A variety of information, support groups or help is available for those on the cancer journey. Below are a few of the national organizations which offer help with any type of cancer and have support groups/counseling.
Some support groups are specific to the type of cancer. The National Cancer Institute has also compiled a comprehensive list of national organizations whose mission is to focus on cancer. This list includes organizatons which do not have support groups but it can serve as a guide to locating those groups with a particular focus or emphasis.
telephone: 1–877–333–HOPE
website: www.acscsn.org
Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, this is both a telephone and Web-based service for cancer survivors, their families, caregivers, and friends. The telephone component provides survivors and families access to pre-recorded discussions. The Web-based component offers live online chat sessions, virtual support groups, pre-recorded talk shows, and personal stories.
Telephone: 212–712–8080 OR 1–800–813–4673 (1–800–813–HOPE)
E-mail: info@cancercare.org
Web site: www.cancercare.org
CancerCare 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. CancerCare’s reach also extends to professionals—providing education, information, and assistance. A section of the CancerCare Web site and some publications are available in Spanish, and staff can respond to calls and e-mails in Spanish.
Telephone: 1–800–525–3777
E-mail: ciclhelp@amc.org
Web site: www.amc.org/contact.html
The CICL, part of the Psychosocial Program of the AMC Cancer Research Center, is a toll-free telephone service for cancer patients, their family members and friends, cancer survivors, and the general public. Professional counselors provide up-to-date medical information, emotional support through short-term counseling, and resource referrals to callers nationwide between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Mountain Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Individuals may also submit questions about cancer and request resources via e-mail.
Telephone: 202–659–9709 OR 1–888–793–9355 (1–888–793–WELL)
E-mail: help@thewellnesscommunity.org
Web site: www.thewellnesscommunity.org
The Wellness Community provides free psychological and emotional support to cancer patients and their families. The organization offers support groups facilitated by licensed therapists, stress reduction and cancer education workshops, nutrition guidance, exercise sessions, and social events.
Here are also some interesting links:
Association of Cancer Online Resources
Cancer Survivors Gathering Place
Hurricane Voices
Stories of Hope
The Group Room/Vital Options
