Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology

01/09/2026

🌙 Support for Dry January: Why Cutting Back on Alcohol Matters

Most people know that smoking causes cancer — but far fewer realize that alcohol is also a carcinogen, with no level of consumption proven safe.

In our newest article, Senior Dietitian Emma Veilleux, RDN, explains how alcohol affects cancer risk, why even small reductions can make a difference, and how Dry or “damp” January can help build healthier long-term habits.

📌 What you’ll learn:
• Alcohol’s link to at least seven types of cancer
• Why cutting back — even a little — lowers risk
• How alcohol affects hormones, DNA repair, and nutrient absorption
• Benefits beyond cancer prevention, including better sleep and reduced inflammation

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. What we do consistently matters most.

Read the full article: https://ucla.in/4pBCTKZ

01/08/2026

✨ Upcoming January & February Webinars
We’re excited to share our next series of supportive and educational programs for patients and caregivers. Join us for any—or all—of the following:

🧳 Wheels on My Suitcase
with Michael Eselun, UCLA Oncology Chaplain
A reflective talk on the “baggage” we carry and what helps us move through life.
📅 January 8, 2026 | 12:00–12:30 PM

🥗 Cancer Risk Reduction
A 60-minute webinar + live Q&A on evidence-based lifestyle approaches to lowering cancer risk and recurrence—covering nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress.
📅 January 15, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM

🎨 Art Therapy Workshop
Explore how art-making can support emotional well-being, healing, and connection.
📅 February 12, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM

📞 To register for any session, call 310-794-6644 or email simmsmanncenter@mednet.ucla.edu

All programs are free and available to UCLA Health patients and their loved ones. Learn more: https://www.uclahealth.org/simms-mann-center/events

12/23/2025

🧳 Wheels on My Suitcase
January 8 | 12–12:30 PM | Free Webinar

We all carry our own “baggage.” Join Michael Eselun, UCLA Oncology Chaplain, for a thoughtful and uplifting conversation about what puts wheels on that suitcase — and how we can navigate our burdens with more ease, especially in uncertain times.

👉 All UCLA Health cancer patients & caregivers welcome. Register to join: https://ucla.in/4s1UjTo

12/13/2025

This season doesn’t have to feel frantic and exhausting... even if your calendar is packed. Porter Tolkin, MSW, of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares tips and simple mindful practices to make the holidays more memorable and enjoyable: https://ucla.in/3KTT7Rc

12/12/2025

When 36-year-old Kristin Doss was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer, her world changed overnight.

“It’s not easy to be young with cancer,” she says. “I’m more worried about my kids and what they’re going through.”

Kristin found emotional strength through the Simms/Mann Center’s new Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) program, where social worker Carly Nahin, LCSW provides counseling and leads a support group just for patients ages 18–39.

“To have this set group of people to see and talk to about cancer and life in general is good for me,” Kristin shares.

💛 Read her inspiring story of resilience, family, and community:

Breadcrumb Home Simms Mann Support for a young generation of patients with cancer Simms/Mann Center adds social worker dedicated to patients age 15-39. Kristin Doss says she looks forward to her counseling sessions at the Simms/Mann Center for Integrative Oncology, as she undergoes treatment for a r...

12/02/2025

✨ Honoring Emotional Experiences During the Holidays: A Free Interactive Webinar on December 10 from 12–1 PM.

The holidays can bring joy — and also emotional challenges. Join Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, and Emma Veilleux, RDN, for a supportive workshop designed to help you:

💬 Navigate expectations and communicate effectively
🧘‍♀️ Explore emotional well-being during the season
🥗 Learn practical nutrition tips to support your health

This session is open to all.
👉 Register today to care for yourself during a busy time of year: https://ucla.in/4paNMDY

11/12/2025

🌟 November Events at Simms/Mann Center 🌟
This month we’re offering a range of programs—from gentle breathwork to expert-led educational talks—designed to support patients and their loved ones through every stage of the cancer journey.

📅 November Highlights:
🌿 Stillness & Strength: A Breathwork Group (Nov. 12, 19)
📖 Advance Care Planning Community Session (First Wednesday of every month)
🍎 Navigating GI Cancer: UCLA Resources & Support (First Wednesday of every month)
🔵 Updates in Colorectal Cancer (Nov. 12)
💜 Weight Concerns After Breast Cancer (Nov. 20)

✨ All events are free for UCLA patients.
✨ Many are virtual and easy to join from home.

For details or enrollment, email: simmsmanncenter@mednet.ucla.edu

11/10/2025

11/08/2025

After losing her hearing at age 10, Giselle Nissenbaum discovered that listening is not just about sound — it’s about attention, empathy, and connection.

Today, as a gynecologic oncology clinician at the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, Giselle draws on that understanding to support women navigating cancer diagnoses that often touch every part of their identity.

“The intersection of women’s health and oncology is really important work,” she says. “These experiences are so layered emotionally, socially and culturally.”

Giselle’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and the power of being deeply heard.

💜 Read her full story:

Breadcrumb Home Simms Mann Gynecologic oncology clinician helps patients through the emotions of a cancer diagnosis ‘The intersection of women's health and oncology is really important work, and these experiences are so layered emotionally, socially and culturally,’ says Giselle Nissenbaum. Gise...

10/24/2025

When his wife, Lucia, passed away from breast cancer in 2023, Wing Ng was overwhelmed by grief he’d never known before.

With the guidance of Simms/Mann Center psychologist Dr. Jenny Tran, Wing began to open up about his emotions — a step that felt unfamiliar but deeply healing.

“Being a guy, being Asian, I’m probably not too open,” Wing said. “Just letting things out with Dr. Tran… the emotions would just come out.”

His story highlights how culturally sensitive care can help people explore grief and find emotional balance after loss.

💜 Read more about Wing’s journey of love, loss, and healing: https://ucla.in/476veyf

Breadcrumb Home Simms Mann Unlocking emotions following the death of a loved one After his wife died, Wing Ng found culturally sensitive support through the Simms/Mann Center. Lucia and Wing Ng. Lucia passed away in December 2023. (Photo courtesy of Wing Ng) October 3, 2025 By Courtney Perkes 5 min....

10/23/2025

We’re so proud of our Clinical Director, Dr. Valentina Ogaryan, for being featured in People! She offers thoughtful insights on coping, connection, and emotional healing after a breast cancer diagnosis. 💕

Read the article: https://people.com/what-changes-to-expect-after-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis-11827000

10/16/2025

🎃 Roasted Spaghetti Squash Seeds – a crunchy, seasonal snack perfect for October!

Celebrate the flavors of fall with this simple, wholesome snack that’s fun to make and delicious to eat.

Prep time: 20 min | Cook time: 30 min | Servings: 2

Ingredients:
½ cup spaghetti squash seeds (or pumpkin seeds)
½ tsp olive or avocado oil
1 tsp maple syrup
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp kosher salt

Instructions
Clean nd dry seeds thoroughly.

Preheat oven to 300°F.
Toss seeds with oil, maple syrup, cumin, cinnamon, and salt.
Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake 15 min, stir, then bake 10–15 min more until golden & crispy.

✨ Adapted from EatingWell

Get the entire recipe here:

These Roasted Spaghetti Squash Seeds from Simms/Mann are a crunchy, nutrient-dense snack or side packed with flavor, perfect for a plant-based cancer-friendly diet.