For Patients and Families
Resources for Patients and Families
When you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, so much can feel uncertain. That’s why, at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, we offer more than treatment — we provide resources that care for the whole person. From supportive care services and expert-led classes to clinical trial opportunities, we’ll help you feel informed, comforted, and more in control.
Patient-Centered Care
Every person who walks through our doors brings a different set of needs, concerns, and hopes. At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, we tailor care to the individual — whether you're still seeking answers, starting treatment, or navigating recovery. Our teams work closely across specialties to deliver thoughtful, coordinated care, supported by advanced research, supportive care services, and educational resources that put you and your family first.
Supportive Care Services
Whether it’s regaining strength through rehabilitation, managing anxiety with music therapy, or navigating complex decisions with a social worker, our patients have access to a wide range of supportive care services. Offered at multiple locations — and often at no additional cost — these resources are part of our commitment to treating the whole person.
Classes, Support Groups, and Events
Our education program coordinators can connect you and your family with educational resources — everything from expert-led support groups to classes, webinars, and events focused on healing, survivorship, and long-term wellness. To find and register for upcoming classes, search below or call 206-386-3200. Registration is required for all cancer education classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
You or your family member’s care team is always available to answer questions, but we have other ways for you to learn important information. The Providence Swedish Cancer Institute Education Center is staffed with education program coordinators who help patients and their families learn about their specific cancers and personalized support resources. We provide educational brochures that you can share with others, as well as a library with books, videos, and audiotapes that you can borrow. If you want to do your own research, we can provide you with computer and internet access.
Getting ready ahead of time can help your first appointment go more smoothly. You’ll be asked to bring completed forms about your medical history, along with your registration information. Please also bring a photo ID, insurance cards, a referral from your primary care provider (if required), any previous test results or consultation notes, and a list of your current medications.
By law, you can ask to see your medical records at any time. You can also designate others (caregivers, family members) to see your records, too. You would have to complete an Authorization of Disclosure, where you indicate who may have your information, and whether you’re giving permission for the staff to share this information verbally, or if you need printed documents. You can also specify which information can be shared if you choose to limit it.
If the staff shares your information verbally, there’s no cost, but there is a nominal fee for printed copies.
We know that financial worries can make your cancer treatment more stressful. Our video, Cancer & Finances 101: Addressing financial concerns related to a cancer diagnosis, helps you understand our insurance billing process. The Providence Swedish Cancer Institute also has financial counselors on staff who are there to help you navigate any insurance issues you encounter, from pre-authorization for care to recovery.
Cancer care at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute doesn’t stop once your treatment is over. Although you won’t see your cancer care team as often as before, you’ll still have access to many of our expert resources through our survivorship team. The members of the survivorship team can answer questions about both your physical and your emotional recovery. They can direct you to support groups, classes, webinars, and events geared towards your specific needs and can provide continued support to your family if needed.
Yes. The Paul G. Allen Research Center at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute is a leader in cancer discovery, innovation, and next-generation research. Through pioneering projects and collaborations, the center is helping accelerate breakthroughs that bring the latest scientific advances directly to patients. Our researchers regularly share their results with others across the world, presenting at conferences and publishing in academic journals.
Your Gift Helps Us Help Others
At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, it’s the people who make the difference. Your gift helps us continue providing exceptional care and compassion when it matters most.
You can choose to support the Institute as a whole or direct your donation to a specific department or research program. Every contribution makes a meaningful impact on the lives of people facing cancer now and in the future.