Cancer Information & Links
Learning to become “Patient Active”

The Cancer Support Community has educational resources available online at http://www.westcamp.com/_apps/csc or by calling 1-888-793-9355.

Click here for information on national cancer financial assistance programs including co-pay and prescription assistance.

Current educational series available are: Advanced Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Colorectal Cancer Lung Cancer Small Cell Lung Cancer Lymphoma New Discoveries Ovarian Cancer Side Effects Management Cancer Vaccines

CSCP Barn Mural

NOTE: Every effort has been made to provide up-to-date information; however, the Internet is frequently updated and URLs may have changed since completion of this listing. The Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia has not investigated nor has any information as to the quality and/or reliability of any organization, resource, or online information listed below. The inclusion of any resource is not an endorsement or recommendation of any kind.

General Cancer Resources on the Internet

American Association of Cancer Research (AACR)
http://www.aacr.org/default.aspx
AACR is the oldest and largest scientific organization in the world focused on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research.

The American Cancer Society (ACS)
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Association of Cancer OnLine Resources (ACOR)
http://www.acor.org/index.html
ACOR offers access to mailing lists that provide support, information, and community to everyone affected by cancer and related disorders.

Cancer Care, Inc.
http://www.cancercare.org
Cancer Care is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer.

Cancer Hope Network
http://www.cancerhopenetwork.org
Cancer Hope Network is a not-for-profit organization that provides free and confidential one-on-one support to cancer patients and their families by matching cancer patients and/or family members with trained volunteers who have themselves undergone and recovered from a similar cancer experience.

Cancer.Net

http://www.cancer.net/portal/site/patient

Oncologist approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.  This is a very comprehensive site and easy to navigate.

CancerSymptoms.org

http://www.cancersymptoms.org

This website of the Oncology Nursing Society is designed for patients and caregivers to provide information on learning about and managing each of ten cancer treatment-related symptoms that patients undergoing treatment for a cancer diagnosis commonly experience: anorexia, cognitive dysfunction, depression, dyspnea, fatigue, hormonal disturbances, neutropenia, pain, peripheral neuropathy, and sexual dysfunction.

LIVESTRONG
http://www.livestrong.org
Cancer information, support, resources, and fundraising activities to support programs around the world are included in the mission of the organization founded by champion cyclist and cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong.

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
http://www.cancer.gov
The National Cancer Institute 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

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
http://www.canceradvocacy.org
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country and a highly respected authentic voice at the federal level, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors.

OncoLink
http://www.oncolink.com/index.cfm
OncoLink was founded in 1994 by Penn cancer specialists with a mission to help cancer patients, families, health care professionals, and the general public get accurate cancer-related information at no charge.

Diagnosis Specific Links

Advanced Breast Cancer Community

http://advancedbreastcancercommunity.org

The Advanced Breast Cancer Community is a comprehensive information source and online community solely dedicated to the needs of advanced/metastatic breast cancer patients, caregivers, family and friends, and healthcare providers.

The American Brain Tumor Association

http://www.abta.org 

The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is a not-for-profit, independent organization.  Not affiliated with any one institution, we serve individuals globally and award funds to researchers throughout the United States and Canada.

Bladder Cancer WebCafé

http://blcwebcafe.org/default.asp

The goal of WebCafé is to present information on current treatment options for bladder cancer in an unbiased way and to help direct users to further information via the Web on the subjects that concern them.  We are not affiliated with any organization, and all external links given throughout the site are for reference purposes only by WebCafé or by any of the authors of documents on this web site.

Breast Cancer.org
http://www.breastcancer.org
Breastcancer.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about breast cancer.

The Colon Cancer Alliance
http://www.ccalliance.org
The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. CCA is the official patient support partner of Katie Couric's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA).

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation
http://www.ibcresearch.org
Provides information about inflammatory breast cancer and support options

Kidney Cancer Association

http://www.kidneycancer.org

The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is a charitable organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals globally. We fund, promote, and collaborate with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Urological Association (AUA), and other institutions on research projects.  We educate families and physicians, and serve as an advocate on behalf of patients at the state and federal levels.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
http://leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Linda Creed

http://www.lindacreed.org/index.php

The mission of Linda Creed is to fight breast cancer with heart through community-based education and referral, support, advocacy and direct service. Linda Creed's core program is to provide free mammography screenings for women with little or no medical insurance.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer
http://www.lbbc.org
A nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life.

Lung Cancer Alliance
http://www.lungcanceralliance.org

A national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer and those at risk for the disease.

The Lung Cancer Online Foundation
http://www.lungcanceronline.org
The mission of The Lung Cancer Online Foundation (LCOF) is to improve the quality of care and quality of life for people with lung cancer by funding lung cancer research and providing information to patients and families via Lungcanceronline.org.

Men Against Breast Cancer
http://menagainstbreastcancer.org
The organization was founded to provide men who support women with breast cancer with information, advice, and support.

The National Brain Tumor Foundation

http://braintumor.org/faboutus

National Breast Cancer Coalition
http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/homepage.html
An advocacy organization committed to raising funds for research to end breast cancer by 2020.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC)
http://www.ovarian.org
The mission of NOCC is to raise awareness and promote education about ovarian cancer.  The Coalition is committed to improving the survival rate and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
http://www.ovariancancer.org
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is a patient-led, umbrella organization uniting ovarian cancer activists, women's health advocates, and health care professionals in the effort to increase public and professional understanding of ovarian cancer and to advocate for more effective diagnostics, treatments, and a cure.

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition

http://www.pabreastcancer.org

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) represents, supports, and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania through educational programming, legislative advocacy, and unique outreach initiatives.  The PBCC is a statewide non-profit organization that creates the hope of a brighter tomorrow by providing action and information to women with breast cancer today.

Pancreatic Cancer Network

http://www.pancan.org

PanCAN’s Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) is a comprehensive, free call-in information program for pancreatic cancer patients, their families, and health professionals.  All services and educational materials are provided at no charge.

Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Partnership

http://palungcancerpartnership.org

Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Partnership became the second state chapter of National Lung Cancer Partnership in May 2009 to support lung cancer research, awareness, and change.

Philadelphia Multiple Myeloma Networking Group
http://www.philadelphia.myeloma.org
The mission of the Philadelphia Multiple Myeloma Networking Group (PMMNG) is to provide ongoing resources for information, support, shared experiences and hope for persons with multiple myeloma, their family, and friends.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
http://ww5.komen.org
Susan G. Komen for the Cure strives to eradicate breast cancer through its support of research and community-based outreach programs.

The Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association
http://thyca.org
This site maintains current information about thyroid cancer and support services available to people at any stage of testing, treatment, or lifelong monitoring for thyroid cancer, as well as their caregivers.

Us TOO International (Prostate Cancer)
http://www.ustoo.com
Us TOO is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to communicating timely and reliable information enabling informed choices regarding detection and treatment of prostate cancer. Ultimately, Us TOO strives to enhance the quality of life for all those affected by prostate cancer.

Women’s Cancer Network
http://www.wcn.org
Provides information and links to all gynecologic cancers and all cancers that affect women

The Young Survival Coalition

http://www.youngsurvival.org

The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier international, nonprofit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer. This is the link to a very good resource guide.

Complementary Medicine

MD Anderson Cancer Center

http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/cimer

MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Complementary/Integrative Medicine Education Resources (CIMER) Web site is offered to help patients and physicians decide how best to integrate such therapies into their care.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center:  About Herbs, Botanicals, and other products

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm

This information resource, presented by the MSKCC Integrative Medicine Service, provides evidence-based information about herbs, botanicals, supplements, and more.  The listing allows you to search for a particular item, view its possible uses, side effects, indications and contra-indications, as well as research articles.

Clinical Trials

The Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups

http://www.cancertrialshelp.org

The Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life and survival of cancer patients by increasing participation in cancer clinical trials.

National Institute of Cancer
http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search

Search for clinical trials available throughout the country and learn about participation in a clinical trial.

Hospitals

Fox Chase Cancer Center

http://www.fccc.edu

Fox Chase Cancer Center was founded in 1904 in Philadelphia, PA as the nation's first cancer hospital. In 1974, Fox Chase became one of the first institutions designated as a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center. Fox Chase conducts basic, clinical, population and translational research; programs of prevention, detection and treatment of cancer; and community outreach.

Legal and Financial Resources

The Cancer Legal Resources Center

http://www.disabilityrightslegalcenter.org/about/cancerlegalresource.cfm

The Cancer Legal Resources Center (CLRC) is a national, joint program of the Disability Rights Legal Center and Loyola Law School Los Angeles.  The CLRC provides free information and resources on cancer-related legal issues to cancer survivors, caregivers, health care professionals, employers, and others coping with cancer.  The CLRC has a national, toll-free Telephone Assistance Line (866-THE-CLRC) where callers can receive free and confidential information about relevant laws and resources for their particular situation.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance

http://www.pparx.org

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need through the program that is right for them.  Many will get their medications free or nearly free.

The Patient Access Network

https://www.panfoundation.org

The Patient Access Network Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of patients that cannot access the treatments they need due to out-of-pocket health care costs.

The Patient Advocate Foundation

http://www.patientadvocate.org

The Patient Advocate Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment, and preservation of their financial stability.

Caregiving

AGIS (AssistGuide Information Services)

http://www.agis.com/default.aspx

This site offers advice on what to expect, how to get started, and where to turn for help when a loved one faces illness.

Cancer Caregiving: Tools to Help You Help

http://www.cancercaregiving.com

This site is developed by HealthMark Multimedia, LLC. HealthMark develops health-related, interactive, user-friendly software used by:

• Patients and families in making treatment and self-care decisions
• Health care professionals for education purposes
• Parents and children to learn about prevention and staying healthy

HealthMark Multimedia's goal is to provide comprehensive, balanced health information that is medically accurate yet easy to understand and apply to making informed health decisions.

CaringBridge

http://www.caringbridge.org

As a nonprofit, CaringBridge's mission is to amplify the love, hope, and compassion in the world, making each health journey easier.  The free patient websites bring people together when health matters most.

Family Caregiver Alliance

http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/home.jsp

The Family Caregiver Alliance addresses the needs of families providing long-term care at home through information, education, services, research, and advocacy.

Lots of Helping Hands

http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/how

This site helps caregivers by giving their "circles of community" a way to help.  Friends, neighbors, and colleagues can create a free Community website to help manage the daily tasks that become a challenge during times of need and keep everyone up to date on what's happening.

The National Family Caregivers Association

http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org

http://www.familycaregiving101.org/index.cfm

The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) - leaders in the movement to better understand and assist family caregivers - have joined together to recognize, support, and advise this vital group of Americans.  Family caregivers have been part of America's health care picture for a very long time.  Yet, their roles and special needs are just being acknowledged.

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving

http://www.rosalynncarter.org

This organization works for advocacy and education.  It provides information and resources for caregivers.

Today's Caregiver

http://www.caregiver.com

Caregiver Media Group is a leading provider of information, support, and guidance for family and professional caregivers.  Founded in 1995, they produce Today's Caregiver magazine, the first national magazine dedicated to caregivers.

Well Spouse Association

http://www.wellspouse.org

Well Spouse is a national, nonprofit membership organization which gives support to wives, husbands, and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled.

Additional Links

Aging with Dignity - Five Wishes

http://www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes.php

Five Wishes lets your family and doctors know:

• Who you want to make health care decisions for you when you can't make them.
• The kind of medical treatment you want or don't want.
• How comfortable you want to be.
• How you want people to treat you.
• What you want your loved ones to know.

Health Finder

http://www.healthfinder.gov

Health Finder is an award-winning Federal web site for consumers, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services together with other Federal agencies.  Since 1997, Health Finder has been recognized as a key resource for finding the best government and non-profit health and human services information on the Internet.  Health Finder links to carefully selected information and web sites from over 1,500 health-related organizations. 

Hosts for Hospitals

http://www.hostsforhospitals.org

Hosts for Hospitals provides free lodging and support at volunteer-host homes as a caring response to the housing needs of patients and their families who come to the Greater Philadelphia area for specialized medical care.

Kids Konnected

http://www.kidskonnected.org

Kids Konnected's mission is to provide friendship, understanding, education, and support for the children who have a parent with cancer, or have lost a parent to cancer.  When a parent gets cancer, the entire family is affected.  Children facing the same fears and similar experiences can be helped by others in a similar situation.

MANNA

http://www.mannapa.org/index.asp

A small professional staff and 1,000 dedicated volunteers bring over 40,000 nutritious, freshly prepared, home-delivered meals each month to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or other life-threatening illness.  MANNA dieticians promote wellness through nutrition education and counseling. Through these services, MANNA provides opportunities for caring people to extend loving support to families, friends, and neighbors in the Delaware Valley.

MedlinePlus
http://medlineplus.gov
MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
http://www.nhpco.org/templates/1/homepage.cfm
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is the largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States.   The organization is committed to improving end of life care and expanding access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for people dying in America and their loved ones.

The Patient Access Network

https://www.panfoundation.org

The Patient Access Network Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of patients that cannot access the treatments they need due to out-of-pocket health care costs.

The Patient Advocate Foundation
http://www.patientadvocate.org
Patient Advocate Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment, and preservation of their financial stability.

Strength for Caring

http://www.strengthforcaring.com/manual/index.html

 The Johnson & Johnson Caregiver Initiative is a pioneer in the emerging field of family caregiver support and StrengthForCaring.com (SFC) is the cornerstone of this important program. SFC is a comprehensive website designed to provide family caregivers with a broad range of expert content and information, an emerging on-line community, daily inspiration, and much needed support.

Please refer to the Cancer Support Community page for additional web resources.
http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/hope/library.php