Cancer Information and Support

Federal Agencies

National Cancer Institute
Provides current information on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, genetics, and supportive care. Lists clinical trials and specific cancer topics in NCI's Physician Data Query (PDQ®) database.

Cancer Information Service
Answers questions about cancer, clinical trials, and cancer-related services and helps users find information on the NCI Web site. Provides NCI printed materials.

Administration on Aging
Provides information, assistance, individual counseling, organization of support groups, caregiver training, respite care, and supplemental services.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Provides information for consumers about patient rights, prescription drugs, and health insurance issues, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Provides fact sheets about job discrimination, protections under the Americans With Disabilities Act, and employer responsibilities. Coordinates investigations of employment discrimination.

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Eldercare Locator
The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide directory assistance service designed to help older persons and caregivers find local resources for support. Areas of support include transportation, meals, home care, housing alternatives, legal issues, and social activities.

U.S. Department of Labor
Office of Disability Employment Policy
Provides fact sheets on a variety of disability issues, including discrimination, workplace accommodation, and legal rights.

Nonprofit Organizations

American Cancer Society
National Cancer Information Center
Provides a variety of cancer information and support to patients, families, and caregivers. Also supports research, community education, and advocacy and public policy issues.

CancerCare
Offers free support, information, financial assistance, and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones.

Cancer Hope Network
Cancer Hope Network matches patients and families with trained volunteers who have recovered from a similar cancer experience.

Family Caregiver Alliance
Family Caregiver Alliance addresses the needs of families and friends who provide long-term care at home.

Gilda's Club, Inc.
Gilda's Club provides social and emotional support for cancer patients and their families and friends.

Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation seeks to inspire and empower people living with, through, and beyond cancer to live strong. It provides education, advocacy, public health and research programs.

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
NCCS provides information and resources on cancer support, advocacy, and quality-of-life issues to cancer survivors and their loved ones.

National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA)
NFCA provides information, education, support, public awareness, and advocacy for caregivers.

NeedyMeds
The NeedyMeds Web site lists medicine assistance programs available from drug companies.

NOTE: Usually, patients cannot apply directly to these programs. Ask a doctor, nurse, or social worker to contact them on behalf of your loved one.

Patient Advocate Foundation
Offers education, legal counseling, and referrals concerning managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis matters.

The Well Spouse Foundation
The foundation provides support to wives, husbands, and partners of chronically ill and/or disabled persons.

The Wellness Community
The Wellness Community is a national organization that provides support groups, stress reduction and cancer education workshops, nutrition guidance, exercise sessions, and social events.

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