Cancer Patient Support

Proper support is an important aspect of improving outcomes for patients going through cancer treatment. The following are selected resources for patients during cancer treatment:

National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service

The Cancer Information Service (CIS) provides information about cancer to patients, their families and the public.

  1. CIS specialists answer questions about cancer by telephone, TTY, and online chat. They can provide printed and electronic NCI publications.

 How to obtain help:

  1. Call CIS toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), 8:00am–8pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
  2. People in the U.S. with text telephone (TTY) equipment may call toll-free at 1-800-332-8615, 8am–8pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
  3. Chat live online. CIS specialists can answer your questions about cancer, offer help with quitting smoking, and help you use NCI’s website. Access LiveHelp® on NCI’s website (click on “LiveHelp® online chat”). This service is available from 8am to 11pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

CancerCare.org

CancerCare.org is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, including those diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs—including counseling and support groups, education, financial assistance and practical help—are provided by professional oncology social workers and are completely free of charge.

 How to obtain help:

  1. CancerCare Connect® Telephone Education Workshops: Leading experts in oncology provide the most up-to-date information on the telephone. These free telephone workshops are a way for people to learn about cancer-related issues from the convenience of their home or office.
  2. Counseling: Professionally trained oncology social workers help people living with cancer to cope with cancer’s emotional and practical challenges. Visit the site or simply call 800‑813‑HOPE (4673).
  3. Support Groups: Free online and telephone support groups led by professional oncology social workers connect those living with cancer with others who are in similar situations. Visit the site for more information.
  4. Publications: Free booklets and fact sheets offer up-to-date, easy-to-read information about the latest treatments, managing side effects, and coping with cancer. Visit CancerCare.Org’s publications page for more resources.
  5. Financial Help: CancerCare staff help people living with cancer manage financial concerns and provide referrals. Limited financial assistance is available.
  6. Specialized Programs: CancerCare for Kids® focuses on the needs of parents with cancer and children who are coping with a diagnosis of a family member. CancerCare also offers programs for caregivers, young adults, men and women’s cancers, post-treatment survivors, and the bereaved.

Native American Cancer Research

An American Indian operated, community based 501(c)(3) (non-profit) organization. The mission is to reduce cancer incidence and increase survival among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

 How to obtain help:

  1. Native American Cancer Education for Survivors Website: Provides information on topics including Spirituality, Communication, Treatment, Clinical Trials, Health Information, Side Effects, and Help & Support. Download the document.
  2. Toll-free hotline: NACR staff provide support over a toll the phone to anyone in the US (1-800-537-8295) Monday through Friday 9-2 pm Mountain time zone.

Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board’s “Appointment Companion”

Printable document for keeping track of providers, appointments, and medications, with lists of questions to ask providers and navigators before, during, and after cancer treatments. Also includes space to keep notes along the way. Download the document.