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General Resources


GENERAL INFORMATION SOURCES - Here is a LONG list of Cancer Resources organized loosely into categories. We want to help you find what you need and we try hard to keep this information up to date, accurate, and current. Please let us know if you feel we should revise our list in any way!

Several websites offer detailed information about specific cancers. They include:

INDEX to General Cancer Information Sources

ACOR

  • Online support group offers information and opportunity to converse with or receive email from other people who have the same type of cancer.
  • www.acor.org

Alpha Cancer Information Resource

  • www.alphacancer.com
  • Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups, providing access to cancer-related health information, allows visitor to interact directly with leading specialists in the field.

American Cancer Society

American Society of Clinical Oncology

  • 888-651-3038
  • www.cancer.net
  • American Society of Clinical Oncologists’ patient website, formerly www.plwc.org , providing oncologist-approved information to help people cope and make decisions about their healthcare, monthly Q&A with doctors.

Cancer Answers:

  • 800-456-7121

CancerCare

  • 800-813-4673 (800-813-HOPE)
  • 212-712-8400
  • www.cancercare.org
  • Counseling, support groups, restricted financial assistance, education and referrals to patients and loved ones. Services in person, on phone and online.

Cancer News on the Net:

Gilda’s Club Worldwide

  • 888-445-3248 (888-GILDA-4-U)
  • www.cancersupportcommunity.org
  • Merged in May 2009 with The Wellness Community.
  • Build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care in a free, nonresidential, homelike setting. All kinds and stages of cancer, families and friends. Locations in U.S. and Canada.

Lance Armstrong Foundation – LiveSTRONG SurvivorCare

  • www.livestrong.org, 866-467-7205
  • Caseworker available for one-on-one counseling and referrals to local resources, help addressing financial and insurance concerns, and clinical trials matching to new treatments in development.
  • Information and tools to “live strong,” following LAF philosophy that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything in the battle against cancer.

National Cancer Institute

National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation

  • 615-794-3006
  • www.ncsdf.org
  • Free kits for planning celebration on the first Sunday of June.

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

The Wellness Community

  • 888-793-9355 (888-793-WELL)
  • www.cancersupportcommunity.org
  • Merged in May 2009 with Gilda’s Club
  • Support, education and hope for patients, families.

AMPUTATION

L.E.A.P.S. Across the Heartland

  • www.angelfire.com/mo/LEAPSamps
  • 913-722-4654
  • Assists amputees with the loss of a limb by helping the individual through example and educational resources.

American Amputee Foundation

BONE MARROW/STEM CELL TRANSPLANT

American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

  • www.asbmt.org
  • 847-427-0224
  • Guidelines for clinical centers, training and searchable texts of articles.

BMT Support Online

Blood and Marrow Transplant Information Network

  • 888-597-7674
  • 847-433-3313
  • www.bmtinonet.org, www.bmtnews.org
  • Patient-friendly handbooks, quarterly newsletter, links with patients and survivors for emotional support, online directories of resources, U.S.& Canada transplant centers, and drugs used during transplant. Attorney referrals for insurance disputes.

Heart of America Bone Marrow Registry

  • 800-654-1247
  • Information to potential donors, patient advocacy, insurance information, transplant centers, help to initiate treatments.

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link

  • 800-546-5268 (800-LINK-BMT)
  • www.nbmtlink.org
  • Peer support for patients, families and caregivers, plus information, resources, video, booklets.
  • Partner hospitals: Children’s Hospital of Michigan City of Hope Cancer Center Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Henry Ford Transplant Institute Karmanos Cancer Institute Mayo Clinic Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Northside Hospital OHSU Center for Hematologic Malignancies University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview Blood and Marrow Transplant Program The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer

National Marrow Donor Program

  • 800-627-7692 (800-MARROW-2)
  • www.marrow.org
  • The National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) operates the Be The Match RegistrySM and partners with a global network of leading hospitals, blood centers, cord blood banks and laboratories. As a leader in the field of marrow and cord blood transplantation, the NMDP facilitates transplants worldwide, conducts research to improve survival and quality of life, and provides education to patients and health care professionals. Together with its fundraising partner, Be The Match FoundationSM, the NMDP is dedicated to creating an opportunity for all patients to receive the transplant therapy they need. Since operations began in 1987, the NMDP has provided more than 35,000 transplants to help give patients a second chance at life. For more information, visit BeTheMatch.org or call 1 (800) MARROW-2

BONE METASTASIS

The Paget Foundation

  • 800-237-2438 (800-23-PAGET)
  • www.paget.org
  • Information and referrals for people whose cancer has metastasized to the bone, particularly in breast and prostate cancers. Some physician referrals as well.

CANADA

Canadian Cancer Information Services

  • 888-939-3333

Carcinoid NeuroEndocrine Tumour Society of Canada

  • http://www.cnetscanada.org
  • 416-544-8467
  • Provides information on carcinoid-specific support groups in Canada and conducts workshops.

Hope & Cope

  • 514-340-8222
  • www.hopecope.jgh.ca
  • Survivor matching, support, patient education, wigs (etc.), quarterly magazine (bilingual, English/French) and more

CAREGIVERS/SUPPORTERS

National Family Caregivers Association

  • 800-896-3650
  • www.nfcacares.org
  • info@nfcares.org
  • Education, support, respite care and advocacy for caregivers, including support groups. Free memberships to U.S. caregivers.

Cancer Care

  • 800-813-4673 (800-813-HOPE)
  • www.cancercare.org
  • Counseling, support groups, restricted financial assistance, education and referrals to patients and loved ones. Services in person, on phone and online.

Community Care Coalition (Kansas City area)

  • 913-649-2121
  • A network of KC area agencies that collaborate to provide resources, programs, advocacy and support for families that deal with ongoing illness concerns. It offers monthly caregiver sessions, quarterly seminars, and a quarterly newsletter.

Kansas City Partnership for Caregivers

  • 913-236-8700
  • www.caregiverskc.com
  • A coalition working to strengthen and support caregivers of older adults.

Family Connections Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Boston

  • (617) 632-4020
  • www.dana-farber.org/pat/support/familyconnections/program.asp
  • Identify and respond to the needs of parents and children through supporting, supplementing, and empowering parent and child coping as a family. Resources and relevant information offer guidance to help families manage the impact of cancer on their lives.

Friends’ Health Connection

  • 800-483-7436, http://www.48friend.org
  • Friends’ Health Connection links persons with illness or disability and their family caregivers with others experiencing the same challenges.

Kids Konnected

  • 800-899-2866, www.kidskonnected.org
  • Friendship, education, support and newsletter for kids of cancer patients.

Kidscope

  • www.kidscope.org/kids.html
  • 404-892-1437
  • Basic information about what to expect and how children cope with issues surrounding a parent’s disease and treatment

National Alliance for Caregiving

  • http://www.caregiving.org
  • Helps family caregivers learn about information, videos, pamphlets, etc. that have been reviewed and approved as providing solid information.

National Students of AMF (Ailing Mothers & Fathers) Support Network

  • David Fajgenbaum at: david@studentsofamf.org
  • www.studentsofamf.org
  • Supports grieving college students and raises awareness about their needs. Establishes campus chapters, provides interactive e-support online, awards scholarships, funds adolescent bereavement studies, conducts conferences on college student bereavement.

Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development

  • 229-928-1234
  • http://www.rci.gsw.edu
  • RCI provides educational programs for caregivers, conducts research, and disseminates information about caregiving.

Well Spouse Foundation

  • 800-838-0879
  • www.wellspouse.org
  • A national membership organization that gives support to husbands, wives and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled. Well Spouse has a network of support groups and also a newsletter for spouses.

CHEMOTHERAPY

By My Side

  • www.bymyside.com
  • Information on chemotherapy side effects and more from Amgen, maker of Neulasta (white blood cell count stimulator)

Chemotherapy Foundation

CHILDHOOD CANCER

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation

  • 800-366-2223 (Local contact Pat Brown, 816-234-3266)
  • www.candlelighters.org
  • Organization for parents of children who have cancer, coordinated locally by Children’s Mercy Hospital. Toll-free number provides regional information about camps for children with cancer, support groups for parents and/or children, and educational information.

Kids Konnected

  • 800-899-2866
  • www.kidskonnected.org
  • Friendship, education, support and newsletter for kids who have a parent with cancer.

National Children’s Leukemia Foundation

  • In NY: 718-251-1222
  • 800-448-3467 (800-GIVE-HOPE)
  • www.leukemiafoundation.org
  • Comprehensive information; referrals for initial testing, physicians, hospital admissions, and treatment options; stem cell banking; bone marrow matching; dream fulfillment and help getting health insurers to pay for treatment and care.

Trish Greene Back To School Program

  • 800-955-4572
  • www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
  • Fosters communication among healthcare professions, parents, young patients and school staff in preparation for the return to school and other activities. Information, videos and more.

Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation

  • 866-228-4673
  • www.cbtf.org
  • Resource guide (English/Spanish), newsletter, parents network, teleconference and funds research.

Childhood Leukemia Center

Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation

Children’s Hospice International

  • 800-243-4453
  • www.chionline.org
  • Support and care for children with life-threatening conditions and their families. The hospice approach for children is a team effort that provides medical, psychological and spiritual expertise and information.

CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation

  • 800-458-6223
  • www.CureSearch.org
  • Supports the work of CureSearch Children’s Oncology Group at more than 200 member instituteions. Represents all North American pediatric cancer programs, treating more than 90% of pediatric cases.

Make-A-Wish Foundation

  • 800-722-9474, www.wish.org
  • Grants wishes of children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses.

National Childhood Cancer Foundation

  • 800-458-6223
  • www.curesearch.org
  • Supports pediatric cancer treatment and research projects and provides a network for pediatric cancer specialists. The website offers facts about childhood cancer, clinical trials, links to other information sources, news and events, and a way to search for clinical trial protocols and Children’s Cancer Group Specialists.

National Children’s Cancer Society

  • 800-532-6459
  • www.children-cancer.com
  • Direct financial assistance and emotional support to children with cancer and their families.

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

  • 800-253-6530
  • www.pbtfus.org
  • Supports the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors through funding medical research, provides patient and family support, resource and educational materials, advocates for increased awareness, hosts series of worldwide internet conferences to provide information and support to families.

Starlight Foundation

CLINICAL TRIALS

Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups

  • 877-520-4457

www.CancerTrialsHelp.org

  • Search engine, interactive training guide and patient discussion forum.

www.clinicaltrials.gov

www.centerwatch.com

  • 617-948-5100

www.trialscentral.org

COMPLEMENTARY/INTEGRATIVE CARE

Integrative Medicine Program, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

  • www.mdanderson.org/cimer
  • 877-632-6789 (877-MDA-6789)
  • Reviews, continuing education opportunities, communication techniques, drug interaction advisories and other information, for use in discussing and advising patients wanting to use these therapies.

Complementary/Integrative Medicine, National Cancer Institute

Cancerbackup – Macmillan Cancer Support

The Annie Appleseed Project

Care Trust Publications

  • 800-565-1533
  • www.comfortofhome.com
  • They offer a variety of resources for self-care including a CD and audio tape for stress reduction and meditation designed for caregivers.

Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society at University of Massachusetts Medical School

  • 508-856-2656
  • www.umassmed.edu/cfm
  • They have information on “mindfulness based stress reduction” – a program to promote relaxation and well-being. Resources on stress reduction through meditation, guided imagery and relaxation techniques are available. Topics include “Using your mind and body to face stress, pain and illness.”

Healthjourneys

  • 800-800-8661
  • www.healthjourneys.com
  • They offer a variety of videos, cassettes, CDs, software and books to promote relaxation, wellness and healing that is related specifically to cancer and the effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Products include resources on guided imagery, meditation and self-care.

Mind Jingles

  • www.musicalnotes.us
  • 866-502-1030
  • A CD of six songs for patients and caregivers designed to promote positive attitudes and a sense of well-being. The songs are repetitions of words and phrases on the topics of healing, love, beauty, peace, energy and thankfulness.DEPRESSION

American Psychosocial Oncology Society

  • www.apos-society.org
  • 866-276-7443
  • Helpline connects cancer patients and their caregivers to psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers and counselors skilled in the management of cancer-related distress. Intake by voicemail results within 24-48 hours in referrals for local counseling services or, if none are nearby, counseling via telephone.

DIET/NUTRITION

American Dietetics Association

  • www.eatright.org
  • 800-877-1600
  • Search by state for registered dietitians who specialize in oncology nutrition.

American Institute of Cancer Research

  • 800-843-8114
  • www.aicr.org
  • National group specializes in diet, nutrition and cancer.

The Oley Foundation

  • 800-776-6539
  • www.oley.org
  • Educational and emotional support, outreach activities, clinical outcomes information for people whose daily survival depends on home intravenous or tube-fed nutrition.

DOCTORS’ BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Vitals

  • www.vitals.com
  • 201-842-0760
  • No-fee website with empirical information on a doctor’s quality and expertise, consumer ratings and reviews, and recommendations from other doctors.

EQUIPMENT

American Cancer Society

  • 800-227-2345 (National)
  • 913-432-3277 (Local)
  • www.cancer.org
  • Medical equipment, respiratory services and home infusion. Identifies fee for service companies or call local office for a list of agencies.

ETHICAL QUESTIONS

Center for Practical Bioethics

  • 800-344-3829
  • (In KC) 816-221-1100
  • www.practicalbioethics.org.
  • Addresses the practical needs of those dealing with healthcare dilemmas in the Kansas City metropolitan area, regionally and nationally. Through education, consultation, and public engagement, the Center has helped patients and their families, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and corporate leaders grapple with ethically complex issues in health and healthcare.

FERTILITY

Fertile Hope

  • 888-994-4673 (888-994-HOPE)
  • www.fertilehope.org
  • Reproductive Information, support and hope for survivors whose treatments present the risk of infertility.

GAY/LESBIAN

Mautner Project, the National Lesbian Health Organization

  • 866-628-8637 (866-MAUTNER)
  • www.mautnerproject.org
  • Direct client services, client navigation programs, online support groups, retreats, workshops, research and advocacy for health issues relating to lesbians with cancer and their families.

HOSPICE

Choice in Dying

Growth House

  • www.growthhouse.org
  • 415-255-9045
  • Gateway to resources for life-threatening illness and end-of-life issues.

Kansas City Hospice

National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (Caring Connections)

  • 800-658-8898
  • www.caringinfo.org
  • Provides phone numbers of local hospices throughout the U.S.
  • Information on choosing home care and hospice.

HOTLINES

M.D. Anderson

  • 800-345-6324
  • Patient matching, info about the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. (patient referral: 800-392-1611).

Cancer Hope Network

AMC Cancer Research Center at University of Colorado Cancer Center

  • 800-525-3777
  • Medical information, resource referrals, emotional support through short-term counseling.

Dave Dravecky’s Outreach of Hope

Fourth Angel Network

  • 216-445-8734
  • Affiliated with The Cleveland Clinic

Friends for Life Mentoring Network

  • 866-374-3634
  • Based in Kentucky

Hope & Cope (Canada)

  • 514-340-8255
  • www.hopecope.jgh.ca
  • Survivor matching, support, patient education, wigs, quarterly magazine (English/French) and more

I Can Cope

  • 800-ACS-2345
  • Local 816-842-7111
  • ACS-sponsored hospital-based program for patient and family. Learn about disease process, treatment, diagnosis and rehabilitation, exchange ideas and concerns. Emphasis on positive attitudes.

Imerman Angels

Planet Cancer

  • www.planetcancer.org
  • An online community for young cancer patients (teens to 30s) and their supporters, similar to Facebook and MySpace. Protected website, lots of response to new pages.

HOUSING/LODGING

Hope Lodge (an American Cancer Society program)

Ronald McDonald House

  • 630-623-7048
  • www.rmhc.org
  • Refuge from the hospital for families of children with cancer.

Joe’s House

  • www.joeshouse.org
  • 877-563-7468 (877- JOESHOU)
  • State-by-state lists of accommodations for patients, families and caregivers, also by proximity to hospital. Lodging rates listed; some have online booking links.

National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses

  • 800-542-9730
  • www.nahh.com
  • Information on lodging and support available for families receiving medical care away from home.

IN-HOME ASSISTANCE

Cleaning for a Reason

  • 877-337-3348
  • www.cleaningforareason.org
  • Provides free housecleaning once a month for 4 months to women undergoing chemotherapy. Requires a doctor’s confirmation of treatment. Currently works with 547 maid services nationwide who provide the cleaning. The application process opens at 12 noon Central Time, Monday through Thursday, and they accept a maximum of 50 applications each day. However, the demand is such that they accept approximately 8 applications a minute once it’s activated. Therefore, the application process is open for approximately 6 minutes.

Faith in Action

  • 866-839-8865
  • www.fianationalnetwork.org
  • A membership organization of local programs that use volunteers from many faiths to shop, cook, drive or just check in on the millions of Americans with long-term health needs. Not available in all areas.

Stephen Ministries

  • www.stephenministries.org
  • 314-428-2600
  • A Christian, non-denominational, spiritual caregiving program offering confidential weekly one-on-one sessions with trained volunteers in the home, hospital or neutral location.

My Pink Planner

  • www.mypinkplanner.com
  • Cadie Connors, 816-729-6001
  • Free online service that helps friends coordinate meals and other support for breast cancer patients.

INSURANCE/LEGAL

American Cancer Society

  • 800-ACS-2345, ask to speak to the insurance specialist.

Cancer Legal Resource Center

  • 866-843-2572
  • 213-736-1455
  • www.lls.edu/academics/candp/clrc.html
  • Free and confidential information and resources on cancer-related legal issues. A joint program of Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and the Disability Rights Legal Center (formerly Western Law Center for Disability Rights).

CancerCare Inc.

  • 800-813-4673 (800-813-HOPE)
  • www.cancercare.org
  • Counseling, support groups, restricted financial assistance, education and referrals to patients and loved ones. Services provided in person, on phone and online.

Cancervive

  • 800-486-2873 (800-4-TO-CURE)

Department of Health & Human Services Inspector General Hotline

  • 800-447-8477
  • www.oig.hhs.gov
  • Answers complaints regarding fraud, overcharging or other abuses related to Medicare or Medicaid. Provides help with entitlements and benefits, and information on insurance and community resources.

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

State Cancer Legislative Database

  • http://www.scld-nci.net/index.cfml
  • State-by-state information from the National Cancer Institute on legislation relating to breast, cervical, colorectal, ovarian, prostate, skin, testicular and uterine cancer, access to state-of-the-art treatment, cancer registries, genetics, and tobacco.

Patient Advocate Foundation

  • 800-532-5274
  • www.patientadvocate.org
  • Information on managed-care terminology and policy issues that may affect coverage; legal intervention services; and counseling to resolve job and insurance problems.

Co-Pay Relief Program

  • www.copays.org or www.patientadvocate.org
  • Co-payment assistance for patients being treated for breast, colon, kidney, lung, pancreatic and prostate cancers, lymphomas, sarcomas and secondary issues resulting from chemotherapy.
  • Qualifying patients have health insurance or Medicare Part D benefits.
  • Applicants must meet medical and financial criteria.
  • Most payments go directly to medical providers or pharmaceutical suppliers.

State Insurance Commission

KANSAS CITY AREA SUPPORT/ADVOCACY GROUPS

Cancer Action

  • www.canceractionkc.org
  • 913-321-8880 (Wyandotte County KS)
  • 816-350-8881 (Independence MO)
  • 913-642-8885 (Johnson County KS)

Foundation on Aging

Ovarian Cancer Hotline

  • 913-599-9982

Touched by Cancer Foundation

Wellness Center

  • 4770 N. Belleview Ave, 64116,
  • individual sessions and group classes, retreats, blogs, newsletter.

Turning Point: The Center for Hope & Healing

LYMPHEDEMA

Therapy Concepts Treatment Center

  • 913-438-8008

Therapy Plus (Shawnee Mission Med Ctr)

  • 913-676-2444 or 6832

North American Vodder Association of Lymphatic Therapy

  • 888-462-8258

National Lymphedema Network

METASTATIC CANCER

Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation

  • www.jajf.org
  • 404-279-5211
  • Provides “dream Factory memory opportunities for children who have a Mom or Dad with late-stage, limited life expectancy cancer.

MetaCancer Foundation (with Wellness Community)

  • www.metacancer.org
  • 760-231-9636
  • 202-255-8563
  • Resources and support for metastatic cancer survivors and their caregivers. Those with very different types of metastatic cancer acknowledge the common psychological and emotional realities they face.

MULTILINGUAL SERVICES

ACS access to ATT language line

  • Call ACS (1-800-227-2345)
  • Punch 1
  • Ask to speak to someone in the language of choice.

ASCO Patient Guides in Spanish

Asian and Pacific Islander National Cancer Survivors Network

  • 415-954-9988
  • Primarily for those of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. Offers linking connections with survivors and resources to services and multi-lingual cancer materials

California Chinese Unit, American Cancer Society

Centers for Disease Control, Spanish-language cancer information

NEUROPATHY

The Neuropathy Association

  • 212-692-0662
  • www.neuropathy.org
  • General info on neuropathy from various causes, plus info on support groups.

OSTOMY

ConvaTec Connection

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America

  • www.ccfa.org
  • 800-932-2423No cancer connection, but chapters nationwide where ostomy patients can get support for that aspect.

United Ostomy Association

  • 800-826-0826
  • www.uoa.org
  • Education, information, support and advocacy for intestinal or urinary diversion patients.

PAIN

Alliance of State Pain Initiatives (WI)

  • http://aspi.wisc.edu/state.htm
  • (608) 265-4013
  • Based in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health
  • A network of state-based Pain Initiative organizations working to remove barriers that impede pain relief through education, advocacy and institutional improvement. State initiatives include nurses, physicians, pharmacists, social workers, psychologists, patient advocates, and representatives of clergy, higher education, and government dedicated to improving the care of persons with pain.

PREGNANCY

Pregnancy and Cancer

  • 800-743-6724, Ext. 308
  • Matching service, newsletter, printed information
  • P.O. Box 1243, Buffalo NY 14220

Pregnant with Cancer Network

PROSTHESIS

PJ Jordan

  • A source for information on nose prosthesis:
  • (w)804-828-4893, 7:30-3 (lunch 1-2pm)
  • (h) 804-748-8199, 5-7pm weekdays
  • pjjordan@mcvh-vcu.edu
  • Thorough Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer

RADIATION

American Brachytherapy Society

Radiology Info

  • www.radiologyinfo.org
  • Information about diagnostic tools and therapies from the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America.

RT Answers – Answers to Your Radiation Therapy Questions

  • www.rtanswers.org
  • 800-962-7876
  • Info about radiation treatments and side effects, search engine to find radiation oncologists.

RARE CANCERS

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

  • www.rarediseases.org
  • 800-999-6673
  • Information including symptoms and treatment for many rare disorders, matches by mail.

RESEARCH

Cancer Research Institute

  • 800-992-6233 (800-99-CANCER)
  • www.cancerresearch.org
  • Supports research into immunological treatment, control & prevention.

SIDE EFFECTS

Oncology Nursing Society – Cancer Fatigue

Look Good-Feel Better

  • ACS program: 800-227-2345
  • People undergoing treatment develop skills to improve their appearance.

Shop Well With You

  • www.shopwellwithyou.org
  • (800) 799-6790
  • Customized clothing tips arranged by cancer-related treatments and side-effects; a directory of cancer-specific products such as swimsuits and head coverings, and where to find them; guidance on how to use clothing and accessories to maintain a positive body-image during and after treatment; and articles and books focused on body-image, clothing, cancer, and wellness.

Skin care during radiation

  • One of our volunteers used this treatment her hospital recommended with good results. Use a mild soap (Tone or Dove) and use cotton towels. In order to minimize skin reaction, use salt-water soaks – mix 1 tsp. table salt in 1 quart warm water, saturate a cotton washcloth in the solution and place over treated area for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply whatever lotion doctor recommends. Start soaks after first week and do twice a day after the 3rd or 4th week.

Wigs

Paula Young Catalog,

  • 800-343-9695

Locks of Love

  • 888-896-1588
  • www.locksoflove.org
  • Hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 with medical hair loss. Free, or sliding scale.

STATISTICS

Centers for Disease Control

  • www.cdc.gov/cancer
  • 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
  • Statistical information by cancer type and overall, also available in Spanish.
  • Also, an online link to a very interesting Global Cancer Atlas Online that shows where some types are more prevalent than others.

TRANSPORTATION

Angel Flight America

  • 888-426-2643 (888-4-AN-ANGEL)
  • www.angelflightamerica.org
  • Free air transportation for people in need to specialized healthcare facilities or distant destinations due to a family, community or national crisis.

National Patient Travel Center

  • 800-296-1217
  • www.patienttravel.org
  • Free referral for patients needing airline transportation to distant specialized treatment facilities.

Corporate Angel Network

  • 866-328-1313
  • www.corpangelnetwork.org
  • Arrange free air transportation for cancer patients and bone marrow donors to/from cancer treatment centers nationwide. No financial requirements or limits on number of flights. Patients must be able to walk/travel without life support.

TREATMENT INFORMATION

Cancer Research Institute

  • 800-992-2623
  • www.canceresearch.org
  • CRI Helpbook provides information on how to talk to doctor when diagnosed, information about treatments and clinical trials, and a resource directory.

FDA Cancer Liaison Program

National Library of Medicine

  • www.nlm.nih.gov
  • Access to the National Library of Medicine for literature searches. Access to Medline to search for major medical journal articles by topic.
  • OncoLink – www.oncolink.upenn.edu

YOUNG ADULTS

I’m Too Young For This Cancer Foundation

Imerman Angels

Planet Cancer

  • www.planetcancer.org
  • An online community for young cancer patients (teens to 30s) and their supporters, similar to Facebook and MySpace. Protected website, lots of response to new pages.

The Ullman Cancer Fund for Young Adults

  • 888-393-3869 (888-393-FUND)
  • www.ullmanfund.org
  • Support programs, education and resources to benefit young adults, their families and friends who are affected by cancer.
  • Partner with Imerman Angels.
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