A cancer diagnosis can be a devastating blow, for yourself and for loved ones as well. Coping with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of cancer can be overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel lost and alone. But you don’t have to go through it alone. There are many support resources available to help you and your loved ones navigate this difficult journey. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve compiled a range of support resources to empower you and provide the guidance and support you need to face cancer head-on. From counseling services to financial assistance, we’ve got you covered. So take a deep breath, and let’s explore the resources that are available to help you through this tough time.
Cancer Support Groups
- American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society offers a variety of support programs, including support groups for cancer patients and caregivers. They have both in-person and online support groups for different types of cancer, as well as specialized groups for young adults, breast cancer survivors, and more.
- CancerCare: Connect with others in support groups for cancer patients, loved ones and people who have lost a loved one, led by oncology social workers. The online support groups take place in message board format (not live chat) and are open to anyone in the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories upon registration.
- Cancer Support Community, formerly Gilda’s Club: Gilda’s Club is a national network of support centers for cancer patients and their families. They offer support groups, workshops, and social activities to help individuals affected by cancer cope with the emotional and social challenges of cancer.
- Children’s Oncology Group: The Children’s Oncology Group offers support services for children with cancer and their families. They have resources for emotional support, education, and practical assistance, including support groups and online resources for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer.
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers support groups for patients and caregivers affected by blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. These groups provide emotional support, information, and resources for managing the challenges of blood cancer.
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a nonprofit organization that provides support and education to individuals affected by breast cancer. They offer online and in-person support groups for breast cancer patients and survivors, as well as educational resources and workshops.
- Lung Cancer Alliance (Go2 For Lung Cancer): The Lung Cancer Alliance offers online support communities for individuals affected by lung cancer, including patients, caregivers, and survivors. These communities provide a supportive environment for sharing experiences, information, and resources related to lung cancer.
- National LGBT Cancer Network: A study conducted by the National LGBT Cancer Network confirmed that LGBTQI+-specific support groups were the top request made by LGBTQI+ cancer survivors. The National LGBT Cancer Network is currently running cancer peer-support groups. These are free Zoom peer-support groups for LGBTQ+ individuals who have or have had cancer. They are offered three times a week. “Come hang out, say hi, talk about cancer, life, or just spring flowers."
- Prostate Cancer Foundation: The Prostate Cancer Foundation offers a variety of support resources, including online support groups and educational materials, for people with prostate cancer and their families. They also provide information on treatment options, research updates, and advocacy initiatives.
These are just a few examples of the many cancer support groups available in America. It’s important to note that support groups may vary by location, type of cancer, and organization, so it’s best to check with local cancer centers, hospitals, or cancer support organizations for specific options in your area. Remember, support groups can provide invaluable emotional support, information, and resources to help patients and families cope with the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment. You are not alone in your cancer journey, and there are many supportive communities ready to provide assistance. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support!
Oncology Social Workers
CancerCare: CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free support services to cancer patients and their families. They offer online support groups for patients and caregivers led by professional oncology social workers, as well as counseling, educational resources, and financial assistance.
Patient Navigation Programs
Patient navigation programs help cancer patients navigate the complex healthcare system by providing guidance and support. They can assist with scheduling appointments, understanding treatment options, managing side effects, and coordinating care. Patient Navigator
Financial Assistance Programs
Some cancer patients may face financial challenges due to the costs associated with cancer treatment. There are various financial assistance programs available that can help with costs such as medications, transportation to appointments, and co-pays.
- American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society’s 30+ Hope Lodge communities across the country provide a free place to stay during treatment so people with cancer can focus on getting better.
- CancerCare: CancerCare offers limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs and co-pays, and their professional oncology social workers can help you find additional resources.
- Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition: CFAC is a coalition of financial assistance organizations joining forces to help cancer patients experience better health and well-being by limiting financial challenges, consisting of 14 member organizations. Search the CFAC database to find out what financial assistance is available to you.
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers support for patients and caregivers affected by blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Their Patient Financial Assistance Programs include Co-Pay Assistance, Patient Aid, Local Financial Assistance, Urgent Needs, Veterans Dental, and more.
- The Pink Fund: The Pink Fund offers limited, short-term help for people in active treatment who have lost all or part of their income after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Integrative Therapies
Many cancer centers offer integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, meditation, and yoga, which can help manage cancer-related symptoms, side effects of treatment, and improve overall well-being. Integrative medicine is complementary care used alongside standard care.
If you’re interested in trying an Integrative Therapy treatment, here are some tips:
- Ask your providers or cancer center if they can help you find a practitioner.
- Ask about the practitioner’s training and certification.
- Make sure the person has a license to practice the treatment in your state.
- Look for a practitioner who has worked with people with your type of cancer and who is willing to work with your provider on your treatment.
Chemotherapy Care Kits
Beyond Basic Needs is a charity dedicated to providing hope to those in need. For people currently undergoing chemotherapy they provide free care kits and will even help create an InKind Page to coordinate support among your community.
Enhanced Community Support through Give InKind
If you feel compelled to share your journey with your community, Give InKind is here to facilitate and streamline your support. Share your story and updates in one central location, where supporters can follow along and share their well wishes. Create a Wishlist of helpful gifts and gift cards that loved ones can send to provide instant help, and attach an Amazon Wishlist to give them easy access to necessities sent straight to you.
Use the Care Calendar to request anything and everything exactly when you need it. From meals to transportation to help around the house, when you share your page with supporters, they can sign up to provide whatever you need.
Attach fundraising options like GoFundMe campaigns, PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp accounts for the option to send funds directly.
We’ll handle the details like sharing your privacy preferences as they evolve, sending support reminders, and delivering gift card emails, so you can focus on your healing journey.
Explore our blog, full of helpful gifting guides, support resources, inspiring stories, Give InKind feature updates, and tips for reducing stress for everyone involved while maximizing the support effort for yourself or a loved one.
Create your InKind Page to streamline your support today.
We hope that this comprehensive guide to cancer support resources is helpful to you.
At Give InKind, we understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and navigating the various resources available can be a daunting task. That’s why we have compiled this guide to help you find the support you need, whether it’s financial assistance, emotional support, or practical help. We encourage you to take advantage of the resources available to you, and to know that you are not alone in this journey. Remember, there is no shame in asking for help when you need it. Together, we can fight cancer and support those who are affected by it. Thank you for trusting Give InKind to be a part of your support system.
Give InKind does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We have an affiliate relationship with many of the advertisers on our site, and may receive a commission from any products purchased from links in this article. See Terms & Conditions.