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Cancer Care

Kelly O’Connor found purpose after cancer by helping others through their care. Read Kelly's story

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Guiding You Through Your Cancer Care with Expertise and Support

When cancer changes everything, you need care that’s as strong as you are. At Scripps Cancer Center, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — providing advanced treatment options and integrated, collaborative care personalized to your unique needs.

Patient StoryCancers we treatWhy choose Scripps Cancer CenterYour care beyond treatmentCancer care locationsContact usRelated newsRelated classes and events

You’re at the center of care

You’re at the center of care

Nationally recognized as a leader in cancer treatment, Scripps Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention with a collaborative team approach — and everything we do focuses on you.


Scripps has treated patients with nearly every kind of cancer, from all walks of life. And we know that no two patients are the same. Your Scripps multidisciplinary team designs your treatment plan around you — your medical needs, your lifestyle, your values and your goals for the future.


Begin your care now

Mark Desalvo and his child sitting outside with paints in front of them.

Mark deSalvo used art to help him beat tonsil cancer.

Read Mark's story

Cancers we treat

View the full list of cancer types treated at Scripps.

Discover why patients choose Scripps Cancer Center

You’re at the center of a team of specialists with the latest technology and treatment options.

Scripps has been nationally recognized for clinical innovation, quality care and leadership, including:

  • Scripps radiation therapy centers have been awarded accreditation by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) through APEx — the Accreditation Program for Excellence®.
  • Scripps Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program is accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). Established in 1980, Scripps BMT Program was the first in San Diego and one of the first in the nation to administer life-saving stem cell transplantation.
  • Becker’s Hospital Review has recognized Scripps Cancer Center among 100 institutions on its lists for excellence in oncology. (2024)

A cancer diagnosis is never expected. When it happens, you need guidance, support and expert, compassionate care from a team that understands.


Scripps Cancer Center treats patients with every type of cancer and cares for people from all walks of life. No two patients are the same. Your multidisciplinary team designs your treatment plan around you — your medical needs, your lifestyle, your values and goals. It’s your personalized path forward, and your care team is by your side every step of the way.

Scripps Cancer Center takes a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach personalized to you. We bring together a comprehensive team of experts from all areas of cancer care, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, pathology, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, research and other clinical and support services.


Research is essential to advancing cancer care. Scripps has a long history of participating in cancer clinical trials to bring new treatment options to patients. Our tumor boards bring specialists together to review a patient’s treatment plans, sharing their collective knowledge and expertise to ensure you receive the best possible care from diagnosis to recovery.


Your care team works together to coordinate your care, share updates and make your life as stress-free as possible — so you can focus on getting well.

Our multidisciplinary teams combine expertise with advanced technologies to deliver care focused on your individual needs, including:

  • Precise surgical care at our five hospitals throughout San Diego, including minimally invasive laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures that may result in fewer incisions and faster recovery. 
  • Specialists in interventional oncology who use the most advanced image-guided technology to detect and treat tumors. 
  • Chemotherapy and drug infusion centers offering innovative therapies to help reduce side effects, such as nausea and hair loss, in comfortable, soothing environments. 
  • A full range of internal and external radiation therapy methods designed to target tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissues. 
  • Three dedicated breast care centers providing breast cancer diagnosis, prevention and support services.
  • Integrative therapies especially for cancer patients, including yoga and meditation, at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine.
Lifesaving Lung Cancer Screening

Early lung cancer screening got Dennis H back to his active lifestyle.

Your care beyond treatment

Scripps Cancer Center offers extensive patient services and resources to support and guide you through your cancer journey from people who understand what you’re going through.

Our Nurse Navigator Program is one of the many ways Scripps Cancer Center practices personalized care for you or your loved one. By partnering with a registered nurse who is specially trained in oncology (the study and treatment of cancer) during your intake process, you can more easily transition to the cancer care team who will develop the most effective treatment plan for your particular cancer.

The best cancer care includes more than medical treatment. Scripps Cancer Center offers support groups for people living with cancers, as well as services to help you with the emotional, physical, financial and lifestyle aspects of cancer. From nutrition and mind-body care to guidance from social workers, we’re here for you with an array of cancer support services and resources to help you every step of the way.

Good nutrition before and during cancer treatment helps patients stay stronger and improves outcomes. Nutrition also plays an important role in preventing some cancers and decreasing the risk of recurrence after cancer treatment. Our approach to nutrition counseling provides a caring, supportive and educational environment to help patients with cancer maintain a healthy diet.

Scripps genetic counselors provide expert, caring support and education to you and your family. We take a personalized approach to every patient, and will do our best to answer your questions and address your concerns to help you make an informed, confident decision about genetic testing.

Scripps Cancer Center recognizes that each cancer patient's journey is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of physical rehabilitation services for cancer patients to manage the side effects of cancer treatment. Oncology rehabilitation can include physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy services to manage physical and cognitive difficulties.

As you start your cancer journey and begin to understand your diagnosis and treatment options, you may have a great deal of information to process. Scripps Cancer Center is here to help you. We take a patient-centered approach to care, keeping you informed and answering your questions at every step, so you can feel confident and in control of your care.

Caring for cancer patients in locations across San Diego

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Related classes and events

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Led by an experienced medical social worker, participants living with advanced staged cancer gain insight, peer support and understanding.

May 6, 2026 · 1 pm - 2 pm Virtual Event Free

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This support group offers a safe and supportive space for families caring for loved ones with serious illnesses to connect.

May 11, 2026 · 10:30 am - 11:30 am In Person Event · Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego Free

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This support group is for individuals adjusting to life after cancer treatment for stage 0 to stage 3 diagnoses.

May 12, 2026 · 1 pm - 2 pm Virtual Event Free

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This support group provides a safe space for caregivers to connect with others who understand the challenges of supporting a loved one through cancer.

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Join this group for all ages and all types of cancer diagnoses for a safe space for sharing experiences and offering mutual support.

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