Online Resources

Caregiver Action Network works to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. CAN (the National Family Caregivers Association) is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.

FCA seeks to improve the quality of life for caregivers through education, services, research, and advocacy. FCA’s National Center on Caregiving offers information on current social, public policy and caregiving issues, and provides assistance in the development of public and private programs for caregivers.

A social venture committed to caring for caregivers. Provides resources, assistance and a voice to over 50 million Americans who are currently caregivers to the chronically ill, aged and disabled.

The 4th Angel Program is part of the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative. This is a free, national service which provides a one-to-one supportive relationship (phone or email based) to cancer patients and their caregivers. The program has over 400 patient and caregiver mentors who are at least 6 months post treatment, and continues to train more mentors.

Organization strives to educate and assure caregivers and oncology teams there are ways to ease the journey’s relentless demands. Goal is to help caregivers emerge on the other end with less stress, more energy and a feeling of accomplishment that they did all they could for their loved ones.

A leading provider of information, support and guidance for family and professional caregivers. Founded in 1995as a producer of Today’s Caregiver magazine, the first national magazine dedicated to caregivers. Caregiver Media Group and all of its products are developed for caregivers, about caregivers and by caregivers.

A registry and results database of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world. ClinicalTrials.gov gives you information about a trial’s purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details.

Comprehensive information about specific types of cancer, updates on cancer treatments and news about research advances. Information is updated every day and provided at various levels, from introductory to in-depth.

Federal agency that provides information on cancer prevention and control.

Founded in 1938. With a membership of more than 17,000, it represents virtually all practicing dermatologists in the United States, as well as a growing number of international dermatologists. Find free screening locations as well as information on research, diagnosis and treatment.

DermWeb is a premier destination for dermatology links and resources on the Web. There are several areas of interest for practicing dermatologists, for dermatology students, and for the general public.

Educates about skin cancer and its prevention by means of sun protection; as well as the need for early detection, and prompt, effective treatment. It is the only international organization devoted solely to combating the world’s most common cancer, now occurring at epidemic levels.

The NCI coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.

This service provides information on drugs and offers applications (if available) for financial assistance, coupons for drugs, discount drug cards, free/low cost clinics and government program information.

Free prescription savings program for qualified enrollees, which provides savings on more than 300 FDA-approved prescription drugs.

This program helps uninsured and financially struggling patients get access to nearly 500 healthcare and prescription assistance programs that offer medicines for free or nearly free.

More than 30 states have programs that will give discounts on prescription drugs, often for free. Visit web site to learn more about the various programs state legislatures have developed.

Patient assistance programs run by pharmaceutical companies to provide free medications to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine. RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of these patient assistance programs, as well as practical tools, news, and articles.

Advocate in making the patient assistance program journey easier and faster by supplying vital information and help.

An international non-profit dedicated to providing support to people affected by cancer. Services are available through a network of professionally led community-based centers, hospitals, community oncology practices and other non-profits, as well as online.

Cancer survivors of more than 50 different types of cancer volunteer for CanCare to provide emotional support to those currently facing a battle with cancer. Family members of survivors provide emotional support to family members of cancer patients.

Free, personal and private websites that connect people experiencing a significant health challenge to family and friends, making each health journey easier.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that encourages cancer patients and caregivers to create free, customized websites. Our mission is to empower patients to build an online support community of family and friends to foster connection, inspiration, and healing.

National Office serves people with cancer and their loved ones throughout the entire 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Write to healthfinder.gov at Health and Human Services Department for easy entry point to trustworthy health information.

Very comprehensive information from the US Government agency wing of the National Institute of Health (NIH).

A medical education site from a company that helps both consumers and healthcare providers navigate the healthcare community.

Provides information and support to patients and families facing life-threatening illnesses.

Provides information and education about caring for the dying and the bereaved. Contact for information about good hospice and palliative care; to get referrals to hospices and palliative care organizations in the USA, to discuss issues relating to caring for the dying and the bereaved.

202- 457-5811 or 800- 854-3402
www.Hospicefoundation.org
hfaoffice@hospicefoundation.org

877-470-6472
www.nationalhospicefoundation.org
info@nationalhospicefoundation.org

www.caringconnections.org
caringinfo@nhpco.org

Information regarding familial cancers

Provides education and legal counseling to cancer patients (relative to a diagnosis) concerning managed care, discrimination, insurance and financial issues.

Studies family-linked cancer. Counseling, information on clinical trials, cancer and hereditary factors.

Provides information about cancer and cancer-related resources to patients, the public and health professionals. Offers one-on-one smoking cessation counseling and literature. Free publications.

Provides educational materials and information on skin cancer and treatment.

Provides general cancer resource information. Supports leading-edge research aimed at developing immunologic methods of preventing, treating and curing cancer.

Provides current medical information and counseling for cancer issues.

One-on-one support offered to cancer patients and their families undergoing cancer treatment from trained volunteers who have survived cancer themselves.

Networks persons with cancer and home volunteers with same type of cancer. Free books about cancer.

Good Days exists to improve the health and quality of life of patients battling chronic disease, cancer or other life-altering conditions who cannot afford the medications they so desperately need.

The HealthWell Foundation® provides full or partial financial assistance to eligible individuals who cannot afford their insurance co-payments, premiums, deductibles for certain treatments, and other out-of-pocket health care expenses.

Medicare is a federal system of health insurance for people over 65 years of age, and Medicaid assists low-income individuals and certain younger people with disabilities.

NPAF provides professional case management services to individuals facing barriers to healthcare access for chronic and disabling disease, medical debt crisis and employment-related issues at no cost.

Joe’s House website lists thousands of places to stay across the country near hospitals and treatments centers that offer a discount for traveling patients and their loved ones.

The Healthcare Hospitality Network, Inc. (HHN) is a nationwide professional association of nearly 200 unique, nonprofit organizations that provide lodging and support services to patients, families and their loved ones who are receiving medical treatment far from their home communities. The mission of HHN is to support homes that help and heal to be more effective in their service to patients and families.

Hope Lodge offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free, temporary place to stay when their best hope for effective treatment may be in another city. Currently, there are 31 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States. Accommodations and eligibility requirements may vary by location.

A non-profit organization founded in 1988 to provide education and guidance to lymphedema patients, health care professionals and the general public by disseminating information on the prevention and management of primary and secondary lymphedema.

The Oral Cancer Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) public service charity that provides information, patient support, sponsorship of research and advocacy related to this disease. At the forefront of our agenda is to promote solid awareness in the minds of the American public about the need to undergo an annual oral cancer screening and an outreach to the dental community to provide this service as a matter of routine practice.

OMF aspires to be the top destination for up-to-date OM-related educational information, a meeting place, and advocacy resource. For doctors and researchers, OMF strives to be the connective tissue, facilitating interdisciplinary cancer research.

The largest pain management organization in the nation and the only one that embraces an integrative model of care, which is patient-centered, focuses on the “whole” person, is informed by evidence, and brings together, all appropriate therapeutic approaches to reduce pain and achieve optimal health and healing. The Academy offers continuing education, publications, and advocacy.

Since 1980, the ACPA has offered peer support and education in pain management skills to people with pain, family and friends, and health care professionals. The information and tools on our site can help you to better understand your pain and work more effectively with your health care team toward a higher quality of life.

Web site explains to patients, their families and the public how doctors called radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to treat cancer safely and effectively.

A fact sheet that defines the different types of radiation therapy and discusses scientific advances that improve the effectiveness of this treatment.

Melanoma: Not Just Skin Cancer

By Catherine M. Poole with Contributing Editors: Jedd Wolchok, MD and Keith Flaherty, MD

Her new book, Melanoma: Not Just Skin Cancer, is a comprehensive guide to melanoma treatments. She tells her own survival story, as well as the stories of others. Since 2012, scientific advances have allowed even those with stage IV melanoma to survive and thrive. Poole wants every patient to find hope, but also clarity. Written for a lay audience, Melanoma: Not Just Skin Cancer explains the benefits of two primary but different melanoma treatments: targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Melanoma: Prevention, Detection and Treatment

By Catherine M. Poole and Dupont Guerry IV, M.D.

A complete and up-to-date guide for anyone newly diagnosed with melanoma and for others who are concerned about detecting and preventing it.

The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers

By Barry J Jacobs

Jacobs gives wonderful advice for one of the hardest jobs in the world.

In the Country of Illness : Comfort and Advice for the Journey

By Robert Lipsyte

Anyone who will ever have to negotiate the minefields of today’s medical system while suffering from a serious illness or caring for a loved one will greatly welcome this outstanding guide from the viewpoint of being a patient as well as a caregiver.

The Home Care Guide for Cancer

By American College of Physicians

Written for a broad audience, this easy-to-use workbook was designed for home caregivers, patients, support groups, and education programs; it features easy-to-read type and an index for quick reference. The authors include oncology nurses, social workers, psychologists, physicians, family caregivers, and persons with cancer.

A Physician’s Guide to Pain and Symptom Management in Cancer Patients

By Janet L. Abrahm, M.D.

This book is important for all dimensions of patient care — not just cancer. Every doctor in clinical practice needs this book. Every patient will benefit from it.

What Helped Me Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope

Edited by Julie K. Silver, MD

Hundreds of survivors from all walks of life share their heartfelt reflections and practical solutions for “getting through” the cancer journey.

The Mindful Way Through Depression

Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, Jon Kabat-Zinn

A useful guide to achieving emotional balance. Comes with a companion CD of guided meditations.

Dancing in Limbo

by Glenna Halvorsen-Boyd and Lisa K. Hunter

Written by two cancer patients, one with melanoma; addresses in a refreshing way the psychological issues that cancer patients face. It will serve as a guide to help cancer patients anticipate feelings and stages of the coping process. It will help demystify the uncertain path of cancer survivorship.

When Someone You Love Has Cancer-A Dell Caregiving Guide

By Suzanne LeVert and Lynn Sonberg

Provides straightforward advice on how to obtain necessary information from doctors, foster a hopeful and supportive environment, cut through insurance red tape, carry out needed legal steps, and hospice information.

Surviving Cancer Emotionally-Learning How to Heal

By Roger Granet, M.D.

A consulting psychiatrist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Granet provides a wealth of information about many types of cancers and treatments such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants. But his central focus is the emotional toll of all aspects of the disease and the importance of seeking support from the many available resources to cope successfully.

The Human Side of Cancer: Living with Hope, Coping with Uncertainty

By Jimmie C. Holland and Sheldon Lewis

Jimmie C. Holland, M.D., of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, explores the broad range of emotions people with cancer and their loved ones experience from the moment of diagnosis through the treatment and its aftermath.

PubMed

U.S. National Library of Medicine

National Institute of Health

PubMed comprises more than 20 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals and on-line books. Provides quick access to medical research through the National Library of Medicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

The oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors.

215-615-3329
Linda Jacobs, PhD, RN, Program Director
linda.jacobs@uphs.upenn.edu

617-632-4523
Ken Miller, MD, Program Director
LAFClinic@dfci.harvard.edu

K. Scott Baker, MD and Karen Syrjala, PhD
Co-Directors, Survivorship Program
206-667-2814
survivor@fhcrc.org

Mary McCabe, RN, MA, Program Director
212-639-2581
survivorship@mskcc.org

800-293-5066
Barbara Andersen, PhD, Program Director
614-293-6401
andersen.1@osu.edu

Patricia Ganz, MD, Program Director
310-206-1404
Pganz@mednet.ucla.edu

Allison Jones, ND, Program Director
720-848-0395
allisonjones@uch.edu

Marci Campbell, PhD and Don Rosenstein, MD
Co-Directors, Carolina Well Survivorship Program
919-966-7230
campbel7@email.unc.edu

A nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations whose volunteer pilots are dedicated to community service. This site lists groups who volunteer to fly in support of health care initiatives, patient transport, disaster relief, environmental support, and other missions of public service.

Angel Wheels to Healing (formerly Angel Bus) is a non-profit charity, dedicated to providing non-emergency, long-distance ground transportation to financially disadvantaged, ambulatory patients who are traveling for treatment. A typical trip supported by Angel Wheels to Healing does not exceed 300 miles (one-way), and we do not normally handle trips within a local area or community. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis, routinely for cancer patients traveling daily for treatment.

A non-profit organization of pilots and other volunteers dedicated to serving the community by arranging free private air transportation for medical patients who cannot afford to utilize normal, commercial transportation. Angel Flight also provides services to blood, organ and tissue banks. Angel Flight is a member of Air Care Alliance, a group of 37 organizations providing similar services throughout the United States. These groups are coordinated through a toll-free service (NPATH) that helps individuals in need find assistance in their area.

Provides access for people in need seeking free air transportation to specialized health care facilities or distant destinations due to family, community or national crisis. This is a network of volunteer pilot organizations – nationwide.

Free flights for cancer patients and their families. Private jets used by corporations that have empty seats, free flights. No financial requirements.

A 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to providing flights to medical facilities throughout the United States for people in need of critical and life-saving medical care.

A private, non-profit organization that provides people in medical and financial distress with access to free air transportation on small (4-6 seat), private aircraft for health care and other compelling human needs. (Local flights.)

The oldest and largest charitable medical air transportation non-profit in the United States. Free airline tickets for cancer patients and their escorts are available year around. (MMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in situations of compelling human need through the provision of charitable air transportation. MMA is totally supported through charitable giving and the services of volunteer pilots and office assistants.

Provides information about all forms of charitable, long-distance medical air transportation. Will refer cancer patients to Mercy Medical Airlift for free tickets.