Monthly Spotlights

Adult Patient Resources

Patient Navigator Nancy Peña, center, working with Eneida Barros of Interpreter Services to coordinate care for a cancer patient.

Patients who come to Dana-Farber expect excellent medical care. However, they may not know about the exceptional non-clinical resources also available to them and their families. We offer a wide array of services and resources because we realize that cancer treatment isn’t just a medical process. It’s also an experience that can affect every aspect of a patient’s life. In addition to psychosocial support, resources are available to patients, families and caregivers from the first day of treatment and throughout care, providing practical guidance, financial assistance, creative therapy and more. Our hope is that they will also help to lighten the burden of cancer.

Selected resources for patients beginning treatment

Concierge Services

Need a new patient handbook, a map of the Institute, or short-term housing information? Concierge Services answers your questions about resources at Dana-Farber and in the Boston area.

Concierge Services provides answers for patients and families
Financial Counseling

This office offers practical guidance to you, your family, or your caregiver on financial and insurance questions and concerns. Learn more
Interpreters

For patients who speak little or no English, Dana-Farber offers free, around-the-clock interpretation services. Interpreters also assist our hearing-impaired patients.

Spanish-speaking cancer patients share treatment experiences

Spanish Web site
Patient Navigators

This program helps women from diverse backgrounds make their way through the healthcare system. Patient Navigators are bilingual in English and Spanish and are here to ensure everyone receives the best treatment at Dana-Farber.

From underserved to well-served: Patient navigators are a lifeline to care

Selected resources for patients in treatment

Office for Patient and Family Assistance

Because cancer treatment can create financial stress, this office offers funds to help eligible patients and families pay for groceries, childcare, or other everyday needs. Learn more
Patient Gateway

Patients can use this secure Internet site to check their lab results, order prescription refills, and make appointments. It’s also a simple way for patients to keep a record of their symptoms to share with their doctors.

Patient Gateway helps track symptoms online

Patient Gateway
Creative Arts

To support art and humor as therapy, Dana-Farber offers an art studio so you can express your own creativity or explore free workshops. We also send in the clowns.

Clowns deliver humor prescription to cancer patients
CaringBridge

We offer this free, online service so friends and families can support their loved ones even if they are not physically able to be there. Share messages, photographs, and more through this secure Web program.

Website makes it easy for patients, families, friends to stay in touch

CaringBridge
Friends Place

The physical changes caused by treatment can be hard for patients. At the Friends Place, cancer patients can find hair alternatives, skin care products, and gift items.

Shop at the Friends Place online

Additional patient resources

This page highlights just some of the resources available to adult patients at Dana-Farber. For a comprehensive list of options, see our full list of Support Services. For younger patients, please see our list of Pediatric Support Services.

Personal Story

The Phams – Family, humor sustain brain tumor survivor

Mai Pham offered support and humor to her daughter Margaret, 26, a brain tumor survivor and comedienne. Serendipitously, Mai knew a Dana-Farber interpreter through their church who eventually became a friend and guide through treatment. read more