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Resources
Federal Agencies
Private/Nonprofit Organizations
You can get information about cancer from many
sources. Some are listed here. You may also want to
check for more information from support groups in
your community.
Federal Agencies
- National Cancer Institute
Has current information on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment,
genetics, and supportive care. NCI's web site (www.cancer.gov) lists clinical trials
and specific cancer topics in NCI's Physician Data Query (PDQ®) database.
Cancer Information Service
Gives clear, up-to-date information on cancer to patients, families, health
professionals, and the general public. It translates the latest scientific
information into plain language in English, in Spanish, or on TTY equipment.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Has information about patient rights, prescription drugs, and health insurance
issues, including Medicare and Medicaid.
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Part of the National Institutes of Health. It funds and studies medical practices
that are not commonly used as standard care. It rates how well these different
practices work and shares this information with the public.
| Toll-free: | 1-888-644-6226 |
| TTY: | 1-888-644-6226 |
| Online: | nccam.nih.gov |
Private/Nonprofit Organizations
- American Cancer Society (ACS)
Mission is to end cancer as a major health problem through prevention, saving
lives, and relieving suffering. ACS works toward these goals through research,
education, advocacy, and service. The organization's National Cancer
Information Center answers questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
| Toll-free: | 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) |
| TTY: | 1-866-228-4327 |
| Online: | www.cancer.org |
- American Pain Foundation
Serves people with pain through information, advocacy, and support; pain and
resource information, practical help and publications are available through toll-free
telephone service and website.
- CancerCare
Offers free support, information, and financial and practical help to people with
cancer and their loved ones.
- Center to Advance Palliative Care
Goal is to increase the availability of quality palliative care services for people
facing serious illness. Offers training and assistance to health care professionals.
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
Gives out information on cancer support, employment, financial and legal issues,
advocacy, and related issues.
- National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
Has information on hospice care, local hospice programs, advance directives in
different states, and finding a local health care provider. It offers education and
materials on palliative and end-of-life issues through its Caring Connections
program, as well as links to other organizations and resources.
Caring Connections
- NeedyMeds
Lists medicine assistance programs available from drug companies.
NOTE: Usually patients cannot apply directly to these programs.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or social worker to contact them.
- Patient Advocate Foundation
Offers education, legal counseling, and referrals concerning managed care,
insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis matters.
- The Wellness Community
Provides free psychological and emotional support to cancer patients and
their families.
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