Thinking about Yourself
Helping Others
Learning and Teaching
Working on Cancer-Related Events
Working in Advocacy
Working in Research
Working in Government Programs

You've decided to make a difference in cancer. Now, your work is to find activities you like to do and that match your interests.

Use this Guide as a way to find activities that interest you. There are no right or wrong answers; simply consider if the statements describe you.

Review the statements below. If two or more statements in one section apply to you, you may want to take a look at the pages the section directs you to. Reading these pages can give you some ideas about ways you can make a difference.

Thinking about Yourself

• I need to talk about my problems with other people.
• I feel lonely and want to talk with others who understand what I've been through.
• I want to learn new information about cancer.
• I want to know about and protect my rights as a cancer survivor.
• I am unhappy with my health care situation and want to make it better.

If two or more statements in this section apply to you, you might want to help yourself (or someone close to you) before you help others, even if statements in other sections are also applicable. You might also want to take some time to learn more about your type of cancer. (See Organizations by Cancer Type for more information.)

Helping Others

• I like to meet new people.
• I am good at listening to others.
• I like to talk with others about cancer information.
• I want to help people who are struggling with cancer.
• People helped me/us during treatment, and I now want to do the same for others.

If two or more statements in this section apply to you, you may want to help others who are dealing with cancer. Think about whether you want to help people on your own or work with a cancer-related organization. (For more information, go to Making a Difference with Cancer Organizations.)

Learning and Teaching

• People should learn more about cancer, and I would like to teach them.
• I like to talk with people -- even people I don't know.
• I like to speak in front of large groups of people.
• I enjoy talking about issues that are important to me, like cancer screening or support for people with cancer.

If two or more statements in this section apply to you, you may want to increase awareness and teach others about cancer. Think about whether you want to help people on your own or work with a cancer-related organization. (For more information, go to Making a Difference with Cancer Organizations.)

Working on Cancer-Related Events

• I like working with people and being part of large events.
• I would like to help with a local event near where I live or work.
• I want to get involved, but only have time to help once in a while.
• I am comfortable asking people to donate to cancer-related causes.
• I am interested in giving money, computers, or other items to a cancer-related cause.

If two or more statements in this section apply to you, working on fundraising or awareness events may be a good way for you to get involved. Think about whether you want to help people on your own or work with a cancer-related organization. (For more information, go to Making a Difference with Cancer Organizations.)

Working in Advocacy

• I want to help change the health care system for others with cancer.
• I want to see changes in laws and policies related to cancer.
• I like the idea of talking to elected officials about cancer issues.
• I like to share my ideas with others through phone calls, letters, or e-mails.
• I want to be part of a network that can alert me about important cancer issues.

If two or more statements in this section apply to you, you may be interested in getting involved with a specific cause, idea, or policy related to cancer. This work is usually done with a cancer-related organization. (For more information, go to Making a Difference with Cancer Organizations.)

Working in Research

• I find science very interesting.
• I may be interested in taking part in a research study or clinical trial.
• I want to let others know about research studies and clinical trials.
• I want to help make decisions about cancer research.
• I like the idea of talking with scientists about my opinions on cancer.

If two or more statements in this section apply to you, you may be interested in participating in research or encouraging others to do so. (For more information, go to Making a Difference in Cancer Research.)

Working in Government Programs

• I want to work on programs that help people with cancer.
• I want to share my ideas about ways to help people with cancer.
• I would like to help more people get screened for cancer.
• I think I would be comfortable talking about cancer with scientists and public officials.
• I would like to know how new medicines and treatments are developed and approved.

If two or more statements in this section apply to you, you might want to get involved in government programs. (For more information, go to Making a Difference in Government Programs.)

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