Cancer Type Specific Information
These organizations address the needs of patients based on their specific form of cancer, offering treatment information, support networks, research and several other robust resources.
Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network
888-901-2226
www.bcan.org
The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) 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. The website offers support services and an online support team, available 24 hours a day at www.bcan.org/facing-bladder-cancer/support-groups/. BCAN also works with EmergingMed to offer free, personalized services to help you locate bladder cancer clinical trials. You can find this service at www.emergingmed.com/partners/bcan/.
National Brain Tumor Society
Patient Services: 800-934-2873
800-770-8287
www.braintumor.org
The National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) provides supportive services, educational resources, news, events, and clinical trial information for patients, families, and healthcare providers. With their Patient and Caregiver Peer Support Network, brain tumor patients and caregivers can be connected with other survivors to help them through their journey. NBTS also hosts an online community where patients and caregivers can connect, share tips and find resources; join the online community by following the "Online Community" tab at the top of the home page.
American Brain Tumor Association
800-886-2282
www.abta.org
The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is a non-profit organization. Not affiliated with any one institution, the ABTA serves individuals globally and awards funds to researchers throughout the United States and Canada. The ABTA is a recognized resource for comprehensive information and compassionate support for brain tumor patients, families and caregivers affected by this disease. ABTA Information Specialists are available between 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Central time. Patients can also request information by mail by completing a secure electronic form at http://hope.abta.org/publicationsrequest.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
800-462-9273
www.komen.org
As the world’s largest network of breast cancer survivors and activists, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is working to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care and find cures. The Komen website has a wealth of resources for breast cancer patients and caregivers, to help them better understand the disease and their options. A toll-free breast cancer helpline (800-I'M AWARE) is answered by trained volunteers whose lives have been personally touched by breast cancer; their volunteers will help you find local resources.
Breastcancer.org
www.breastcancer.org
Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing reliable, complete and up-to-date information about breast cancer. Their mission is to help women and their loved ones understand complex medical and personal information as it relates to their disease. In addition to online resources, breastcancer.org has an active online community who support one another during their cancer battle. Join their community at www.breastcancer.org/community/.
Breast Cancer Network of Strength
English: 800-221-2141
Spanish: 800-986-9505
www.networkofstrength.org
Breast Cancer Network of Strength, formerly known as Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, is a Chicago-based nationwide non-profit organization with the mission to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. The organization provides emotional relief for anyone touched by breast cancer. YourShoes is the Network’s peer support program that includes a 24/7 hotline. To learn more about YourShoes, visit www.networkofstrength.org/programs/yourshoes.php, or call 800-221-2141.
Colon Cancer Alliance
877-422-2030
www.ccalliance.org
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to helping those affected by colorectal cancer. In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, CCA provides patient support, education, research and advocacy across North America. The CCA is managed by an experienced staff who will provide support when you call their helpline at 877-422-2030.
National Ovarian Cancer Commission
888-682-7426
www.ovarian.org
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) is committed to raising awareness of ovarian cancer in communities across the country and providing education, support and hope for women with ovarian cancer and their families. To request NOCC literature, call 888-682-7426 or e-mail nocc@ovarian.org. Or, to find and join a local chapter, visit www.ovarian.org/local_chapters.php and enter your location.
Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer
800-377-0928
www.spohnc.org
Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) concentrates on providing current information for oral and head and neck cancer patients who are trying to gain a better understanding of their illness. Resources include general cancer information, background on clinical trials, newsletters and contact information for local SPOHNC chapters (www.spohnc.org/local_chapters.php).
Oral Cancer Foundation
949-646-8000
www.oralcancerfoundation.org
The Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) is a national public service non-profit organization designed to help those affected by oral cancer through resources on prevention, education, research, advocacy and support. Resources include general information on oral cancer, including how patients are diagnosed and existing treatment options. OCF also provides access to a patient message board, where those currently fighting oral cancer and their families can gain insights and inspiration from others with similar experiences. To access the message board, visit oralcancersupport.org/forums/.
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. They fund and promote research projects in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Urologic Association (AUA), and other institutions. KCA educates families and physicians, and serves as an advocate on behalf of patients at the state and federal levels. Contact the KCA Nurse Telephone Information Service at 866-400-5151 for medical inquiries and doctor referrals.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
800.955.4572
www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) aims to both educate and gain support for discovering a cure to leukemia‚ lymphoma‚ Hodgkin’s disease and multiple myeloma. LLS 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. You can also call an information specialist to access community programs and resources. Information specialists are Master's level social workers and health educators and are available to speak with callers Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
Lymphoma Research Foundation of America
800-500-9976
www.lymphoma.org
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. One of their programs, the Lymphoma Support Network (LSN), is a one-to-one peer support program that connects patients and caregivers with volunteers that have experience with the same type of lymphoma, treatments, or challenges, for mutual emotional support and encouragement. To sign up for LSN, go to http://www.lymphoma.org/site/apps/fc/form.asp?c=chKOI6PEImE&b=1573461.
American Lung Association
800-586-4872
www.lungusa.org
The American Lung Association (ALA) is dedicated to preventing lung disease and promoting lung health, providing information on lung cancer research, tobacco control, asthma, and much more. Registered nurses and respiratory therapists staff the call center and can answer your questions about lung cancer; you can reach them at 800-LUNGUSA. You can also chat online with a specialist at www.lungusa.org/about-us/lung-helpline.html.
The Lung Cancer Alliance
800-298-2436
www.alcase.org
The Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated solely to patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer and those at risk for the disease. The LCA offers a toll-free information and referral service for people with lung cancer and their caregivers. The experienced staff provides current and reliable information regarding lung cancer screening, diagnosis, symptoms and treatment options.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
877-272-6226
www.pancan.org
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) provides quality education and resources for pancreatic cancer patients, families and health professionals. PanCAN offers the Patient and Liaison Services (PALS), a comprehensive, free, information service for patients, their families and health professionals. A PALS Associate can provide you with the most current information to help you make informed decisions, including information about the disease, treatment options, specialists, clinical trials, support groups, diet and nutrition. You can reach them Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time at 877-272-6226 or by e-mail at pals@pancan.org.
Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
310-473-5121
www.pancreatic.org
The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is dedicated to helping people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They provide information on nutrition, financial aid and doctor referrals, and they connect patients with others with similar experiences. For more information, contact Allison Miller at 310-473-5121 or by email at amiller@pancreatic.org.
Prostate Cancer Foundation
800-757-2873
www.prostatecancerfoundation.org
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) pursues its mission of supporting prostate cancer research by reaching out to individuals, corporations and others to fight this disease. The PCF website offers important information about prostate cancer for both patients and their families. Additionally, PCF has partnered with My Bridge 4 Life to launch a patient and caregiver support network (mybridge4life.com) that allows individuals to track their medical diagnosis, set goals, share tips and communicate with loved ones.
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. The Sarcoma Alliance also facilitates the Sarcoma Alliance Peer-to-Peer Network, where you can connect with another survivor who can provide advice and support throughout your journey. To sign up, visit bb.sarcomaalliance.com/p2p/application/appform1.php.
The Skin Cancer Foundation
800-754-6490
www.skincancer.org
The mission of the Skin Cancer 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. You can find a physician by location on their website at www.skincancer.org/apps/physician-finder/.
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association
877-588-7904
www.thyca.org
ThyCa offers current information about thyroid cancer and support services available to people at any stage of testing, treatment or lifelong monitoring for thyroid cancer.. This site also serves as a resource for anyone interested in thyroid cancer survivors' issues. One of their support programs is a Person-to-Person Network, which connects people with thyroid cancer to offer insight in coping with the disease. To join, visit www.thyca.org/volunteermatch.htm.