Tucson's Cancer Resources: A Comprehensive Guide to Care and Support

When facing a cancer diagnosis, knowing where to turn for quality care and support can make all the difference in your journey toward healing. Tucson, Arizona, has established itself as a significant hub for cancer treatment and research, offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies, comprehensive support services, and a strong community network. This guide will help you navigate the extensive cancer resources available in the Tucson area.

World-Class Treatment Centers

University of Arizona Cancer Center

The University of Arizona Cancer Center stands as one of the premier cancer treatment facilities in the region, with clinician scientists engaged in more than 200 clinical trials investigating new diagnostic, prevention, and treatment strategies. The center has been recognized as one of the six highest performing cancer surgical intervention facilities in Arizona for 2023-2024 by US News and World Report.

As a comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute, the University of Arizona Cancer Center has been a regional resource and national model since receiving its first NCI Cancer Center Support Grant in 1978. The center operates through Banner – University Medical Center Tucson as its clinical affiliate and maintains local outpatient clinics throughout the area.

Banner – University Medical Center Tucson

Banner University Medical Center in Tucson continues to lead in innovative cancer treatment, recently becoming the first hospital in Arizona to offer groundbreaking new cancer treatments. This partnership with the University of Arizona Cancer Center ensures patients have access to the latest clinical trials and treatment options.

Tucson Medical Center Health System

TMC Health combines leading-edge technology with compassionate care to deliver exceptional cancer treatment. Their multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons, and specialists work together to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. The TMC Health Cancer Center provides comprehensive services from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care.

Arizona Oncology

Arizona Oncology brings expertise, leading-edge technology, and access to clinical trials that give patients a full spectrum of treatment options. The practice focuses on providing patients with comprehensive answers to their most pressing questions about treatment options.

Specialized Support Organizations

Arizona Oncology Foundation

The Arizona Foundation for Cancer Resource Center operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 2625 N Craycroft Rd., Suite 215. The foundation provides cancer support programs and services to those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Cancer Support Community Arizona

Cancer Support Community Arizona provides emotional and social support for anyone impacted by cancer by offering more than 100 programs per month. These include support groups, cancer resource navigation, social activities, mind/body therapies, nutritional counseling, and educational seminars.

Tucson Cancer Conquerors

Tucson Cancer Conquerors is an all-volunteer, non-profit support group dedicated to empowering cancer survivors and the communities that support them to achieve optimal wellness. They offer a unique peer support environment along with creative wellness programs designed to educate, inspire, and promote healthy survivorship.

Loving Hands of Healing Hope

Loving Hands of Healing Hope is a Tucson-based non-profit organization serving cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and other invasive medical treatments by providing integrative healing, spa, and cosmetic services free of charge. This organization recognizes the importance of addressing the whole person during cancer treatment.

Comprehensive Support Services

University of Arizona Cancer Center Support Services

The University of Arizona Cancer Center offers extensive supportive care services including oncology social work for counseling, education, and accessing resources. They provide specific disease support groups for gynecological oncology, thyroid, multiple myeloma, prostate, and leukemia and lymphoma patients. Their approach is based on whole-person care, providing patients and their families with effective evidence-based interventions to optimize health and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

American Cancer Society Resources

The American Cancer Society offers ACS CARES™ (Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support), a patient and caregiver support program that connects people with quality curated information and one-on-one support. Their National Cancer Information Specialists are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-227-2345.

Financial Assistance and Practical Support

Cancer treatment can create significant financial challenges, but Tucson offers several resources to help patients manage these costs:

Local Financial Support

Local organizations provide survivor and caregiver support services including meal delivery and financial assistance for survivors in active treatment and/or in a clinical trial, along with counseling services.

National Financial Assistance Programs

Various national organizations provide financial assistance towards medical treatments and other costs. CancerCare provides telephone, online, and face-to-face counseling, support groups, education, publications, and financial and co-payment assistance.

Clinical Trials and Research Opportunities

Tucson's strong research community means patients have access to cutting-edge treatments through clinical trials. The University of Arizona Cancer Center's extensive research program offers opportunities for patients to access experimental treatments that may not be available elsewhere.

Getting Started: Navigating Your Options

When facing a cancer diagnosis in Tucson, consider these steps:

Immediate Care: Contact one of the major cancer centers for initial consultation and treatment planning. The University of Arizona Cancer Center and TMC Health both offer comprehensive evaluation services.

Support Services: Reach out to organizations like Cancer Support Community Arizona or Tucson Cancer Conquerors for emotional support and practical resources.

Financial Planning: Contact the American Cancer Society's helpline and local foundations to understand available financial assistance options.

Second Opinions: Take advantage of Tucson's multiple treatment centers to get second opinions on treatment plans.

Transportation and Logistics

Cancer treatment often requires frequent appointments, and Tucson's cancer centers are generally well-connected by public transportation. Many support organizations also provide transportation assistance for patients who need help getting to appointments.

Integrative and Complementary Care

Tucson's approach to cancer care increasingly includes integrative medicine options. Many facilities offer services like nutritional counseling, mind-body therapies, and complementary treatments alongside traditional medical care.

Building Your Support Network

The cancer journey is rarely traveled alone, and Tucson's cancer community understands this. Support groups are available for specific cancer types, general cancer support, and caregiver support. Many organizations also offer social activities and networking opportunities that help build lasting connections with others who understand the cancer experience.

Looking Forward

Tucson's cancer care landscape continues to evolve with new treatments, expanded support services, and innovative approaches to patient care. The collaboration between research institutions, healthcare systems, and community organizations creates a comprehensive network of support that extends far beyond medical treatment.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, in active treatment, or supporting a loved one through cancer, Tucson offers a robust network of resources designed to support every aspect of the cancer journey. The key is knowing where to look and not hesitating to reach out for help when you need it.

For immediate assistance or more information about any of these resources, don't hesitate to contact the organizations directly or speak with your healthcare team about connecting with appropriate support services.