palliative care experts help you experience relief from the pain, symptoms, and stress of serious illness. No matter your age or stage of your illness, we work closely with you and your doctors to help you navigate your health care and understand your treatment options. Our goals are to help you gain physical, emotional, and psychological strength, and ensure you and your family experience the best possible quality of life.

Pastoral Services
Clinical chaplains are on-site seven days a week, 24 hours a day. They are available to help you and your loved ones cope with the psycho-spiritual and cultural-ethical concerns that may impact one’s beliefs, values, and emotions when facing cancer.