Cancer Organizations
General Organizations
American Cancer Society (ACS)
1-800-227-2345
www.cancer.org
The ACS is a volunteer health organization that offers a variety of prevention and early detections programs, as well as cancer information and support to patients, their families, and caregivers. The ACS also supports research, provides printed materials, and conducts educational programs. A local ACS unit may be listed under the white pages of the phone book under "American Cancer Society."
American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)
1-800-843-8114
www.aicr.org
email: aicrweb@aicr.org
The AICR provides information about cancer prevention, particularly through diet and nutrition. It offers a toll-free nutrition hotline, pen pal support network, funding of research grants, and a wide array of consumer and health professional brochures and health aids about diet and nutrition and their link to cancer and cancer prevention. The AICR also offers the AICR CancerResource, an information and resource program for cancer patients. A limited selection of Spanish-language publications is available.
Cancer Care, Inc., National Office
1-800-813-HOPE
www.cancercare.org
email: info@cancercare.org
Cancer Care is a national nonprofit agency that offers free support, information, financial assistance, and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones. Services are provided by oncology social workers and are available in person, over the telephone, and through the agency's Web site. Cancer Care's reach also extends to professionals - providing education, information, and assistance. A section of the Cancer Care Web site and some publications are available in Spanish, and staff can respond to calls and emails in Spanish.
Cancer Hope Network
1-877-HOPENET
www.cancerhopenetwork.org
email: info@ cancerhopenetwork.org
The Cancer Hope Network provides individual support to cancer patients and their families by matching them with trained volunteers who have undergone and recovered from a similar cancer experience. Such matches are based on the type and stage of cancer, treatments used, side effects experienced, and other factors.
Cancer Information and Counseling Line (CICL)
1-800-525-3777
www.amc.org/html/info/h_info_cicl.html
email: cicl@amc.org
The CICL, part of the Psychosocial Program of the AMC Cancer Research Center, is a toll-free telephone service for cancer patients, their family members and friends, cancer survivors, and the general public. Professional counselors provide up-to-date medical information, emotional support through short-term counseling, and resource referrals to callers nationwide between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Mountain Time. Individuals may also submit questions about cancer and request resources via email.
Cancer Research Foundation of America
1-800-227-CRFA
www.preventcancer.org
The Cancer Research Foundation of America seeks to prevent cancer by funding research and providing educational materials on early detection and nutrition.
Gilda's Club Worldwide
www.gildasclub.org
email: info@gildasclub.org
Gilda's Clubs provide social and emotional support to cancer patients, their families, and friends. Lectures, workshops, networking groups, special events, and a children's program are available.
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)
1-800-532-5274
www.patientadvocate.org
email: help@patientadvocate.org
PAF provides education, legal counseling, and referrals for cancer patients and survivors concerning managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis matters.
R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation, Inc.
1-800-433-0464
www.blochcancer.org
email: hotline@hrblock.com
The R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation matches newly diagnosed cancer patients with trained, home-based volunteers who have been treated for the same type of cancer. It also distributes informational materials, including a multidisciplinary list of institutions that offer second opinions. Information is available in Spanish.
Vital Options and The Group Room Cancer Radio Talk Show
1-800-477-7666
1-818-508-5657 (CA)
www.vitaloptions.org
email: geninfo@vitaloptions.org
The mission of Vital Options is to use communications technology to reach people dealing with cancer. This organization holds a weekly syndicated call-in cancer radio talk show called The Group Room , which provides a forum for patients, long-term survivors, family members, physicians, and therapists to discuss cancer issues. Listeners can participate in the show during its broadcast every Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time, by calling either of the telephone numbers. A live Web simulcast of The Group Room can be heard by logging on to the Vital Options web site.
The Wellness Community
1-888-793-WELL
www.wellness-community.org
email: help@ wellness-community.org
The Wellness Community provides free psychological and emotional support to cancer patients and their families. It offers support groups facilitated by licensed therapists, stress reduction and cancer education workshops, nutrition guidance, exercise sessions, and social events.
Bone Marrow Donors/Recipients
National Bone Marrow Transplant Link
1-800-546-5268
http://www.nbmtlink.org
The nbmtLink motto is "A Second Chance at Life is Our Priority." The nbmtLink operates a 24-hour, toll-free number and provides peer support to bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients and their families. It serves as an information center for prospective BMT patients as well as a resource for health professionals. Educational publications, brochures, and videos are available. Staff can respond to calls in Spanish.
National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)
1-800-MARROW-2
www.marrow.org
NMDP, which is funded by the Federal Government, was created to improve the effectiveness of the search for bone marrow donors. It keeps a registry of potential bone marrow donors and provides free information on bone marrow transplantation, peripheral blood stem cell transplant, and unrelated donor stem cell transplant, including the use of umbilical cord blood. NMDP's Office of Patient Advocacy assists transplant patients and their physicians through the donor search-and-transplant process by providing information, referrals, support, and advocacy.
Hospice
HOSPICELINK
1-800-331-1620
www.hospiceworld.org
HOSPICELINK helps patients and their families find support services in their communities. It offers information about hospice and palliative care and can refer cancer patients and their families to local hospice and palliative care programs.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
1-800-658-8898
www.nhpco.org
email: info@ nhpco.org
The NHPCO is an association of programs that provide hospice and palliative care. It offers discussion groups, publications, information about how to find a hospice, and information about the financial aspects of hospice. Some Spanish-language publications are available, and staff are able to answer calls in Spanish.
Lymphedema
National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
1-800-541-3259
www.lymphnet.org
email: nln@lymphnet.org
NLN provides education and guidance to lymphedema patients, health care professionals, and the general public by disseminating information on the prevention and management of primary and secondary lymphedema. It provides a toll-free support hotline; a referral service to lymphedema treatment centers and health care professionals; a quarterly newsletter with information about medical and scientific developments; support groups; pen pals; educational courses for health care professionals and patients; and a computer database. Some Spanish-language materials are available.
Ostomy
United Ostomy Association, Inc.
1-800-826-0826
www.uoa.org
email: uoa@deltanet.com
The United Ostomy Association helps ostomy patients through mutual aid and emotional support. It provides information to patients and the public and sends volunteers to visit new ostomy patients.
Survivorship
Lance Armstrong Foundation
1-512-236-8820
www.laf.org
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) seeks to enhance the quality of life for those living with, through, and beyond cancer. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF's mission is to enhance the quality of survival of those diagnosed with cancer. LAF seeks to promote the optimal physical, psychological, and social recovery and care of cancer survivors and their loved ones. The Foundation focuses its activities in the following areas: survivor services and support, groundbreaking survivorship programs, and medical and scientific research grants.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
1-877-NCCS-YES
www.canceradvocacy.org
email: info@canceradvocacy.org
NCCS is a network of groups and individuals that offer support to cancer survivors and their loved ones. It provides information and resources on cancer support, advocacy, and quality-of-life issues. A section of the NCCS web site and a limited selection of publications are available in Spanish.
Organizations by Cancer Type
Bladder and Urologic Cancer
American Foundation for Urologic Disease (AFUD)
1-800-242-2383
www.afud.org
email: admin@afud.org
AFUD supports research; provides education to patients, the general public, and health professionals; and offers patient support services for those who have or may be at risk for a urologic disease or disorder. It provides information on urologic disease and dysfunctions, including prostate cancer treatment options, bladder health, and sexual function. AFUD also offers prostate cancer support groups through its Prostate Cancer Network. Some Spanish-language publications are available.
Bladder Cancer WebCafé
http://blcwebcafe.org
Bladder Cancer WebCafé is an online community for bladder cancer patients and those who care for them. It discusses treatment options, chemoprevention guidelines, survivor stories, a support group, and more.
Brain Cancer
American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA)
1-800-886-ABTA
www.abta.org
email: info@abta.org
The ABTA funds brain tumor research and provides information to help patients make educated decisions about their health care. The ABTA offers printed materials about research on and treatment of brain tumors and provides listings of physicians, treatment facilities, and support groups throughout the country. A limited selection of Spanish-language publications is available.
The Brain Tumor Society
1-800-770-TBTS
www.tbts.org
email: info@tbts.org
The Brian Tumor Society provides information about brain tumors and related conditions for patients and their families. It offers a patient/family telephone network, educational publications, funding for research projects, and access to support groups for patients.
Musella Foundation - Clinical Trials and Noteworthy Treatments for Brain Tumors
1-516-295-4740
www.virtualtrials.org
email: musella@virtualtrials.com
This web site, maintained by the Musella Foundation, offers extensive treatment and clinical trial information for brain tumors.
National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF)
1-800-934-CURE
www.braintumor.org
email: nbtf@braintumor.org
NBTF provides patients and their families with information on how to cope with brain tumors. This organization conducts national and regional conferences, publishes printed materials for patients and family members, provides access to a national network or patient support groups, and assists in answering patient inquiries. NBTF also awards grants to fund research, Staff are available to answer calls in Spanish, and some Spanish-language publications are available.
Breast Cancer
Community Breast Health Project
1-650-326-6686
www.med.stanford.edu/CBHP
email: info@cbhp.org
This web site offers breast cancer information to patients and survivors of breast cancer. It includes advices as well as links to other sites that have breast cancer information.
ENCORE plus
YWCA of the USA Office of Women's Health Advocacy
1-800-95E-PLUS
www.ywca.org
email: cgould@ywca.org
ENCORE plus is the YWCA's discussion and exercise program for women who have had breast cancer surgery. It is designed to help restore physical strength and emotional well-being. A local branch of the YWCA, listed in the phone book, can provide more information about ENCORE plus .
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation
1-877-786-7422
www.ibcresearch.org
email: librarian@ibcresearch.org
This website is primarily dedicated to the advancement of research on inflammatory breast cancer.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)
1-610-645-4567
www.lbbc.org
email: mail@lbbc.org
LBBC is a nonprofit educational organization committed to empowering all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life. Programs include semiannual large-scale educational conferences, a quarterly educational newsletter, outreach to medically underserved women, a consumer focused educational booklet, a library and resource center, the Young Survivors group, the Survivors' Helpline, and a web site. These resources help women and families affected by breast cancer take an active role in their ongoing recovery from the disease regardless of educational background, social support, or financial resources.
National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO)
1-888-80-NABCO
www.nabco.org
email: NABCOinfo@aol.com
NABCO is a nonprofit organization that provides information about breast cancer and acts as an advocate for the legislative concerns of breast cancer patients and survivors. NABCO maintains a list, organized by state, of phone numbers for support groups.
National Asian Women's Health Organization (NAWHO)
1-415-989-9747
www.nawho.org
email: nawho@nawho.org
NAWHO is working to improve the health status of Asian women and families through research, education, leadership, and public policy programs. It has resources for Asian women in English, Cantonese, Laotian, Vietnamese, and Korean. Publications on subjects such as reproductive rights, breast and cervical cancer, and tobacco control are available.
National Breast Cancer Coalition
1-800-622-2838
www.natlbcc.org
This organization focuses on three main goals in the fight against breast cancer: increasing cancer research, increasing access for all women to quality treatment and clinical trials, and increasing the influence of women living with breast cancer.
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
1-800-462-9273
www.komen.org
email: helpline@komen.org
The Komen Foundation fights to eradicate breast cancer by funding national grants, education, and screening and treatment projects in communities throughout the United States.
The Witness Project
1-800-275-1183
www.acrc.uams.edu/Outreach/WitnessProject
The Witness Project is a culturally competent, community-based cancer education program through which cancer survivors and lay health advisors increase awareness, knowledge, screening, and early detection behaviors in rural and lower-income African-American populations in an effort to reduce mortality and morbidity from breast cancer.
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organizations, Inc.
1-800-221-2141 (English)
• (Spanish)
http://y-me.org
email: help@y-me.org
The Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization provides information and support to anyone who has been touched by breast cancer. Y-ME serves women with breast cancer and their families through their national hotline (available 24 hours a day), open-door groups, early detection workshops, and support programs. Numerous local chapter offices are located throughout the United State. A section of the Y-ME web site, a toll-free hotline, and publications are available in Spanish.
Cancers of the Ovary, Uterus, Vulva, and Cervix (Gynecologic Cancers)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
1-202-638-5577
www.acog.org
This web site lists detailed information for patients on cancers of the ovary uterus, vulva, and cervix.
EyesOnThePrize.Org
www.eyesontheprize.org
email: pr@eyesontheprize.org
This site offers a web community created to provide information, shared experience, resources, support, and company for women with gynecologic cancers.
National Asian Women's Health Organization (NAWHO)
1-415-989-9747
www.nawho.org
email: nawho@nawho.org
NAWHO is working to improve the health status of Asian women and families through research, education, leadership, and public policy programs. It has resources for Asian women in English, Cantonese, Laotian, Vietnamese, and Korean. Publications on subjects such as reproductive rights, breast and cervical cancer, and tobacco control are available.
National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC)
1-800-685-5531
www.nccc-online.org
email: acameren@nccc-online.org
NCCC focuses on giving support to women and their family members on issues related to cervical cancer disease, screening, treatment, and new research.
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC)
1-888-OVARIAN
www.ovarian.org
email: NOCC@ovarian.org
NOCC raises awareness about ovarian cancer and promotes education about this disease. It has a toll-free telephone number for information, referral, support, and education about ovarian cancer. NOCC also offers support groups, a database of gynecologic oncologists searchable by state, and educational materials. A limited selection of Spanish-language publications is available.
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA)
1-202-331-1332
www.ovariancancer.org
email: ovarian@aol.com
OCNA works to increase public and professional understanding of ovarian cancer and to advocate for research to find more effective ways to diagnose, treat, and cure this disease. The Alliance distributes informational materials; sponsors an annual advocacy conference for survivors and families; advocates on the issues of cancer to the ovarian cancer community; and works with women's groups, seniors, and health professionals to increase awareness of ovarian cancer.
Children's Cancers
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF)
1-800-366-CCCF
www.candlelighters.org
email: info@candlelighters.org
The CCCF is a nonprofit organization that provides information, peer support, and advocacy through publications, an information clearinghouse, and a network of local support groups. A financial aid list is available that lists organizations to which eligible families may apply for assistance.
Children's Hospice International
1-800-2-4-CHILD
www.chionline.org
email: chiorg@aol.com
Children's Hospice International provides a network of support for dying children and their families. It serves as a clearinghouse for research programs and support groups and offers educational materials and training programs on pain management and the care of seriously ill children.
Foundation for the Children's Oncology Group (FCOG)
1-800-458-6223
www.nccf.org
email: nccf-info@nccf.org
The FCOG supports research conducted by a network of institutions, each of which has a team of doctors, scientists, and other specialists with the special skills required for the diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, and research on the cancers of infants, children, and young adults. Advocating for children with cancer and the centers that treat them is also a focus of the FCOG. A limited selection of Spanish-language publications is available.
National Children's Cancer Society
1-800-532-6459
www.children-cancer.com
email: pfs@children-cancer.com
The Society provides direct financial assistance and emotional support to children with cancer and their families.
Outlook: Life Beyond Childhood Cancer
1-608-263-6200
www.outlook-life.org
email: jaamond@factstaff.wisc.edu
Outlook is an interactive information and support system for survivors of childhood cancer and their families.
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States
1-800-253-6530
www.pbtfus.org
email: pbtfus@pbtfus.org
The Foundation seeks to find the cause and cure of brain tumors in children by supporting medical research, increasing public awareness of the disease, and aiding in early detection and treatment of childhood brain tumors.
STARBRIGHT Foundation
1-800-315-2580
www.starbright.org
email: ford@starbright.org
The STARBRIGHT Foundation creates projects designed to help seriously ill children and adolescents cope with the psychosocial and medical challenges they face. The Foundation produces materials such as interactive educational CD-ROMs and videos about medical conditions and procedures, provides advice on talking with a health professional, and deals with other issues related to children and adolescents who have serious medical conditions. All materials are available to children, adolescents, and their families free of charge. Staff can respond to calls in Spanish.
Colon/Rectal Cancer
Colon Cancer Alliance
1-877-422-2030
www.ccalliance.org
This is a patient-centered, colorectal cancer-specific organization that offers support, education, research, and patient advocacy services.
Colorectal Cancer Network
1-301-879-1500
www.colorectal-cancer.net
email: ccnetwork@colorectal-cancer.net
The Colorectal Cancer Network is a national advocacy group that raises public awareness about colorectal cancer and provides support services to colorectal cancer patients and their families, friends, and caregivers. Services include support groups; an Internet chat room; email list serves for survivors, caregivers, and advocates; hospital visitation programs; and a "One on One" service that connects newly diagnosed individuals with long-term survivors. The Network also provides literature on screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care for colorectal cancer.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney Cancer Association
1-800-850-9132
www.kidneycancerassociation.org
email : office@kidneycancerassociation.org
The Kidney Cancer Association supports research, offers printed materials about the diagnosis and treatment of kidney cancer, sponsors support groups, and provides physician referral information.
Leukemia/Lymphoma
Large Granular Lymphocyte (LGL) Leukemia Registry
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer and Research Institute
1-800-663-3488
www.moffitt.usf.edu/lgl-leukemia/lgl.htm
email: LGLreg@moffitt.usf.edu
This registry is part of the Hematologic Malignancies Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute. It collects and studies information on people with LGL leukemia. It has also established a bank of blood and tissue samples from people with the disease.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)
1-800-955-4572
www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
email: infocenter@leukemia-lymphoma.org
The goal of the LLS is to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and multiple myeloma and to improve quality of life for patients and their families. The Society supports medical research and provides health education materials, as well as the following services: patient financial aid for specified treatment expenses and transportation; family support groups; First Connection (a professionally supervised peer support program); referrals; school reentry materials; and public and professional education. The Society also provides audiotapes in English and some Spanish-language publications.
Lymphoma Information Network
www.lymphomainfo.net
This site is devoted to providing detailed information for those with Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The site is complemented by links to other lymphoma sites for patients and physicians.
Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF)
1-800-235-6848
www.lymphoma.org
email: LRF@lymphoma.org
LRF administers a research grant program, conducts public policy and advocacy activities, oversees finance and development, and promotes professional education. In addition, LRF funds research and provides educational information on lymphoma. It offers a helpline for general information on lymphoma, as well as referrals to other resources, oncologists, clinical trials, and support groups. A buddy program is available to match newly diagnosed patients with others who have coped with the disease. Some Spanish-language publications are also available.
Lung Cancer
Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support, and Education (ALCASE)
1-800-298-2436
www.alcase.org
email: info@alcase.org
ALCASE offers programs designed to help improve the quality of life for people with lung cancer and their families. Programs include education about the disease, psychosocial support, and advocacy on issues that concern lung cancer survivors.
It's Time to Focus on Lung Cancer
1-877-646-5864
www.lungcancer.org
This web site is designed to increase awareness of lung cancer and its increasing impact on women. It includes lung cancer facts, recent news, and press releases.
Mesothelioma
The Mesothelioma Web
1-877-367-6376
www.mesotheliomaweb.org
email: info@mesotheliomaweb.org
The Mesothelioma Web (MW) is dedicated to consolidating mesothelioma information, contacts, and important links in one place. Its resource coordinators are constantly on the lookout for new information, and they are available to help find answers and solutions for individual situations.
Research Mesothelioma Cancer
www.researchmesotheliomacancer.com
Useful support advice and objective medical information for the Mesothelioma patient.
Multiple Myeloma
International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)
1-800-452-CURE
www.myeloma.org
email: TheIMF@myeloma.org
The IMF supports education, treatment, and research for multiple myeloma. It provides a toll-free hotline, seminars, and educational materials for patients and their families. Although the IMF does not sponsor support groups, it does keep a list of other organizations' support groups and provides information on how to start a support group. A section of the IMF web site and some printed materials are available in Spanish.
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)
1-203-972-1250
www.multiplemyeloma.org
email: themmrf@themmrf.org
MMRF supports research grants and professional and patient symposia on multiple myeloma and related blood cancers. MMRF publishes a quarterly newsletter and provides referrals and information packets free of charge to patients and family members.
Oral and Head and Neck Cancer
Support for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer, Inc. (SPOHNC)
1-800-377-0928
www.spohnc.org
email: info@spohnc.org
SPOHNC is a not-for-profit national organization founded in 1991 to address the emotional, physical, and humanistic needs of people who have oral cancer and head and neck cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)
1-877-2-PANCAN
www.pancan.org
email: information@pancan.org
PanCAN, a nonprofit advocacy organization, educates health professionals and the general public about pancreatic cancer to increase awareness of the disease. PanCAN also advocates for increased funding of pancreatic cancer research and promotes access to and awareness of the latest medical advances, support networks, clinical trials, and reimbursement for care.
Prostate Cancer
American Foundation for Urologic Disease (AFUD)
1-800-242-2383
www.afud.org
email: admin@afud.org
AFUD supports research; provides education to patients, the general public, and health professionals; and offers patient support services for those who have or may be at risk for a urologic disease or disorder. It provides information on urologic disease and dysfunction including prostate cancer treatment options, bladder health, and sexual function. AFUD also offers prostate cancer support groups through its Prostate Cancer Network. Some Spanish-language publications are available.
Prostate Cancer Foundation
1-800-757-CURE
www.prostatecancerfoundation.org
email: info@prostatecancerfoundation.org
Prostate Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides funding for research projects to improve methods of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. It also offers printed resources for prostate cancer survivors and their families. The mission of Prostate Cancer Foundation is to find a cure for prostate cancer.
Us Too! International, Inc.
1-800-80-US TOO
www.ustoo.org
email: ustoo@ustoo.com
Us Too! Is a prostate cancer support group organization. Goals of Us Too! are to increase awareness of prostate cancer in the community, educate men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, offer support groups, and provide the latest information about treatment for this disease. A limited selection of Spanish-language publications is available.
Skin Cancer and Melanoma
Melanoma Education Foundation
http://skincheck.com
email: MEF@skincheck.org
This web site provides information about melanoma, emphasizing the importance of monthly self-examination of the skin to detect melanoma while it is thin and curable.
The Melanoma Patients' Information Page
www.mpip.org
email: admin@mpip.org
Designed for melanoma patients and melanoma investigators, this web site includes published results of clinical trials in chemotherapy, vaccines, and gene therapy. It also has a database of research abstracts and a bulletin board for questions and answers.
The Melanoma Research Foundation
1-800-673-1290
www.melanoma.org
email: mrf@melanoma.org
The Foundation supports medical research for the treatment of melanoma and acts as a resource for melanoma patients, their families, and friends.
The Skin Cancer Foundation
1-800-SKIN-490
www.skincancer.org
email: info@skincancer.org
Major goals of the Skin Cancer Foundation are to increase public awareness of the importance of taking protective measures against the damaging rays of the sun and to teach people how to recognize the early signs of skin cancer. The Foundation conducts public and medical education programs to help reduce the incidence of skin cancer.
