Resources
& Support
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
www.nypcancer.org
A highly esteemed and top-ranked hospital, offering extensive information on cancer prevention and
treatment, including a comprehensive cancer prevention newsletter.
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
800-ACS-2345
A non-profit national organization, providing extensive information on cancer, cancer treatment, support
programs, and a clinical trials matching service.
American Society of Clinical Oncology
www.plwc.org
An organization of cancer specialists, providing extensive information on cancer and its treatment, as
well as educational seminars and a database to locate an oncologist in your area.
National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
800-4-CANCER
An institute of the National Institutes of Health, providing extensive information on cancer prevention,
treatment, support programs, and a searchable clinical trials database.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
www.nccn.org
An organization of leading cancer centers, providing an extensive listing of its standard-of-care
guidelines, including those on the treatment of colorectal cancer, fatigue management, and pain
management.
General Gastrointestinal Health Resources
American College of Gastroenterology
www.acg.gi.org
An organization of gastroenterologists, providing extensive information on gastrointestinal health and
illness, including gastrointestinal screening and cancer treatment, as well as a searchable database to
locate a gastroenterologist in your area.
American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
www.askasge.org
An organization of gastroenterologists and surgeons specially trained in performing endoscopy-
including colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. Provides a wealth of information specific to
gastroenterology-including colorectal cancer screening, Barrett's esophagus, and various screening
and diagnostic procedures-as well as a searchable database to locate a specially trained colonoscopy
or endoscopy doctors in your area.
Counseling & Support for the Whole Family
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
800-ACS-2345
National non-profit organization offering services for people with cancer and their families and friends,
and providing support programs such as: Ostomy Rehabilitation Program, Look Good...Feel Better,
What About Me? and I Can Cope.
Cancer Care, Inc.
www.cancercare.org
800-813-HOPE
Non-profit organization of trained social workers who provide one-on-one or support group counseling,
as well as telephone and online support groups and educational seminars. Services are offered free of
charge, to people with cancer, their caregivers, and their children.
Association of Cancer Online Resources
www.acor.org
Non-profit organization providing information and support to people with cancer and those who care for
them through the creation and maintenance of cancer-related online mailing lists and resources.
Discussion lists for people with specific types of cancer are available.
Gilda's Club
www.gildasclub.org
212-647-9700
Non-profit organization providing free social and emotional support to people with cancer, their families
and friends. Offers support and networking groups, lectures and workshops, and social events.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
www.canceradvocacy.org
877-622-7937
Advocacy organization, helping people who have had a diagnosis of cancer with support and with
information on insurance, employment, and legal issues. The NCCS also provides a Cancer Survival
Toolbox-a set of six audiotapes designed to help people and families deal with cancer diagnosis and
treatment.
National Family Caregivers Association
www.nfcacares.org
800-896-3650
Organization providing education, respite care, counseling, advocacy, and a toll-free hotline for family
caregivers.
National Society of Genetic Counselors
www.nsgc.org
Professional organization of certified genetic counselors, providing searchable database to locate a
genetic counselor in your area.
The Wellness Community
www.thewellnesscommunity.org
888-793-WELL
Organization providing free psychosocial support to people with cancer and their families.
Children Whose Loved One Is Ill
Organizations
Cancer Care, Inc.
www.cancercare.org
800-813-HOPE
Non-profit organization of trained social workers who provide one-on-one support or group counseling,
as well as telephone and online support groups and educational seminars. Offers a program for
helping children who have a parent who is ill.
KidsKonnected
www.kidskonnected.org
800-899-2866
Non-profit organization for kids whose parent has cancer. Provides 24-hour hotline, website resources,
newsletter, monthly support group meetings, and summer programs for children.
Publications
There are many wonderful resources available for parents and other loved ones to use in helping a child
deal with the illness of a parent or other loved one. Some of these materials include:
• Cancer in the Family: Helping Children Cope with a Parent's Illness, by Dr. Sue P. Heiney and
colleagues at the American Cancer Society
• Worry Cup, by Dr. Wendy Harpham
• Our Mom Has Cancer, by Adrienne and Abigail Ackermann
• Honoring Pain, by children feeling pain from the illness or death of a loved one
• Why, Charlie Brown, Why: A Story About What Happens When a Friend Is Very Ill, by Charles M.
Schulz and Paul Newman
• A Video: Kids Tell Kids What It's Like When a Mother or Father has Cancer, by Cancervive
Colorectal Cancer
EIF's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance
www.eif.nccra.org
With the help of Katie Couric, the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, a program of the
Entertainment Industry Foundation, communicates the seriousness of colorectal cancer, encourages
preventive testing, and raises research funds for improved colorectal cancer screening and treatment.
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons
www.facrs.org
847-290-9184
Organization of surgeons specially trained in colon and rectal surgery, providing a listing of colorectal
surgeons in your area.
Colon Cancer Alliance
www.ccalliance.org
Organization of colon and rectal cancer survivors, their families, caregivers, and others dedicated to
support, advocacy and education for people affected by colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Network
www.colorectal-cancer.net
Organization of colorectal cancer survivors and their loved ones, providing a support network;
awareness, screening, and early detection programs; and legislative actions.
Colon Cancer Discussion List Association of Cancer Online Resources
www.acor.org/colon.html
Provided by Association of Cancer Online Resources, the Colon Cancer Discussion list consists of
hundreds of participants who regularly exchange information with and provide support to those dealing
with colorectal cancer.
Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer
www.fascrs.org/ascrs-cancer-req.html
847-290-9184
This group, available through the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, provides a listing of
hereditary colon cancer registries and information on clinical and chemoprevention trials.
The United Ostomy Association, Inc.
www.uoa.org
800-826-0826
Group providing toll-free hotline, quarterly newsletter "The Ostomy Quarterly," patient visiting and
support, and information on care and support for people who have an ostomy, or colostomy.
Liver Cancer
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
www.aasld.org
Organization of doctors and researchers dedicated exclusively to the research and treatment of liver
disease. Provides information on treatment and news in the understanding and treatment of liver
disease, including liver cancer.
American Liver Foundation
www.liverfoundation.org
National voluntary nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of hepatitis and
other liver disease. Provides search of clinical trials in hepatitis, liver cancer, and other liver disease.
Pancreatic Cancer
The Hirshberg Foundation
www.pancreatic.org
Non-profit organization funding pancreatic cancer research, and providing information, resources, and
support to people with pancreatic cancer and their families.
The National Pancreas Foundation
www.pancreasfoundation.org
A national organization supporting the research of pancreatic disease and providing information and
humanitarian services to people who have pancreatic disease.
The Lustgarten Foundation
www.lustgarten.org
A non-profit organization serving to advance research and awareness related to the diagnosis,
treatment, cure, and prevention of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
www.pancan.org
Patient advocacy organization, promoting legislation and funding to advance pancreatic cancer
research, treatment, and support. Offers extensive information as well as a clinical trials matching
service for patients and their families.
Pancreatica
www.pancreatica.org
Foundation of the Lorenzen Cancer Foundation, providing education and advocacy and promoting
pancreatic cancer research and awareness.
Nutritional Issues
American Dietetic Association
www.eatright.org
The nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, providing information on optimal
nutrition, health, and well-being.
Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition
www.fdhn.org
301-654-2635
A Foundation of the American Gastroenterological Association, developing funds for research to explore
the cause, prevention, and treatment of digestive and liver diseases, and conducting public education
initiatives on these topics.
Financial and Legal Issues
Cancer Care, Inc.
www.cancercare.org
800-813-HOPE
Non-profit organization of trained social workers who provide one-on-one or support group counseling,
as well as telephone and online support groups and educational seminars. Provides information and
some assistance with financial matters.
Center for Patient Advocacy
www.patientadvocacy.org
Non-profit organization providing education on the delivery of healthcare; federal, state and private sector
health care reform initiatives; protecting patients' rights; and articulating patient concerns to Congress
and state officials.
PhRMA's Helping Patients Program
www.helpingpatients.org
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, represents the country's leading
research-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. This site provides a completely
confidential service to help patients find assistance programs for which they may qualify.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
www.canceradvocacy.org
877-622-7937
An Advocacy organization for assisting people with cancer; provides information about insurance,
employment and legal rights for people with cancer.
National Insurance Consumer Helpline
www.iii.org
800-942-4242
Organization offering aid in finding insurance coverage and information on insurance issues.
National Patient Advocate Foundation
www.patientadvocate.org
800-532-5274
Organization providing legal and billing counsel and referral services for people denied insurance
coverage, facing employment discrimination, or in need of public assistance programs.
Travel and Housing
Corporate Angel Network
www.corpangelnetwork.org
914-328-1313
Organization providing free plane travel or people on their way to receive cancer treatment.
National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses, Inc.
www.nahhh.org
800-542-9730
Organization offering information on lodging options for people who are ill and their families.
National Patient Air Travel Center
www.patienttravel.org
800-296-1217
Organization providing referrals to people who are in need of discounted medical air transport services.
End of Life
National Hospice Organization
www.nhpco.org
800-338-8619
Professional hospice organization providing advocacy, education, and referrals for end-of-life care.
Partnership for Caring
www.partnershipforcaring.org
800-989-9455
Organization offering information and legal counseling on end-of-life issues.
