Cancer-Specific Resources
These organizations address the needs of patients based on their specific form of cancer, offering treatment information, support networks, research and other robust resources.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network | bcan.org
The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) offers online tools and resources on bladder cancer, including: diagnosis and treatment options, a directory of clinical trials and resources specifically for veterans and caregivers. BCAN also works with EmergingMed to offer free, personalized services to help you locate bladder cancer clinical trials.
Blood Cancer
Be The Match® | 888-999-6743 | BeTheMatch.org
Over the past 30 years Be The Match®, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP), has managed the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or other life-threatening disease, a bone marrow or cord blood transplant may be your best or only hope for a cure. NMDP is dedicated to helping you get the support and information you need to learn about your disease and treatment options, prepare for transplant and thrive after transplant. Their patient and caregiver helpline is available from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. CT.
The Bone Marrow Foundation | bonemarrow.org
The Bone Marrow Foundation supports patients, their families and caregivers by offering financial assistance and free support services to bone marrow/stem cell transplant during a cancer diagnosis, or bone marrow, stem cell or cord blood transplant. The organization links patients and families with patient-to-patient support, provides financial assistance and offers comprehensive transplant information.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society | 800-955-4572 | 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.–6 p.m. ET.
Lymphoma Research Foundation of America | 800-500-9976 | 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. LRF offers a helpline with trained staff members available to answer questions about diagnosis, treatments and to provide referrals. The help line is available Monday - Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. ET. The foundation provides financial assistance (grants) for medical treatments and information on clinical trials, and operates the Lymphoma Support Network, which connects patients and caregivers with volunteers who have had similar experiences.
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation | 203-229-0464 | themmrf.org
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation drives discoveries for new treatments, accelerates ground breaking clinical trials and fuels data-driven initiatives in cancer research with the goal of finding a cure for each and every patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
Brain Cancer
American Brain Tumor Association | 800-886-ABTA (2282) | abta.org
The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is a non-profit organization that awards funds to researchers throughout the United States for the purpose of advancing the study and treatment of brain tumors. The ABTA is a recognized resource for comprehensive information for health care professionals, patients, families and caregivers. ABTA offers financial and housing assistance as well as a care line for general information and assistance. The care line is available Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT.
National Brain Tumor Society | braintumor.org
The National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) funds programs aimed to improve understanding of all brain tumors and transform research into new, effective treatments as quickly as possible. This website may help you learn more about brain tumors including symptoms, treatment options and considerations for caregivers. You can also find an extensive list of general and brain-cancer specific resources.
Breast Cancer
Living Beyond Breast Cancer | 888-753-5222 | lbbc.org
Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) provides educational programs and services to help people whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. The goal of LBBC is to provide information, community and support that you can trust, is easy to access and respectful of you and your situation. All resources are carefully and frequently reviewed by some of the country’s leading health care experts and informed by people living with breast cancer. Their breast cancer helpline connects you to a trained volunteer who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for emotional support, guidance and hope.
Sisters Network® Inc. | sistersnetworkinc.org
Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI) is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American community. SNI is the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the U.S. supported by survivor-run affiliate chapters nationwide. The organization’s purpose is to save lives and provide a broader scope of knowledge that addresses the breast cancer survivorship crisis affecting African American women.
Susan G. Komen | 877-GO-KOMEN (465-6636) | komen.org
As the world’s largest network of breast cancer survivors and activists, the mission of Susan G. Komen is 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 you become more informed about various forms of the disease and treatment options. A toll-free helpline is answered by trained specialists, including oncology social workers. English or Spanish-speaking patients may call Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m. ET.
Colon Cancer
Colorectal Cancer Alliance | 877-422-2030 | ccalliance.org
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to helping those affected by colorectal cancer and uncovering new treatments through research funding. To help increase rates of screening and survivorship, CCA provides patient support, education, research and advocacy. CCA is managed by an experienced staff who will provide support when you call their helpline.
Colon Cancer Coalition | coloncancercoalition.org
Based in Minneapolis, Minn., the Colon Cancer Coalition is dedicated to encouraging screening and raising awareness of colorectal cancer. Their Your Rear in Gear® 5K run/walks and Tour de Tush® bike rides are coordinated by volunteers in communities throughout the U.S. The organization raises more than $1 million annually to support local community programs designed to raise screening rates, increase awareness and educate the public about the signs and symptoms of this disease.
Fight Colorectal Cancer | fightcolorectalcancer.org
Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) brings together and empowers a community of patients, survivors, caregivers and professionals to push for better policies and support research, education and awareness for all those touched by colon and rectal (colorectal) cancers. The organization publishes several publications, hosts an online community, Facebook groups and more.
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation | 732-385-7461 | fightec.org
The Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation (ECEF) is committed to bringing education and awareness of esophageal cancer to the public and the medical community. From walking the journey with patients who have the disease to financially supporting research projects that focus on the development of an early warning test for the disease. The organization offers a variety of publications and videos online and offers a patient helpline.
Gynecological Cancer
Foundation for Women's Cancer | 312-578-1439 | foundationforwomenscancer.org
The Foundation for Women's Cancer is dedicated to increasing public awareness of gynecologic cancer risk awareness, prevention, early detection and optimal treatment. The programs are designed to raise public awareness, provide education about gynecologic cancers, and support innovative gynecologic cancer research.
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition | 888-682-7426 | 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. The website offers downloadable brochures and videos or you may request information by e-mail.
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance | ocra.org
The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) is the largest advocacy organization in the U.S. for women with ovarian cancer. OCRA advocates at the national level for increases in research funding for the development of an early detection test, improved health care practices and life-saving treatment protocols. The organization strives to educate patients and health care professionals and raise public awareness of the risks and symptoms of ovarian cancer. OCRA's Woman to Woman is a unique support program that pairs gynecologic cancer patients with trained survivor volunteers who provide one-on-one emotional support and mentoring.
Head and Neck Cancer
American Head and Neck Society | 310-437-0559 | ahns.info/for-patients
The American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) is the single largest organization in North America for the advancement of research and education in head and neck oncology. AHNS provides educational materials, resources and a specialist locator for patients.
Oral Cancer Foundation | 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.
Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer | 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.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney Cancer Association | kidneycancer.org
The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is an international 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 helps educate 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 503-215-7921 for questions about treatment, side effect management and doctor referrals.
Liver Cancer
American Liver Foundation | 800-465-4837 | liverfoundation.org
The American Liver Foundation provides education and prevention resources around liver health to diverse populations in an effort to promote quality healthcare, accelerate the pace of scientific discovery and advocate for favorable government policies. The Resource Center offers information on clinical trials, caregiver resources, organ donation and more.
Lung Cancer
American Lung Association | 800-LUNGUSA (586-4872) | lung.org
The American Lung Association (ALA) is a trusted source for lung health education, lung disease research, support, programs, services and advocacy. Two of their many important initiatives are the Freedom From Smoking® program and the Saved by the Scans program, offering information and online directories to help you find local resources and discounts to quit smoking and/or schedule and appointment for a low-dose lung CT. The site also includes a lung support helpline and tobacco quit line staffed by registered nurses and registered, certified respiratory therapists.
GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer | 800-298-2436 | go2foundation.org
Founded by patients and survivors, GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer transforms survivorship as the world’s leading organization dedicated to saving, extending and improving the lives of those vulnerable, at risk and diagnosed with lung cancer. The organization 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, treatment options and assistance locating clinical trials.
LUNGevity Foundation | lungevity.org
LUNGevity seeks to empower patients to be active decision makers in their treatment process through extensive educational resources, online peer-to-peer support and in-person survivorship programs. LUNGevity funds research for the early detection and successful treatment of lung cancer and supports a large national grassroots lung cancer network as well as a popular online support community and hosts a lung cancer navigator mobile app.
Ocular Cancer
Ocular Melanoma Foundation | ocularmelanoma.org
The Ocular Melanoma Foundation is focused on research, clinical trials, advocacy and patient and family support for individuals with eye cancer. They offer assistance programs, educational materials and a variety of other resources.
Pancreatic Cancer
Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research | pancreatic.org
The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research and helping people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The foundation provides information on treatments as well as symptom management and financial aid. The organization also works to connect pancreatic cancer patients with similar experiences.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network | 877-573-9971 | pancan.org
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) provides education and resources for pancreatic cancer patients, families and health professionals. PanCAN offers a variety of free, comprehensive information and services for patients, their families and health professionals. A Patient Services representative 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. Support staff are available Monday–Friday from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. PT.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Foundation | pcf.org
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) funds research to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of prostate cancer. The PCF website offers patients valuable resources, including downloadable guides for navigating a cancer diagnosis, resources for obtaining financial assistance and clinical trials.
ZERO | zerocancer.org
ZERO offers comprehensive support for prostate cancer patients through its website, printed materials, videos and webinars. The ZERO360 team of experienced case managers helps patients access financial resources, cut through insurance and Medicare red tape and find emotional support.
Sarcoma
The Sarcoma Alliance | sarcomaalliance.org
The Sarcoma Alliance strives 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 a peer-to-peer network, where you can connect with another survivor who can provide emotional support throughout your journey.
Skin Cancer/Melanoma
Melanoma Research Foundation | melanoma.org
The Melanoma Research Foundation educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma and helps to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure.
The Skin Cancer Foundation | 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, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Stomach / Gastric Cancer
Debbie's Dream Foundation | debbiesdream.org
Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer, advancing funding for research, and providing education and support internationally to patients, families and caregivers. The website includes a library of resources, including a professional lecture series, a clinical trials matching service and peer-to-peer online support community.
Gastric Cancer Foundation | gastriccancer.org
Through education, research, support and advocacy, the Gastric Cancer Foundation provides comprehensive information about causes and treatment of gastric cancer and living with the side effects of treatment. The foundation offers several patient resources, including a clinical trial navigator service that can be accessed online or by calling 855-731-6032.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular Cancer Society| testicularcancersociety.org
Committed to raising awareness and sharing educational support, the Testicular Cancer Society helps those affected by testicular cancer navigate the best path forward and unite as a community.
Thyroid Cancer
ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association | thyca.org
ThyCa offers information about thyroid cancer and support services available to people at any stage of testing, treatment or lifelong monitoring for thyroid cancer. Their website serves as a resource for anyone interested in thyroid cancer survivors' issues. One of their free publications, Thyroid Cancer Basics, is available as a PDF download in five different languages. They also offer an online community through discussion boards.