Patient Resources

We are committed to treating you as a whole person, mind and body, not just your cancer. We believe quality comprehensive cancer care involves attending to issues beyond the scope of traditional models of medicine. We understand cancer not only affects you; it also touches the lives of those surrounding you. The care we provide extends to your family and your support network. Most of our cancer support services are provided at no additional charge to you and your loved ones. You can also view our Reference Guide to Your Care at Duke Cancer Center (PDF, 1.9 MB) for more information.

Our Patient Resource Center (located on Level 0) is a lending library and resource center with books, video and audio tapes, periodicals, brochures, magazines, and other written information. The Resource Center is staffed by volunteers who respond to walk-in and telephone requests help locate books and brochures, conduct online literature searches, give directions, assemble patient notebooks, and provide an overview of the center. Our volunteers help you and your family cope by providing optimal customer service and nonjudgmental information.

We can help you:

• Find information about a specific cancer
• Search for the latest treatment information
• Learn about clinical trials
• Get information to help you manage your side effects
• Use reference materials to answer your questions
• Connect with support groups or counseling services
• Access financial resources
• Check out books and educational audio and video tapes
• Find community resources where you live

Our goal is to help you and your loved ones be well informed about your situation, make informed choices about your treatment, and advocate for yourself. 

For more information, call the Patient Resource Center at 919-684-6955.

The Duke Cancer Patient Support Program offers services that support patients and their loved ones.

• We help you understand your treatment options, make decisions, manage the effects of cancer and its treatment, and find meaning in the journey.
• We offer professionally facilitated support groups that give you and your family members the opportunity to share your experiences, gather information and resources, and participate in educational programs.
• We offer disease-specific support groups and general support groups for family members and children.

We offer monthly support groups for patients and family members who are coping with cancer. There is no charge for parking. 

For more information about these groups, please call 919-684-4497 or email cancersupport@duke.edu.

The Duke Center for Cancer Survivorship offers a number of programs that help patients understand the long-term and late effects of cancer, as well as how to live a fuller life after treatment.

The Road to Recovery Program is a free service that matches patients living in Durham County who need transportation with local volunteers who are willing to drive them to cancer appointments at the Duke Cancer Center or Duke Regional Hospital.

Oncology patients who need transportation to their appointment or would like more information about the program can call 800-227-2345.

Recreation therapy is an innovative type of psychosocial therapy that utilizes recreation services for purposeful intervention in order to develop, regain, or maintain your capacity for full living, specifically your physical strength, emotional growth, and social self-confidence. Our state licensed and nationally certified recreation therapists help you and your family use your creativity and personal drive to help you fight cancer.

The Pets at Duke program, offered through the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program, offers many benefits to our patients. Research shows that animal-assisted therapy, or pet therapy, is an effective form of psychotherapy intervention that reduces stress and depression. It also provides a sense of companionship that can combat feelings of isolation. The relaxation and feelings of connection that people feel with an animal -- in this case a dog -- facilitate healing and rehabilitation.

You have access to additional services provided by Duke University Hospital including:

• Child Life
• International Patient Services
• Medical Interpreters
• Patient Advocates
• Pastoral Care

You can learn about these and other services by visiting the Duke University Hospital and Duke Children's Plan Your Visit sections.