Cancer Organizations
GENERAL INFORMATION
American Cancer Society (ACS)
800.ACS.2345 (800.227.2345)
www.cancer.org
This voluntary organization offers a variety of services to patients and their families with information on local treatment options, services and support groups. Contact their call center 24 hours a day for information on cancer-related issues. Spanish language assistance is also available.
American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)
800.843.8114
www.aicr.org
AICR supports research and public education regarding the relation of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer. Resources include access to newsletters, e-newsletters and practical advice on living a healthy lifestyle.
Association of Cancer Online Resources
www.acor.org
This non-profit organization brings together a wide variety of online resources designed to provide support to everyone affected by cancer. Resources include access to over 100 cancer related mailing lists as well as general information on cancer.
Cancer.com
www.cancer.com
Developed by Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., cancer.com provides general information on treatment options, side effects and cancer prevention/detection. It also contains a listing of web sites for those whose lives are touched by cancer. The site allows users to customize settings to better meet individual interests.
Cancer Facts.com
www.cancerfacts.com
This online resource for cancer patients, their families, and caregivers is dedicated to delivering accurate and personalized information at a time of need. Owned and operated by NexCura, the site provides access to NexProfiler Tools for Cancer, which assists people with cancer make informed treatment decisions.
Cancer.net
703-797-1914
www.cancer.net/portal/site/patient
Cancer.Net, the patient information website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), provides oncologist-approved information to help patients and their families make informed health-care decisions.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
800.333.CTCA
www.cancercenter.com/
Link to Cancer Treatment Centers of America’s main website where you can learn more about the sophisticated forms of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy that we offer in combination with complementary therapies that include; nutrition, spiritual support, mind-body medicine, and naturopathic medicine.
Medlineplus Health Information
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
A service of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, this online resource provides physician listings, a medical encyclopedia, complete descriptions on common drugs and supplements, and other resources.
National Cancer Institute
800-422-6237
www.cancer.gov
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) coordinates the Nation’s research program on cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and control. Resources on this site include: a glossary of cancer terms, NCI’s drug dictionary, information on clinical trials, and fact sheets on a wide variety of cancer issues.
Oncolink
www.oncolink.com
This site provides the latest news on cancer treatment, cancer research, oncology advances, and cancer clinical trials.
The Healing Project
http://www.thehealingproject.org
The Healing Project is dedicated to providing support, education, resources, and help to those who face life-threatening and life-altering diseases and encourages those who have a personal story to share can submit an essay that will provide insight, hope, courage, and healing to those who may be newly diagnosed or living with the disease. This site contains an extensive list of organizations that provide assistance for a variety of issues which people living with cancer may need to address.
Your Guide to Cancer Care Online
www.guidetocancercare.com
Created by Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Lightbulb Press, Your Guide to Cancer Care is also available on the Web, including updates, plus additional tools and resources.
CANCER TYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Bladder
Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network
www.bcan.org
888-901-BCAN
(888-901-2226)
The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network is the first national advocacy organization dedicated to improving public awareness of bladder cancer and increasing research directed towards the diagnosis, treatment and cure of the disease.
Bladder Cancer Web Cafe
www.blcwebcafe.org
The Café is dedicated to providing the latest in bladder cancer treatments, clinical trials and alternatives. It includes e-mail support.
Brain
National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF)
800.934.CURE (800.934.2873)
www.braintumor.org
NBTF provides patients and their families with information on how to cope with their brain tumors. Resources include information on brain tumors, support group listings, message board, and caregiver workshops.
The Brain Tumor Society
800.770.8287
www.tbts.org
BTS provides supportive services, educational resources, news, events, and clinical trial information for patients, families, and healthcare providers.
American Brain Tumor Association
www.abta.org
800-886-2282
The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is a not-for-profit, independent organization. Not affiliated with any one institution, we serve individuals globally and award funds to researchers throughout the United States and Canada.
Breast
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
www.komen.org
800.IM.AWARE
(800.462.9273)
http://cms.komen.org/komen/index.htm
A toll-free breast cancer helpline (1.800.I'M AWARE) is answered by trained volunteers whose lives have been personally touched by breast cancer. Breast health and breast cancer materials are available.
Colorectal
Colon Cancer Alliance
www.ccalliance.org
877-422-2030
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, CCA provides patient support, education, research and advocacy across North America.
Colorectal Cancer Network
clickonium.com/colorectal-cancer.net/html
301-879-1500
The Colorectal Cancer Network provides information on cancer news, support groups, clinical trials and more.
Gynecological
Gynecological Cancer Foundation (GCF)
800.444.4441
www.wcn.org/gcf
GCF works to increase public awareness of ways to prevent, detect and treat gynecological cancers. They also support innovative research
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
www.nccc-online.org
800-685-5531
First founded in 1996, The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) is a growing coalition of people battling cervical cancer and HPV related issues
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
866-399-6262
www.ovariancancer.org
The goal of this alliance is to establish a coordinated national effort to place ovarian cancer education, policy and research issues prominently on the agendas of national policy makers and women's health care leaders
National Ovarian Cancer Commission
www.ovarian.org
888-OVARIAN
(888-682-7426)
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) is committed to raising awareness of ovarian cancer in communities across the country and to providing education, support and hope for women with ovarian cancer and their families.
Head and Neck
Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer
800-377-0928
www.spohnc.org
SPOHNC has concentrated on providing current information for oral and head and neck cancer patients who are trying to gain a better understanding of their illness and their lives. Resources include general information, newsletters, and access to local SPOHNC chapters.
Kidney
Kidney Cancer Association
800-516-8051
www.kidneycancerassociation.org
The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is a charitable organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals. We fund, promote, and collaborate with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Urologic Association (AUA), and other institutions on research projects. We educate families and physicians, and serve as an advocate on behalf of patients at the state and federal levels.
Leukemia and Lymphoma
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
800.955.4572
www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
The goal of the society is to find cures for leukemia‚ lymphoma‚ Hodgkin’s disease and multiple myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The society provides patient financial aid for specified treatment expenses and transportation‚ family support groups‚ First Connection (a professionally supervised peer support program)‚ referrals and school re-entry materials.
Lymphoma Research Foundation of America
www.lymphoma.org
800-500-9976
The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is the nation's largest lymphoma-focused voluntary health organization devoted exclusively to funding lymphoma research and providing patients and health care professionals with critical information on the disease.
Lung
American Lung Association
800.LUNG.USA
(800.586.4872)
www.lungusa.org
ALA is dedicated to preventing lung disease and promoting lung health and provides information on lung cancer research and treatment, tobacco control, asthma, and much more.
The Lung Cancer Alliance
800-298-2436
www.alcase.org
The Lung Cancer Alliance is a non-profit dedicated solely to patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer and those at risk for the disease.
Myeloma
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
203-972-1250
www.multiplemyeloma.org
MMRF is the world's number one private funder of myeloma specific research, providing information on clinical trials, research, medical programs, and more.
International Myeloma Foundation
www.myeloma.org
800-452-CURE
(800-452-2873)
The International Myeloma Foundation provides the most up to date and in-depth information about multiple myeloma including research and treatment advances, as well as information about the IMF, upcoming events and research, education, support and advocacy programs.
Oral
Oral Cancer Foundation
949-646-8000
www.oralcancerfoundation.org
The Oral Cancer Foundation is a national public service non-profit organization designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy, and support. Resources include general information on oral cancer and access to the patient message board.
Pancreatic
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
877-272-6226
www.pancan.org
PanCAN's is the premier source of quality education and resources for pancreatic cancer patients, families and health professionals.
Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
www.pancreatic.org
310-473-5121
This organization is dedicated to helping people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer by providing information on nutrition, financial aid, and doctor referrals and by connecting patients with others who’ve been on the same journey.
Prostate
Prostate Cancer Foundation
www.prostatecancerfoundation.org
800.757.CURE
(800.757.2873)
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world’s largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research to discover better treatments and a cure for recurrent prostate cancer. PCF pursues its mission by reaching out to individuals, corporations and others to harness society’s resources— financial and human—to fight this deadly disease.
Sarcomas
The Sarcoma Alliance
415-381-7236
www.sarcomaalliance.com
The Sarcoma Alliance is striving to extend and improve the lives of sarcoma patients through accurate diagnosis, improved access to care, education and support. Resources include links to medical centers, chat rooms, sarcoma-related news stories and a discussion board.
Skin
The Skin Cancer Foundation
800-754-6490
www.skincancer.org
The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education, medical training, and research. Resources include information on prevention, detection and diagnosis of skin cancer.
Thyroid
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association
877-588-7904
www.thyca.org
Current information about thyroid cancer and support services available to people at any stage of testing, treatment, or lifelong monitoring for thyroid cancer, as well as their caregivers. This site also serves as a resource for anyone interested in thyroid cancer survivors' issues.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Cancer Research Institute (CRI)
www.cancerresearch.org
1-800-99CANCER
The Cancer Research Institute is dedicated to finding novel ways to harness the power of our own immune systems to conquer cancer.
National Bone Marrow Transplant Link
800-546-5268
www.nbmtlink.org
This site is designed to help patients, their caregivers and families understand and deal with the emotional and practical aspects of transplants and post-transplant concerns.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
www.nccam.nih.gov
888.644.6226
International: 301-519-3153
For Hearing Impaired: 866.464.3615
This agency of the National Institutes of Health offers information, research, resources, and advisories on the use of complementary and alternative therapies to treat disease.
National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)
www.marrow.org
800.MARROW2
(800.627.7692)
As the most comprehensive bone marrow and cord blood transplant resource, we work to provide hope and deliver a cure to all patients in need.
Oncology Associated of Naturopathic Physicians
www.oncanp.org
800.490.8509
The OncANP’s mission is to advance the philosophy, science and practice of naturopathic oncology.
FINANCIAL/LEGAL
CancerandCareers.org
www.cancerandcareers.org
This website, sponsored by Cosmetic Executive Women, is a resource and community for working women with cancer.
Cancer Legal Resource Center
www.lls.edu/academics/candp/clrc.html
866.THE.CLRC
The Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC) provides information and education on a broad range of cancer-related legal issues, including health insurance, employment, government benefits, estate planning, advance directives, family law and financial assistance.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners
www.naic.org
(816) 842-3600
The mission of the NAIC is to assist state insurance regulators, individually and collectively, in serving the public interest and achieving the following fundamental insurance regulatory goals in a responsive, efficient and cost effective manner, consistent with the wishes of its members.
RESPITE CARE
National Adult Day Services Association
www.nadsa.org
800.558.5301
Shepherd’s Centers of America
www.shepherdcenters.org
800.547.7073
Shepherd’s Centers of America (SCA) is a network of interfaith community-based organizations that provide meaning and purpose for adults throughout their mature years.
HOSPICE CARE
Hospice Foundation of America
www.hospicefoundation.org
800.854.3402
This organization offers resources, information, and support for those interested in hospice care.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
www.nhpco.org
English: 800.658.8898
Spanish: 877.658.8896
This site offers information on hospice care and a searchable database of hospice care providers.
SPECIFIC SERVICES
Cleaning for a Reason
www.cleaningforareason.org
This nonprofit offers free professional housecleaning, and maid services to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for cancer - any type of cancer.
Beautiful Hair
www.beautifulhairdiva.com
763-267-7369
Based in Minnesota, Beautiful Hair caters to women suffering from cancer and other medical conditions associated with their hair loss. The mission is the help all women look and feel beautiful by providing wigs on wheels services because we know that your hair is your crown and how you feel about yourself can make all the difference in the world. What sets us apart from an actual store is "that personal touch" bringing mobile wig solutions to you.
TRAVEL
Air Charity Network
877-621-7177
http://aircharitynetwork.org/
Angel Flight America is a national network of seven autonomous regional members--arranges free flights of hope and healing by transporting patients and their families in private planes to hospitals for medical treatment.
National Patient Travel Helpline
800-296-1217
www.patienttravel.org
The NATIONAL PATIENT TRAVEL HELPLINE provides information about all forms of charitable, long-distance medical air transportation and provides referrals to all appropriate sources of help available in the national charitable medical air transportation network.
ADVOCACY
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
877-622-7937
www.canceradvocacy.org/
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country and a highly respected authentic voice at the federal level, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors.
Patient Advocate Foundation
www.patientadvocate.org
800.532.5274
This national, non-profit group helps patients resolve disputes with their insurers and handle financial and professional issues.
LIFE AFTER CANCER
National Cancer Institute(NCI) - Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
800.422.6237
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/life-after-treatment
This online booklet, written and hosted by NCI, covers post-treatment issues such as follow-up medical care, physical and emotional changes, workplace issues and changes in relationships.
National Cancer Institute(NCI) - Facing Forward: Ways You Can Make A Difference in Cancer
800.422.6237
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/life-after-treatment
This online booklet, written and hosted by NCI, discusses ways to become involved in activities that gave back to the community, as well as the potential benefits that this type of involvement may have on physical and emotional well being.
National Cancer Institute(NCI) - Facing Forward: When Someone You Love has Completed Cancer Treatment
800.422.6237
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/life-after-treatment
This online booklet, written and hosted by NCI, focuses on helping caregivers identify strategies for continuing to support loved ones as they transition from treatment to recovery. It discusses the importance of finding a "new normal" and identifies ways to make change easier.
MAGAZINES, PERIODICALS, & ARTICLES
CancerWise
This online newsletter is published monthly by the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
www.cancerwise.org
Coping with Cancer
Published by Media America, this magazine offers knowledge, hope, and inspiration to people affected by cancer.
www.copingmag.com
CURE: Cancer Updates, Research, and Education
Published by CURE Media Group, this quarterly magazine is free to people with cancer, survivors, and caregivers.
www.curetoday.com
Heal: Living Well After Cancer
Published by CURE Media Croup, this quarterly magazine focuses on issues of concern to survivors.
www.healtoday.com
I Can
Published by Hayward Group in England, this magazine, which can be viewed online, focuses on information issues and ideas for people affected by cancer.
www.ican4u.com
MAMM: Women, Cancer and Community
This bimonthly magazine focuses on the needs of women with breast and reproductive cancer.
www.mamm.com
PSA Rising
This news, information and support website is designed for people with prostate cancer and survivors.
www.psa-rising.com
Women and Cancer
Published by Omni Health Media, this print and online quarterly addresses cancer prevention, wellness and management topics for women.
www.womenandcancermag.org
Links to Cancer Fighter Newsletter Archives
STANDARDS & ACCREDITATION FOR CANCER FACILITIES
American College of Surgeons
www.facs.org
800.621.4111
Association of Community Cancer Centers
accc-cancer.org
301.984.9496
The Joint Commission
www.jointcommission.org
630.792.5000
The National Cancer Institute
cancercenters.cancer.gov/
301.435.3848
SUPPORT GROUPS
General Cancer Support Groups
Cancer Care, Inc.
www.cancercare.org
800.813.HOPE
(800.813.4673)
This non-profit organization has a hotline and website offering education, counseling, and access to online support groups facilitated by an oncology social worker.
Care Pages
www.carepages.com
866.981.4900
Customer support: (888) 852.5521
This website allows people with cancer to create their own Web pages to keep in touch and share updates with family and friends.
Gilda’s Club
www.gildasclub.org
800.GILDA.4.U
(800.445-3248)
Named in honor of a comedian Gilda Radner, Gilda’s Club provides support to cancer patients, their families and friends. Monthly networking groups, support groups and mind-body workshops are available at Club locations across the country.
Imerman Angels
www.ImermanAngels.com
312.274.5529
Imerman Angels connects a person fighting cancer today with someone who has beaten the same type of cancer. The relationship provides a fighter the opportunity to ask personal questions and receive encouragement from someone who is uniquely familiar with the situation.
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
http://ulmanfund.org/
The Ulman Cancer Fund welcomes cancer survivors who are experiencing young adult specific issues associated with their cancer diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship. They define young adults to fall between the ages of 18-35. Young adults exude boundless optimism, idealism, and a sense of indestructibility. Cancer, however, robs them of this perspective. They face the complex practical issues of independence, personal finance, and education or career interruption as well as taxing emotional concerns such as dating, fertility, and hopelessness. The program addresses areas of cancer support, advocacy, and education specific to young adults dealing with cancer.
The Wellness Community
888-793-WELL
www.thewellnesscommunity.org/
The Wellness Community (TWC) is an international nonprofit organization that provides support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones through its professionally-led support groups, educational workshops, and nutrition/exercise programs.
Cancer Type Specific Support Groups
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
800.IM.AWARE
(800.462.9273)
http://cms.komen.org/komen/index.htm
A toll-free breast cancer helpline (1.800.I'M AWARE) is answered by trained volunteers whose lives have been personally touched by breast cancer. Find stories of inspiration, message boards, and tips for families and friends.
Breast Cancer Network of Strength
www.networkofstrength.org
English: 800-221-2141
Spanish: 800-986-9505
The Breast Cancer Network of Strength, formerly known as Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, provides emotional relief to anyone affected by breast cancer. YourShoes is the Network’s peer support program that includes a 24/7 hotline.
Online Support Groups
Cancer Compass
www.cancercompass.com
Want to connect with more people fighting cancer? Visit CancerCompassSM, where you can read and post messages on a disease and interest-specific community message board. Join this network of hope and support today, and find more ways to empower yourself and others.
Special Interests
Look Good…Feel Better
www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
Created in partnership with Personal care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the National Cosmetology Association, this organization offers programs and practical tips to deal with physical changes and improve your self-confidence.
Our Journey of Hope
1-800-296-9333
http://www.ourjourneyofhope.com/
While some cancer patients have a spiritual support system in place in their lives when they receive a diagnosis of cancer, they may need their faith strengthened by hearing from those who have traveled the same path they're now walking and have emerged victorious on the other side. Others may not have access to local or neighborhood spiritual support. This website is one aspect of the entire Our Journey of Hope program.
Partners Against Pain
888-726-7535
http://www.partnersagainstpain.com
Partners Against Pain® is an alliance of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers working together to alleviate unnecessary suffering by leading efforts to advance standards of pain care through education and advocacy.
Regional and Local Resources
Cancer Health Alliance
http://www.cancerhealthalliance.com/
The Cancer Health Alliance of Metropolitan Chicago is a network of four Chicago area centers that specialize in resources and guidance for people who are dealing with cancer. The four Chicago area centers consist of The Cancer Wellness Center, The Wellness House, The Wellness Place, and The Cancer Support Center.
Cancer Wellness Center
http://www.cancerwellness.org/
866.292.9355
Located in Northbrook, Illinois, the Cancer Wellness Center seeks to empower those affected by cancer to enhance the quality of their lives through psychosocial support and education. Resources include wellness activities, networking groups and support groups.
Jennifer S. Fallick Cancer Support Center
http://www.cancersupportcenter.org/
708.798.9171
708.478.3529
The Jennifer S. Fallick Cancer Support Center in Homewood, Ill. was formed in 1994 when two newly widowed, young mothers were looking for support for their families after the passing of their husbands. The Center provides services free of charge to a diverse participant base including cancer patients, caregivers, children, teens and friends of the cancer patient.
Living Hope Foundation
417-880-HOPE
http://www.livinghopefoursquare.org
The Living Hope Foundation is a non-denominational support group for cancer patients, caregivers, family and friends who want to help. A speaker is present at each meeting and snacks available! We meet the second Tuesday of every month from 7pm – 8:30pm in Springfield, Missouri (2835 East Division, Suite I, Springfield, Missouri).
Mustard Seeds
918-492-4953
“From bedroom slippers back to dancing shoes”
A support group for everyone! Meet on the second Saturday of every month in Tulsa, Oklahoma from 11:30am to 1pm. Each meeting consists of a short educational piece and pot-luck style lunch! Started in 1989 by cancer survivor, Rosanne Pasco.
The Wellness House
http://www.wellnesshouse.org/
630.323.5150
Located in Hinsdale, Illinois, The Wellness House is a community-based independent organization that offers psychosocial support, education and information, as a complement to medical treatment to cancer patients, their families and friends. Wellness House exists to improve the quality of life for people whose lives are affected by cancer and its treatment. Resources include wellness activities, support groups, family programs, and networking groups.
Wellness Place
http://www.wellnessplace.org/
847.221.2400
Located in Palatine, Illinois, Wellness Place exists to enhance the quality of life for those touched by cancer through education, encouragement, and empowerment. Their vision is to distinguish itself by enhancing the lives of all individuals and families in their service area throughout their entire cancer experience. Resources include wellness activities, networking and support groups, counseling services.