Resources

Federal Resources

Nonprofit Organizations

You can get information about cancer from many sources. Some are listed here. You may also want to check for more information from support groups in your community.

Federal Resources

• National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Has current information on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, genetics, and supportive care. NCI's web site (www.cancer.gov) lists clinical trials and specific cancer topics in NCI's Physician Data Query (PDQ®) database.
  
  NCI's Cancer Information Service
  Gives clear, up-to-date information on cancer to patients, families, health professionals, and the general public. It translates the latest scientific information into plain language in English, in Spanish, or on TTY equipment.
  

  Toll-free:	1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
  Online:	www.cancer.gov/cis
  Chat online:	www.cancer.gov/help

  
  
  
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  Has information about patient rights, prescription drugs, and health insurance issues, including Medicare and Medicaid.
  

  Toll-free:	1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
  Online:	www.medicare.gov (for Medicare information) or www.cms.hhs.gov (for other information)

  
  
  
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
  Part of the National Institutes of Health. It funds and studies medical practices that are not commonly used as standard care. It rates how well these different practices work and shares this information with the public.
  

  Toll-free:	1-888-644-6226
  TTY:	1-888-644-6226
  Online:	nccam.nih.gov

  
  
  

Nonprofit Organizations

• American Cancer Society (ACS)
  Mission is to end cancer as a major health problem through prevention, saving lives, and relieving suffering. ACS works toward these goals through research, education, advocacy, and service. The organization's National Cancer Information Center answers questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  

  Toll-free:	1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
  TTY:	1-866-228-4327
  Online:	www.cancer.org

  
  
  
• American Pain Foundation
  Serves people with pain through information, advocacy, and support; pain and resource information, practical help and publications are available through toll-free telephone service and website.
  

  Toll-free:	1-888-615-PAIN (1-888-615-7246)
  Online:	www.painfoundation.org

  
  
  
• CancerCare
  Offers free support, information, and financial and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones.
  

  Toll-free:	1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)
  Online:	www.cancercare.org

  
  
  
• Cancer Support Community
  Cancer Support Community is a national organization that provides support groups, stress reduction and cancer education workshops, nutrition guidance, exercise sessions, and social events.
  

  Toll-free:	1-888-793-WELL (1-888-793-9355)
  Online:	www.cancersupportcommunity.org

  
  
  
• Center to Advance Palliative Care
  Goal is to increase the availability of quality palliative care services for people facing serious illness. Offers training and assistance to health care professionals.
  

  Phone:	1-212-201-2670
  Online:	www.capc.org
  For patients and families:	www.getpalliativecare.org

  
  
  
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
  Gives out information on cancer support, employment, financial and legal issues, advocacy, and related issues.
  

  Toll-free:	1-877-NCCS-YES (1-877-622-7937)
  Online:	www.canceradvocacy.org

  
  
  
• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
  Has information on hospice care, local hospice programs, advance directives in different states, and finding a local health care provider. It offers education and materials on palliative and end-of-life issues through its Caring Connections program, as well as links to other organizations and resources.
  

  Toll-free:	1-800-658-8898
  Online:	www.nhpco.org

  
  Caring Connections
  

  Toll-free:	1-800-658-8898
  Online:	www.caringinfo.org

  
  
  
• NeedyMeds
  Lists medicine assistance programs available from drug companies.
  NOTE: Usually patients cannot apply directly to these programs. Ask your doctor, nurse, or social worker to contact them.
  

  Online:

  www.needymeds.com

  
  
  
• Patient Advocate Foundation
  Offers education, legal counseling, and referrals concerning managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis matters.
  

  Toll-free:	1-800-532-5274
  Online:	www.patientadvocate.org