Resources

The following list includes national organizations that provide information support and other resources to cancer patients, survivors, and those who have helped someone through cancer. Many of these groups have volunteer opportunities in your community, or at the state or national level. There are many other organizations that are disease- or population-specific. See the box to the right for more information.

Federal organizations

• National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  Provides comprehensive, research-based information on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, genetics, and supportive care.

  Web site: www.cancer.gov

  NCI's Cancer Information Service (CIS)
  CIS answers questions about cancer, clinical trials, and cancer-related services and helps users find information on the NCI Web site. It also provides NCI printed materials.
  
  Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
  Web site: www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/cis
  Chat online: https://livehelp.cancer.gov/
  
  Office of Advocacy Relations (OAR)
  NCI’s Office of Advocacy Relations (OAR) engages the advocacy and NCI communities by communicating with them about cancer research programs and priorities. OAR involves individuals in the research process in a number of areas.
  
  Phone: 301-594-3194
  Web site: advocacy.cancer.gov
  
  

• U.S. Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)
  CDMRP oversees cancer research programs in which patient/consumer reviewers take part in reviewing research proposals along with scientists.
  
  Phone: 301-619-7079
  E-mail: cdmrpconsumers@amedd.army.mil
  Web site: cdmrp.army.mil
  
  
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  Several FDA Programs involve patient and consumer representatives in FDA’s drug review process. The following Web sites provide information on the programs, how to find out more, and how to apply:
  
  Patient Representatives:
  www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates
  
  Consumer Representatives:
  www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/AboutAdvisoryCommittees/
  CommitteeMembership/ApplyingforMembership/default.htm

Nonprofit organizations

• American Cancer Society (ACS)
  ACS’s 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.
  

  Phone: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)
  TTY: 1-866-228-4327
  Web site: www.cancer.org

• CancerCare
  CancerCare provides free, professional support services, including counseling, education, financial assistance, and practical help.
  

  Phone: 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)
  Web site: www.cancercare.org

• Cancer Hope Network
  Cancer Hope Network matches patients and families with trained volunteers who have recovered from a similar cancer experience.
  

  Phone: 1-877-HOPENET (1-877-467-3638)
  Web site: www.cancerhopenetwork.org

• Cancer Support Community (CSC)
  The CSC is dedicated to providing support, education, and hope to people affected by cancer.
  

  Phone: 1-888-793-9355
  Web site: www.cancersupportcommunity.org

• Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)
  FCA addresses the needs of families and friends who provide long-term care at home.
  

  Phone: 1-800-445-8106
  Web site: www.caregiver.org

• Livestrong
  Livestrong seeks to inspire and empower people living with, through, and beyond cancer to live strong. It provides education, advocacy, and public health and research programs.
  

  Phone: 1-512-236-8820 (general number) 1-866-235-7205 (LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare program)
  Web site: www.livestrong.org

• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
  NCCS provides information and resources on cancer support, advocacy, and quality-of-life issues to cancer survivors and their loved ones.They offer online advocacy training and materials.
  

  Phone: 1-877-NCCS-YES (1-877-622-7937)
  Web site: www.canceradvocacy.org

• National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA)
  NFCA provides information, education, support, public awareness, and advocacy for caregivers.
  

  Phone: 1-800-896-3650
  Web site: www.nfcacares.org

• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
  NHPCO provides information on hospice care, local hospice programs, statespecific advance directives, and locating a local health care provider. NHPCO also provides educational materials on palliative and end-of-life issues, as well as links to other organizations and resources.
  

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

  Caring Connections
  Caring Connections is a program of the NHPCO to educate consumers and engage the public to improve care at the end of life.
  

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

• Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)
  PAF provides education, legal counseling, and referrals to cancer patients and survivors. It specializes in matters related to managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis.
  

  Phone: 1-800-532-5274
  Web site: www.patientadvocate.org