🎗️ Cancer Support Resources & Organizations
🎗Major National Support Organizations
American Cancer Society (ACS)
Offers a 24/7 helpline (1‑800‑227‑2345), rides to treatment (Road To Recovery), free lodging (Hope Lodge),
clinical trials navigation (ACS CARES™), emotional support, hair loss & post-surgical products, and estate planning tools.
CancerCare
Provides free services: oncology social worker–led counseling, support groups (phone, online, face‑to‑face),
educational workshops, publications, and financial/copay assistance.
Cancer Support Community (includes Gilda's Club)
Located across ~175 U.S. locations, offering group support, education, advocacy, and a national helpline,
in-person programs, and virtual events.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
Survivor‑led nonprofit advocating for quality cancer care, access, and policy change; provides survivorship
checklists and resources.
🧠Community-Based & Specialized Support
Imerman Angels
Free one-to-one peer support connecting current cancer patients or caregivers with volunteer cancer survivors
("Mentor Angels"). Available through Verywell Health.
Sharsheret
Specifically supports Jewish women (breast/ovarian cancer or BRCA mutation risk), providing tailored healthcare
info, communal support, and financial assistance.
Livestrong Foundation
Offers a Cancer Resource Request service to match patients with personalized emotional, financial, insurance,
employment, or mentorship resources. Visit livestrong.org
🚗Practical Help: Transportation, Lodging & Financial Aid
Hope Lodge (ACS)
Free lodging for patients & caregivers traveling 40+ miles—over 500,000 nights provided yearly across
more than 30 U.S. locations.
Road to Recovery (ACS)
Volunteer drivers help patients get to and from treatment. Plus grants or vouchers in many areas.
Local & Community Resources
Many states or charitable programs offer child care, home care, medical equipment, or help with living expenses.
Reach out to local ACS chapters or United Way. Visit cancerfac.org
🧘Emotional & Complementary Support
Online Health Communities & Forums
Platforms like Inspire or condition-specific Facebook groups (e.g., Colontown for colorectal cancer) offer
peer connection, shared experiences, emotional and informational support.
Integrative and Complementary Therapies
Yoga, meditation, massage, tai chi, music therapy, etc.—shown to relieve anxiety, depression, pain, and improve
quality of life when used alongside medical treatment. Always consult your care team first.
💡Mental Health Support Tips
A cancer diagnosis can trigger anxiety and depression. Strategies include maintaining routines, mindfulness,
seeking professional help, and engaging support groups or trusted communities.
📊Financial Challenges & Coping Strategies
Patients often experience high "financial toxicity," with out-of-pocket medical costs exceeding 20% of annual
income for many. It's vital to talk with social workers or patient navigators for financial planning, ask about
costs early, and explore assistance programs.
Organizations like ACS, CancerCare, HealthWell Foundation, and the Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition can
connect you with assistance for medication copays, insurance premiums, transportation, and housing.
📋Where to Start - Step by Step Guide
| Step |
What to Do |
| 1. Call the 24/7 ACS Helpline |
Connect with ACS CARES™ for information, support, lodging, rides, and trial-matching |
| 2. Reach out to CancerCare |
Get counseling, group support, help navigating finances and insurance |
| 3. Find a local Cancer Support Community |
Attend in-person or virtual peer support and educational workshops |
| 4. Explore specialized programs |
Use peer-match services like Imerman Angels or Livestrong; Sharsheret if eligible |
| 5. Consult hospital social worker |
For assistance applying to community/local support, Medicaid/Medicare logistics |
| 6. Consider therapy and complementary options |
Integrative care for well-being support alongside traditional treatment |
