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Facing Forward Series: Life After Cancer Treatment
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This publication covers post-treatment issues such as follow-up medical care, physical and emotional changes, changes in social relationships, and workplace issues.
Part of the Facing Forward Series for cancer survivors, family members, and medical professionals. The series is designed to educate and empower cancer survivors as they face the challenges associated with life after cancer treatment.
|
| To order a hard copy, call the ACS National Cancer Information Center
at 1-800-ACS-2345, and ask for a copy of Facing Forward: Life After Cancer
Treatment, Publication No. 9522.00-HCP |
Printable version |
Dealing With Practical Matters
After Cancer Treatment
Download a PDF version of Dealing With Practical Matters After Cancer Treatment.
Being a cancer survivor can affect your job, your health insurance, your finances,
and other practical matters. Often, your doctor, nurse, or social worker can be
a good source for answers to your questions. There may be resources in your community
that can help you get the services you need. This section lists groups and organizations
to help you learn more about these issues and solve problems you may have.
You can use the phone or Internet to contact these groups. When you call, have
a pen and paper ready to write down important information. If you talk with someone,
ask for his or her name in case you want to call back later. If you want to use
the Internet but don't have a computer at home, you may want to use one at your
public library. The librarian can help you find sites and print out information
that you want to take home.
"My boss has been good about the time off I've taken--so
far. But I still worry that questions about my health will hurt my future
here."
Lisa, leukemia survivor, 53
|
"Now if I change insurance companies and [cancer comes back],
am I going to be covered?"
Charles, colon cancer survivor, 63
|
"I don't have insurance--it was hard enough getting my treatment
paid for. Now, how can I pay for the medicines I need?"
Elena, ovarian cancer survivor, 56
|
General Cancer Resources
The organizations listed below are a good starting point to answer your questions
about cancer. If you want to find a group that deals with a certain kind of cancer,
most of these organizations will be able to help you.
General Cancer Resources
|
| Contact Information |
Description |
National Cancer Institute
Cancer Information Service (CIS)
To speak with a CIS information specialist:
Tel: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday
TTY: 1-800-332-8615
To get assistance on line: http://cancer.gov/cis
Click on the LiveHelp
link between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
For information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Tel: 1-800-4-CANCER and select option 4 to hear recorded information
- http://cancer.gov
|
The Cancer Information Service (CIS) is the National Cancer
Institute's link to the public, interpreting and explaining research findings
in a clear and understandable manner. The CIS can respond to your specific
questions about cancer, including ways to prevent cancer, how to quit smoking,
symptoms and risks, diagnosis, current treatments, and research studies.
Whether you use the phone or the Internet, you can speak with knowledgeable,
caring staff who are trained to explain medical information in terms the
public can easily understand. You can also get:
- Free written materials on many different cancer topics.
- Referrals to clinical trials and cancer-related services such as
treatment centers, mammography facilities, or other cancer organizations.
- Assistance in quitting smoking from information specialists trained
in smoking cessation counseling.
|
Office of Cancer Survivorship
http://dccps.nci.nih.gov/ocs/default.html |
NCI's Office of Cancer Survivorship provides information
on new and innovative research in cancer survivorship and links to information
on Follow-Up Medical Care After Cancer Treatment, Late Effects, Health &
Well-Being, and Getting Involved After Cancer Treatment. |
American Cancer Society
(ACS National Headquarters)
1599 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
http://www.cancer.org
National Cancer Information Center
To speak with a cancer information specialist:
Tel: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Staff can accept calls in either English
or Spanish and can distribute publications in English and Spanish. |
The ACS is a volunteer health organization that offers a
variety of prevention and early detection programs, as well as cancer information
and support to patients, their families, and caregivers. The ACS also supports
research, provides printed materials, and conducts educational programs.
A local ACS unit may be listed in the white pages of the phone book under
"American Cancer Society."
ACS-Supported Programs:
- Cancer Survivors Network
(http://www.acscsn.org)
This is both a telephone and Web-based service for cancer survivors,
their families, caregivers, and friends. The telephone component (1-877-333-HOPE)
provides survivors and families access to prerecorded discussions. The
Web-based component offers live online chat sessions, virtual support
groups, prerecorded talk shows, and personal stories.
- Look Good ... Feel Better
(http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org)
In partnership with the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association
Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association, this free program
teaches women cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their
appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
- Hope Lodge Housing is provided in some areas through funds
raised specifically to purchase lodging for patients during their treatment;
17 lodges are in operation.
- I Can Cope
This program consists of a series of classes in which doctors, nurses,
social workers, and community representatives provide information about
cancer diagnosis and treatment as well as assistance in coping with
the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
- "tlc"
"tlc" is a "magalog" designed to provide needed medical information
and special products for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and
for breast cancer survivors. Many featured products are appropriate
for any woman experiencing treatment-related hair loss. Free copies
are available by calling 1-800-850-9445.
|
Cancer Care, Inc., National Office
275 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10001
Tel: 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)
Fax: 212-719-0263
http://www.cancercare.org |
Cancer Care is a national nonprofit agency that offers free
support, information, financial assistance, and practical help to people
with cancer and their loved ones. Services are provided by oncology social
workers and are available in person, over the telephone, and through the
agency's Web site. Cancer Care's reach also extends to professionals‚
providing education, information, and assistance. A section of the Cancer
Care Web site and some publications are available in Spanish, and staff
can respond to calls and e-mails in Spanish. |
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
1010 Wayne Avenue
Suite 770
Silver Spring, MD 20910-5600
Tel: 1-877-NCCS-YES (1-877-622-7937)
http://www.cansearch.org
e-mail: info@cansearch.org |
NCCS is a network of groups and individuals that offer support
to cancer survivors and their loved ones. It provides information and resources
on cancer support, advocacy, and quality-of-life issues. A section of the
NCCS Web site and a limited selection of publications are available in Spanish. |
There may be a charge for publications listed in this guide. Ask if there is
a cost when ordering.
Employment and Legal Rights
Could I now be passed over for a promotion? Can my office make special accommodations
to make it easier for me to do my job now? These are some of the questions cancer
survivors may have when they return to work after treatment. The resource list
below offers some general information and specific resources to consult for answers.
NOTE: Legal rights change frequently. Check all the material you read to
be sure you are getting accurate and up-to-date information from a reliable source.
Disability and Discrimination
|
| Contact Information |
Description |
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
1801 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20507
Tel/TTY: 1¡©800¡©669¡©6820
http://www.eeoc.gov
Federal Laws Prohibiting Job Discrimination: Questions & Answers
http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/qanda.html
The ADA: Your Responsibilities as an Employer http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada17.html
|
The EEOC is the Federal agency that coordinates the investigation
of employment discrimination. People can bring complaints against employers
if they believe they have experienced discrimination.
This fact sheet can answer your questions about who is protected by the
ADA, workplace accommodation, and other important information.
This fact sheet describes the responsibilities of an employer toward his/her
employees with disabilities. |
Department of Justice (USDOJ)
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530¡©0001
Tel: 1¡©800¡©514¡©0301
http://www.usdoj.gov |
The DOJ provides information to assist persons with disabilities
with legal issues, questions about the ADA, mediation services, and other
employment issues. |
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) 1331 F Street NW, Suite
300
Washington, DC 20004
Tel: 202-376-6200
TTY: 202-376-6205
http://www.dol.gov/dol/odep |
This agency provides fact sheets on a wide variety of disability
issues, including discrimination, workplace accommodation, and legal rights. |
Job Accommodation Network
West Virginia University
PO Box 6080
Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
Tel/TTY:1-800-526-7234
http://www.jan.wvu.edu |
This service of the U.S. Department of Labor offers ideas
on how to change a workplace to make it easier for an employee with a disability
to do his/her job. |
At your workplace:
- The Human Resources department
- A union representative
|
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (ADA) protect people against employment discrimination based
on a disability. These laws often cover cancer survivors. |
Legal Assistance
|
National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)
44 Montgomery Street
Suite 2080
San Francisco, CA 94104
Tel: 415-296-7629
http://www.nela.org |
NELA can help find a lawyer experienced in job discrimination
cases. |
Local Bar Association
Check your local phone book. |
Many local bar associations provide information about how
to find a lawyer and learn about legal assistance in the local area. |
Legal Aid or Legal Services Group
Check your local phone book. |
Many cities have legal aid groups that help provide free or
low-cost legal services. |
General Legal Information
|
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
1010 Wayne Avenue
Suite 770
Silver Spring, MD 20910-5600
Tel: 1-877-NCCS YES (1-877-622-7937)
http://www.cansearch.org
e-mail: info@cansearch.org |
Cancer information, including a book titled Working It
Out: Your Employment Rights as a Cancer Survivor |
American Cancer Society (ACS)
1599 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
Tel: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
http://www.cancer.org |
Contact ACS for legal information. |
Cancer Care, Inc., National Office
275 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Tel: 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)
http://www.cancercare.org
e-mail: info@cancercare.org |
Cancer Care has information on a wide range of cancer topics,
including employment issues. |
Health Insurance Concerns
During treatment, your focus was on getting your health plan to approve your treatments
and pay for your care. Now that treatment is over, many people have questions
about how their cancer will affect their insurance. Here are some common topics
of interest to cancer survivors in the first six months after treatment. Resources
for finding out more or getting help are listed for each topic below.
General Information About Your Health Insurance Policy
|
| Contact Information |
Description |
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 770
Silver Spring, MD 20910-5600
Tel: 1-877-NCCS-YES (1-877-622-7937)
http://www.cansearch.org
e-mail: info@cansearch.org |
What Cancer Survivors Need to Know About Health Insurance
is a resource that describes types of insurance, how to buy, how to submit
claims, and how to handle claim rejection. |
Your Private Insurer
|
Your insurance company should be able to answer questions
about your policy and what it covers. Be sure to ask for answers to questions
in writing. |
Your State Insurance Office
Check the phone book for contact information under "State Government" |
Contact your state insurance office about how/where to get
new health insurance. |
Health Insurance Coverage of Clinical Trials
|
National Cancer Institute
Tel: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
http:/www.cancer.gov (click on clinical trials area)
TTY: 1-800-332-8615 |
For more information on health insurance coverage, see the
National Cancer Institute's Web site, or
call the Cancer Information Service (CIS). |
Health Insurance--Legal Rights
|
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration
Office of Public Affairs
200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-5656
Washington, DC 20210
Tel: 202-693-8664
http://www.dol.gov/dol/pwba (COBRA
and ERISA) |
Contact the DOL Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration
to find out about or confirm your rights under COBRA and ERISA (Federal
laws about pensions and keeping insurance coverage when you change jobs). |
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21244
Tel: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
www.hcfa.gov |
Read here about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act of 1996, which says companies cannot exclude you from group coverage.
They also cannot charge more because of past or present medical problems. |
State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Programs (SHIPS)
and other state programs
To contact your state programs, call the Medicare hotline. Tel: 1-800-MEDICARE
http://www.medicare.gov |
Many states have counseling and assistance programs that
can answer your questions and help you understand your health care choices,
choose a Medicare plan and/or additional health insurance to meet your needs,
and help you understand your rights and protections.
You can also contact your state insurance commission by checking the phone
book under "State Government." Ask your doctor, social worker, or pharmacist
about programs for which you may be eligible. |
Help With Medical Costs
How can I pay for medicines I need? What about free or low-cost in-home medical
care or equipment?
For people who do not have health insurance or who need financial assistance to
cover health care costs, resources are available, including government-sponsored
programs and services supported by volunteer organizations. For more information,
contact the organizations listed here.
Financial Assistance
|
| Contact Information |
Description |
National Cancer Institute
Tel: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
NCI Fact Sheet: Financial Assistance for Cancer Care
http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/8_3.htm |
This fact sheet provides information on financial assistance. |
American Cancer Society (ACS)
1599 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
Tel: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
http://www.cancer.org |
Contact your local unit for information about financial resources
in your community. Local ACS units should be listed in the white pages of
the phone book under "American Cancer Society." |
Cancer Care, Inc., National Office
275 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001 Tel: 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)
Fax: 212-719-0263
http://www.cancercare.org
- AVONcares Program
- Novartis Program for Men with Cancer
- Hirshberg Fund
- Regional/Local Assistance
|
Provides financial assistance and relevant education and support
to low-income, under- and uninsured, underserved men and women throughout
the country in need of diagnostic and/or related services (transportation,
childcare, and social support) for a variety of cancers. Details and eligibility
vary for each program. |
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)
1311 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605-5221
Tel: 1-800-955-4572
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
e-mail: infocenter@leukemia-lymphoma.org
|
Provides information and financial aid to patients who have
leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, or multiple myeloma.
Callers may request a booklet describing LLS' Patient Aid Program or the
telephone number for their local LLS office. Some publications are available
in Spanish. |
Hill-Burton
Tel: 1-800-638-0742
http://www.hrsa.gov/osp/dfcr/obtain/obtain.htm
|
The program through which hospitals receive construction funds
from the Federal Government. Hospitals that receive Hill-Burton funds are
required by law to provide some services to people who cannot afford to
pay for their hospitalization. A brochure about the program is available
in Spanish. |
Tax Deductions
|
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Tel: 1-800-829-1040
7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
http://www.irs.gov |
Medical costs not covered by insurance policies can sometimes
be deducted from annual income before taxes. Examples of tax-deductible
expenses can include mileage for trips to medical appointments and out-of-pocket
costs for treatment, prescription drugs, or equipment. The local IRS office,
tax consultants, or certified public accountants can determine what medical
costs are tax-deductible. These telephone numbers can be found in the local
phone book. |
Transportation Assistance
|
Your local unit of the American Cancer Society
Your state or local Department of Social Services
Your hospital social worker
|
Nonprofit organizations and some government agencies may
arrange free or reduced-cost air transportation for cancer patients traveling
to distant cancer treatment centers. Financial need is not always a requirement.
To find out about these programs, talk with a hospital social worker. |
American Cancer Society (ACS)
1599 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
Tel: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
http://www.cancer.org |
Call to find your local unit. (See American
Cancer Society for more information.) |
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)
1311 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605-5221
Tel: 1-800-955-4572
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
e-mail: infocenter@leukemia-lymphoma.org
|
Call to find your local chapter. (See Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society for more information.) |
Eldercare Locator
A service of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Tel: 1-800-677-1116
Call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern time |
This agency can help coordinate travel for older persons.
Also, see Aging. |
Help Paying for Medicines
|
Cancer Information Service (CIS)
Tel: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
TTY: 1-800-332-8615 |
Call the CIS to request information about drug companies that
assist cancer patients with low incomes. |
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
1100 Fifteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 1-800-762-4636
http://www.phrma.org |
To make it easier for physicians to identify the growing number
of programs available for needy patients, PhRMA created a Directory of Prescription
Drug Patient Assistance Programs. It lists programs that provide drugs to
physicians whose patients could not otherwise afford them. The Directory
is available on the Web or can be requested over the phone. |
Indigent Patient Programs
NeedyMeds
http://www.needymeds.com |
Most of the large drug companies have what is called an "Indigent
Patient Program." These programs help provide medications to people who
cannot afford them. NeedyMeds, an Internet Web site, lists medicine assistance
programs available from drug companies.
NOTE: Usually, patients cannot apply directly for these programs. You
can ask your doctor, nurse, or social worker to contact them. |
State Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
Tel: 1-800-MEDICARE (Medicare Hotline)
http://www.medicare.gov |
Some states have a pharmaceutical assistance program that
will help pay for needed medicines.
For a listing of Prescription Drug Assistance Programs in your state, call
or visit the Medicare Web site. You can also ask your doctor or social worker
about programs for which you may be eligible. |
Credit Counseling
|
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
801 Roeder Road, Suite 900
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tel: 1-800-388-2227 (National Crisis Hotline)
http://www.nfcc.org |
NFCC is a national nonprofit network designed to provide
assistance to people dealing with stressful financial situations.
You can find nonprofit consumer credit counseling services in your area.
If you cannot find one in the phone book, the National Foundation for Consumer
Credit, Inc., can direct you to a certified consumer credit counselor in
your area. |
Hospital Payment Plans
|
Patient Advocate
Financial Aid Counselor
Social Worker
Patient Representative (in the Business Office)
|
Ask one of these hospital employees about setting up monthly
payment plans for hospital bills. |
Resources for Specific Groups
The following resources address concerns of specific groups and include information
about aging, resources for minority groups, and women's health.
Aging
|
| Contact Information |
Description |
AARP
601 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20049
Tel: 1-800-424-3410
http://www.aarp.org |
This organization provides many services, including counseling
groups, assistance to the homebound, and benefits and entitlement information.
|
Administration on Aging (AoA)
(US Department of Health and Human Services)
330 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Tel: 202-619-7501
TTY: 1-800-877-8339
Fax: 202-260-1012
http://www.aoa.gov
e-mail: aoainfo@aoa.gov |
AoA is the Federal focal point and advocate agency for older
persons. Through information and referral and outreach efforts at the community
level, AoA seeks to educate older people and their caregivers about the
benefits and services available to help them. AoA works closely with its
nationwide network of regional offices and state and area agencies on aging
to plan, coordinate, and develop community-level services systems that meet
their unique needs. |
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
927 15th Street, NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 202-296-8130, Fax: 202-296-8134
Eldercare Locator (a service of the National Association of Area Agencies
on Aging)
Tel: 1-800-677-1116
Call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern time |
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (NAAAA)
provides Eldercare Locator, a nationwide directory assistance service designed
to help older persons and caregivers find local support resources. Eldercare
Locator has links to state and local agencies on aging where one can get
information about services such as transportation, meals, home care, housing
alternatives, legal issues, and social activities. |
National Institute on Aging (NIA) (National Institutes of Health)
Building 31, Room 5C27
31 Center Drive, MSC 2292
Bethesda, MD 20892
Tel: 1-800-222-2225
http://www.nih.gov/nia |
The National Institute on Aging is involved in research, education,
training, information, and referral. This organization provides a broad
range of written materials on issues concerning older adults.
The NIA also produces Menopause: One Woman's Story, Every Woman's Story--A
Guide for Making Healthy Choices. |
Health Information for Minorities
|
Cancer Care, Inc., National Office
275 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10001
Tel: 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)
http://www.cancercare.org
e-mail: info@cancercare.org |
Cancer Care is a national nonprofit agency that offers free
support to people with cancer. See Cancer Care
for a description of their services. |
Intercultural Cancer Council
1720 Dryden, PMB-C
Houston, TX 77030
Tel: 713-798-4617
http://iccnetwork.org
e-mail: info@iccnetwork.org |
The Council promotes policies, programs, partnerships, and
research to address the unequal rates of cancer among minority groups. The
Web site provides resources and information on this issue. |
National Asian Women's Health Organization (NAWHO)
250 Montgomery Street
Suite 900 San Francisco, CA 94104
Tel: 415-989-9747
http://www.nawho.org
e-mail: nawho@nawho.org |
NAWHO is working to improve the health status of Asian women
and families through research, education, leadership, and public policy
programs. They have resources for Asian women in English, Cantonese, Laotian,
Vietnamese, and Korean. Publications on subjects such as reproductive rights,
breast and cervical cancer, and tobacco control are available. |
Office of Minority Health Resource Center (OMHRC)
(a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of
Minority Health)
P.O. Box 37337
Washington, DC 20013-7337
Tel: 1-800-444-6472
TDD: 301-230-7199
http://www.omhrc.gov |
The Center is one of the nation's largest sources of minority
health information. It offers fact sheets, publications, and a newsletter
on issues related to minority health. The Center can also refer you to other
sources of information. |
Women's Health
|
Office on Women's Health
(National Women's Health Information Center)
8550 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 300
Fairfax, VA 22031
Tel: 1-800-994-9662
TTY: 1-888-220-5446
http://www.4women.org |
This center offers information on various women's health issues,
including body image, nutrition, mammography, pregnancy and older women's
issues. |
Other Resources by Topic
Here are some groups that can help you with other questions you might have, including
information about such specific topics as alternative medicine, diet, genetic
counseling, and rehabilitation.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
|
| Contact Information |
Description |
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
NCCAM Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 7923
Gaithersburg, MD 20898
Tel: 1-888-644-6226
TTY: 1-866-464-3615
http://www.nccam.nih.gov
e-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov |
The Center provides reliable information about the safety
and effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices.
The Clearinghouse is the public's point of contact and access to information
about CAM and NCCAM's programs. Resources are available in English and Spanish. |
Consumer Health
|
Healthfinder
(a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
http://www.healthfinder.gov |
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Healthfinder
gives reliable consumer health information. It links to online publications,
clearinghouses, databases, Web sites, and support and self-help groups,
as well as government agencies and not-for-profit organizations that produce
reliable information for the public. |
Diet Guides
|
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250
Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2000
Federal Consumer Information Center
Tel: 1-888-878-3256
http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/dietary_guidelines.htm
|
Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2000(cost $4.75 +
$2.00 S&H) provides details about healthy diets. To order, call the Federal
Consumer Information Center. The pamphlet and other information can also
be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Web site. The Web-based
version of the pamphlet is free. |
Rehabilitation
|
National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 800
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tel: 1-800-346-2742
TTY: 301-495-5626
http://www.naric.com |
The Center provides information and referrals to the public
and those involved in the care of people with physical or mental disabilities. |
Additional Resources
The following groups can offer additional information, such as where to find a
support group, more detailed information about specific types of cancer, and various
services for cancer survivors and their families.
For a complete list of groups, see the NCI
Fact Sheet: National Organizations That Offer Services to People With Cancer and
Their Families or call 1-800-4-CANCER.
| Organization |
| Organization |
Description |
American Cancer Society (ACS)
1599 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
Tel: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
http://www.cancer.org |
Contact your local unit for more information. See American
Cancer Society for more information about services. |
American Foundation for Urologic Disease (AFUD)
1128 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Tel: 1-800-242-2383
http://www.afud.org
e-mail: admin@afud.org |
The AFUD supports research; provides education to patients,
the general public, and health professionals; and offers patient support
services for those who have or may be at risk for a urologic disease or
disorder. They provide information on urologic disease and dysfunctions,
including prostate cancer treatment options, bladder health, and sexual
function. They also offer prostate cancer support groups (Prostate Cancer
Network). Some Spanish-language publications are available. |
American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)
1759 R Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: 1-800-843-8114
http://www.aicr.org
e-mail: aicrweb@aicr.org |
The AICR provides information about cancer prevention, particularly
through diet and nutrition. They offer a toll-free nutrition hotline, pen
pal support network, and funding of research grants. The AICR also has a
wide array of consumer and health professional brochures, plus health aids
about diet and nutrition and their link to cancer and cancer prevention.
The AICR also offers the AICR CancerResource, an information and resource
program for cancer patients. A limited selection of Spanish-language publications
is available. |
Organization
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Cancer Care, Inc., National Office
275 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Tel: 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)
http://www.cancercare.org
e-mail: info@cancercare.org |
Cancer Care is a national nonprofit agency that offers free
support, information, financial assistance, and practical help to people
with cancer and their loved ones. Services are provided by oncology social
workers and are available in person, over the telephone, and through the
agency's Web site. Cancer Care's reach also extends to professionals-- providing
education, information, and assistance. Some services are available in Spanish. |
Cancer Hope Network
Suite A
Two North Road
Chester, NJ 07930
Tel: 1-877-HOPENET (1-877-467-3638)
http://www.cancerhopenetwork.org
e-mail: info@cancerhopenetwork.org
|
The Cancer Hope Network provides individual support to cancer
patients and their families by matching them with trained volunteers who
have undergone and recovered from a similar cancer experience. Such matches
are based on the type and stage of cancer, treatments used, side effects
experienced, and other factors. |
Cancer Information and Counseling Line (CICL)
(a service of the AMC Cancer Research Center)
1600 Pierce Street
Denver, CO 80214
Tel: 1-800-525-3777
Call from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mountain time.
http://www.amc.org
e-mail: cicl@amc.org |
The CICL, part of the Psychosocial Program of the AMC Cancer
Research Center, is a toll-free telephone service for cancer survivors,
their family members and friends, and the general public. Professional counselors
provide up-to-date medical information, emotional support through short-term
counseling, and resource referrals to callers nationwide. |
Gilda's Club, Inc.
322 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Suite 1402
Tel: 917-305-1200 (call for your local chapter)
http://www.gildasclub.org |
Gilda's Clubs provide social and emotional support to cancer
patients, their families, and friends. Lectures, workshops, networking groups,
special events, and a children's program are available. |
Lance Armstrong Foundation
P.O. Box 161150
Austin, TX 78716-1150
Tel: 512-236-8820
http://www.laf.org |
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) seeks to enhance the
quality of life for those living with, through, and beyond cancer. Founded
in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF's
mission is to enhance the quality of survival for those diagnosed with cancer.
LAF seeks to promote the optimal physical, psychological, and social care
and recovery of cancer survivors and their loved ones. The Foundation focuses
its activities on the following areas: survivor services and support, groundbreaking
survivorship programs, and medical and scientific research grants. |
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
1010 Wayne Avenue
Suite 770
Silver Spring, MD 20910-5600
Tel: 1-877-NCCS YES (1-877-622-7937)
http://www.cansearch.org
e-mail: info@cansearch.org
To order the Cancer Survival Toolbox, call: Tel:
1-877-TOOLS-4-U (1-877-866-5748)
http://www.cansearch.org/programs
|
NCCS is a network of groups and individuals offering support
to cancer survivors and their loved ones. It provides information and resources
on cancer support, advocacy, and quality-of-life issues. A section of the
NCCS Web site and a limited selection of publications are available in Spanish.
Offerings include a free audio program that teaches cancer survivorship
skills, the Cancer Survival Toolbox. |
National Lymphedema Network (NLN)
1611 Telegraph Avenue
Suite 1111
Oakland, CA 94612-2138
Tel: 1-800-541-3259
http://www.lymphnet.org
e-mail: nln@lymphnet.org |
The NLN provides education and guidance to lymphedema patients,
health care professionals, and the general public by providing information
on the prevention and management of primary and secondary lymphedema. The
Network provides a toll-free support hotline; a referral service to lymphedema
treatment centers and health care professionals; a newsletter; and a computer
database. Some Spanish-language materials are available. |
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)
753 Thimble Shoals Boulevard, Suite B
Newport News, VA 23606
Tel: 1-800-532-5274
http://www.patientadvocate.org
e-mail: help@patientadvocate.org
|
The PAF provides education, legal counseling, and referrals
to cancer patients and survivors concerning managed care, insurance, financial
issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis matters. |
R. A. Bloch Cancer Foundation, Inc.
4435 Main Street Suite 500
Kansas City, MO 64111
Tel: 1-816-WE-BUILD (816-932-8453)
http://www.blochcancer.org
hotline@hrblock.com |
The R. A. Bloch Cancer Foundation matches newly diagnosed
cancer patients with trained, home-based volunteers who have been treated
for the same type of cancer. They also distribute informational materials,
including a multidisciplinary list of institutions that offer second opinions.
Information is available in Spanish. |
United Ostomy Association
19772 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92612-2405
Tel: 1-800-826-0826 (6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Pacific time)
http://www.uoa.org
e-mail: uoa@deltanet.com" |
The United Ostomy Association helps ostomy patients through
mutual aid and emotional support. It provides information to patients and
the public and sends volunteers to visit with new ostomy patients. |
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)
1311 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605-5221
Tel: 1-800-955-4572
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
e-mail: infocenter@leukemia-lymphoma.org
|
The goal of LLS is to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma,
Hodgkin's disease, and multiple myeloma and to improve the quality of life
of patients and their families. LLS supports medical research and provides
health education materials and services for patients and families. |
The Wellness Community (National)
35 East Seventh Street, Suite 412
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Tel: 1-888-793-WELL (1-888-793-9355) http://www.wellness-community.org
e-mail: help@wellness-community.org
|
The Wellness Community provides free psychological and emotional
support to cancer patients and their families. They offer support groups
facilitated by licensed therapists, stress reduction and cancer education
workshops, nutrition guidance, exercise sessions, and social events. |
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