When you or a family member is diagnosed with cancer, there is a whole new world of information to explore and understand. The organizations below provide helpful tips on gathering clinical information, making informed decisions, and finding supportive services. Informed decision-making improves the level of communication between patients and their caregivers.
To help ensure that you receive compassionate care, the Schwartz Center has provided the following information, including links to online resources and organizations that can support and assist you. These resources are intended to be helpful, but are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all resources.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization committed to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. The organization works to prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering from cancer through research, advocacy, education, and service.
American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors Network
The ACS Cancer Survivors Network is a private and secure website that enables cancer survivors to communicate with others who have shared interests and experiences. Members receive access to multiple supportive services, including joining existing and creating their own online support communities; designing personal web pages to share experiences, inspirations, and thoughts; and receiving a monthly e-newsletter.
CancerCare is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free support services to anyone affected by cancer. Services include counseling, education, and financial assistance. Individual and group counseling is available face-to-face, over the phone, and online.
Candlelighters for Children with Cancer
Candlelighters is a nonprofit organization that provides support to families of children (up to age 21) who have been diagnosed with cancer. The organization also sponsors educational programs and advocates on behalf of those affected by childhood cancers.
Foundation for Informed Decision Making
The Foundation for Informed Decision Making is an organization committed to strengthening the role patients play in selecting treatments for their medical conditions. The Foundation has a large selection of cancer-related materials (see Choosing Your Treatments).
The LIVESTRONG Foundation
The LIVESTRONG Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering, inspiring, and providing practical information and tools to people affected by cancer. The organization’s goals are to prevent cancer, improve access to screening and care, improve the quality of life for cancer survivors, and increase the investment in cancer research.
The Mesothelioma Group
The Mesothelioma Group is a small team of healthcare professionals, patient advocates and communication specialists who work to support patients with mesothelioma and their families. They do this through education, support services, and helping patients determine whether they are qualified to receive financial compensation.
Susan G. Komen
Susan G. Komen is a grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all, and energize science to find cancer cures.