Cancer Programs

Learn about some of the ways our cancer programs are here for you— and your family.

Caring, specialized support when you need it most.


Connect with a nurse specially trained in oncology for support now — and throughout your treatment journey.

Get help exploring your options, finding answers to questions and managing symptoms and side effects.

Receive support working with your doctors so you feel informed to make decisions for your health.

Nancy’s Story

“Patty was my advocate, my best advocate...she knew what to expect each step of the way. Because she's seen it a hundred times before.”

-- Nancy, Cancer Support Program member

Video

| Nancy's Story

Detailed Video Transcription – UnitedHealthcare Cancer Support

[UnitedHealthcare Logo]

[Cancer Support Program]

Nancy: If we go back and look at the past 12 years of my life, my life has become wonderful. I got married. Which, was just the coolest. I traveled all over the world. And life has just been fantastic. In 2006, I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Which rarely has a positive outcome. So, I called the Cancer Support Program.

[Patty Migler, Cancer Support Case Manager]

Patty: When patients first get diagnosed, like Nancy, they’re lost. So, it's being able to help support them, listen to them.

Nancy:  I called Patty and said that my first pet scan came back. And they said that the cancer had metastasized to my spine.

[Nancy Carruth, Cancer Survivor]

Nancy: Patty said," I'm not saying that that isn't true but "I don't think we know enough to come to that conclusion."

Patty: I referred her to one of our Cancer Centers of Excellence under the Cancer Support Program. And when they looked at it they determined that this was not a metastatic lesion from her breast cancer. Which in that case she was not a stage four.

Nancy: So we started chemotherapy about two weeks later and then surgery.

Patty: Being able to get Nancy for a second opinion made the difference. And that's why I believe she's here today 12 years later.

Nancy: Patty was my advocate, my best advocate. Because she knew what to expect each step of the way. Because she's seen it a hundred times before.

[Nancy and Patty meet and hug each other]

Patty: How are you?

Patty: Nancy and I actually built a friendship through this. Which is special. I think that when you know that you can make a difference in someone’s life, it helps me to keep going every day. And wanting to do that for somebody else.

Patty:  Well here's to 12 years, excellent job darling. You did wonderful.

[UnitedHealthcare Logo – Cancer Support Program]

Extra support on your side.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, one call can connect you with the support you need. Our nurses are specially trained in oncology to help you and your family navigate the health care system.

 

Our nurses can help you find an in-network provider, which may include a Centers of Excellence (COE) facility, recognized for delivering high-quality care and results. From providing answers you can trust to help finding the right care options for you, a specialized nurse will offer support you can count on.

Get started by calling 1-866-936-6002, TTY 711

Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT

You’re not alone.

This is a journey you can share with others.

Video

| From the UnitedHealthcare Cancer Education Series

Every minute of every day, three new people are told these words: “You have cancer.”

What you would do if you were on the receiving end?

What would be your next step?

While you may not have that answer right away, there are plenty of people who can help.

Your oncologist is surrounded by a team of professionals -- a team dedicated to making sure you know – and understand -- your choices.

That team may include specialists, nurses and social workers -- all working with you to help you make informed decisions about your health, as you weigh the risks and benefits of various approaches to treatment.

And a good team will encourage you to ask plenty of questions.

Most of us are aware of that old phrase “there’s no such thing as a dumb question.”

It’s especially true when it comes to cancer, where making the diagnosis and developing a treatment plan is often complex.

What kind of cancer do I have?

Where is it in my body?     

What stage is my cancer?

Should I get a second opinion?

How should the cancer be treated?

Where is the best place to be treated?

How long will treatment last?

How will I know if the treatment is working?

Can I get support for child care while being treated?

How about help with transportation to and from treatments?

Those are 10 questions, but you might have 100 – or 1,000 – more.

The point is – ask.

Don’t forget to include questions about communication.

Does your oncology team respond quicker to phone calls or email?

Who is responsible for responding?

What hours are the best to call?

How are test results handled in a particular office?

When visiting your care team, it’s OK to bring family or friends along to take notes – or even record conversations.

And if you need more time, schedule more time. That’s a good way to ask more questions, and get more answers.

It’s also OK to ask for a second opinion.

Doctors will rarely take offense, and chances are you’ll be given the name of another specialist you can trust.

You can look online for information about the challenges you may be facing, but try to stick with trusted, reliable sources, and talk with your doctor to discuss your findings.  Together you can determine what will work best for you.

For starters, try the American Cancer Society at Cancer.org or the Association of Cancer Online Resources at ACOR.org.

Both are excellent resources.

If you still have more questions, the people you’ve teamed up with are there to help.

You might have 10 questions.

100.

1,000.

It doesn’t matter.

Just ask.

And remember – you’re not alone.

This is a journey you can … and should … share with others.

Program benefits*

No extra cost
Take advantage of this program today — it’s provided at no extra cost as part of your benefit plan.
Support
Speak with a nurse for answers, information and encouragement along the way.
Expertise
Connect with a nurse specially trained in oncology to help you make the right decisions for your health.
Cost reduction
Identify possible ways to help you save on health care costs.
Family support
Enjoy support for all covered family members, including your dependents.
Confidentiality
Rest assured your health information is always kept confidential in accordance with the law.

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Finding the right provider for you.

Our nurses can help you find an in-network provider, which may include a Centers of Excellence (COE) facility.
United States map of Cancer Centers of Excellence facilities.
NOTE: Maps are continuously updated and subject to change without notice. Subject to the member’s benefit plan. Call your case manager for specific plan benefit details.

Get started by calling 1-866-936-6002, TTY 711

Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT

*Program available at no additional cost as part of your health plan to those who are eligible and meet criteria for the program and are enrolled in an applicable UnitedHealthcare medical plan.

 

This program should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The information provided through the nurse support service is for informational purposes only and provided as part of your health plan. The nurse cannot diagnose problems or recommend treatment and is not a substitute for your doctor’s care. Your health information is kept confidential in accordance with the law. This nurse support service is not an insurance program and may be discontinued at any time.

 

The Centers of Excellence (COE) program providers and medical centers are independent contractors who render care and treatment to health plan members. The COE program does not provide direct healthcare services or practice medicine, and the COE providers and medical centers are solely responsible for medical judgments and related treatments. The COE program is not liable for any act or omission, including negligence, committed by any independent contracted health care professional or medical center.

 

Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.