It takes a lot of resources to fight cancer – often more than any one person has. The American Cancer Society makes sure no one person has to do it alone. They partner with volunteers, organizations and health systems across the country to help with patients’ most pressing needs, including transportation, lodging and emotional support.
The American Cancer Society has programs and services to help people with cancer and their loved ones understand cancer, manage their lives through treatment and recovery, and find the emotional support they need. And best of all, our help is free. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org to learn more about how we can help.
National Cancer Information Center
The National Cancer Information Center provides information and support to those facing cancer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Trained cancer information specialists are available via phone, or live chat, providing accurate, up to date cancer information to patients, family members and caregivers, and connecting them with valuable services and resources in their communities.
Lodging
Getting the best care sometimes means cancer patients must travel away from home. This can place an extra emotional and financial burden on patients and caregivers during an already challenging time. The American Cancer Society is trying to make this difficult situation easier for both cancer patients and their families through Hope Lodge and our Hotel Partners Program.
Road To Recovery
Every day, cancer patients need rides to treatment. Some may not be able to drive themselves, and family and friends cannot always help. Our Road To Recovery program provides rides to patients who have no way to get to their cancer treatment.
Reach To Recovery
If you have breast cancer, you may want to talk to someone who knows what you’re feeling – someone who has “been there.” Through our Reach To Recovery program, we can match you with a volunteer who will talk with you about coping with your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Hair loss and mastectomy products “tlc” is the American Cancer Society’s catalog and website for women coping with the appearance-related effects of cancer. It offers helpful information and affordable products, including wigs, hairpieces, breast forms, mastectomy bras, hats, turbans, mastectomy swimwear and accessories. All proceeds from product sales are reinvested into the American Cancer Society’s programs and services for patients and survivors.
Look Good Feel Better
In a Look Good Feel Better session, trained volunteer cosmetologists teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry.
Online Communities and Support
If you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, learning more and connecting with others can be a source of support and comfort. Visit these American Cancer Society resources to find what’s right for you.
Cancer Survivors Network
Can Cope – online cancer education classes
MyLifeLine.org – Free Personal Cancer Support Websites
Patient Navigation
The American Cancer Society Patient Navigator program connects you with a patient navigator at a cancer treatment center. You can talk one-on-one with a patient navigator about your situation. This person will listen in your time of need.
Most Common Reasons People Contact the American Cancer Society
1. General questions about cancer.
2. Financial and general assistance.
3. Transportation and lodging requests.
4. Insurance related issues.
5. Request to make a general, honor or memorial donation.
6. Questions about breast, colon, prostate and lung cancer.
7. Emotional Support.
8. Prevention & detection – especially screening.
9. Caregiving and end-of-life questions.
10. Society event website navigation and support.
