Resource List: Cancer

American Brain Tumor Association
2720 River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Web site: http://hope.abta.org
800-886-2282
Educational materials, specialist referrals, support group listings

American Cancer Society, Inc.
National Headquarters
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Web site: http://www.cancer.org
800-227-2345
Referrals to specialists and local chapters (local units sponsor services for patients and families including transportation programs and some supplies), educational materials

National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Service
NCI Public Inquiries Office
6116 Executive Boulevard, Room 3036A
Bethesda, MD 20892-8322
800-4CANCER (422-6237)
TTY: 800-332-8615
Web site: http://www.cancer.gov
Spanish Web site: http://www.cancer.gov/espanol
English/Spanish educational materials, printed information, referrals to a local mammography center, cancer information specialists

The Skin Cancer Foundation
149 Madison Avenue, Suite 901
New York, NY 10016
800-SKIN-490 (754-6490)
Web site: http://www.skincancer.org
Public information services, printed and video information

United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 66
Fairview, TN 37062-0066
800-826-0826
Web site: http://www.uoaa.org
Educational materials, specialist referrals, local chapters, printed information, audio information, visual information

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
212 W. Van Buren
Chicago, IL 60607-3908
English: 800-221-2141
Spanish: 800-996-9505
Emergency Hotline (24 hours): 312-986-8228
Web site: http://www.y-me.org
Educational materials on treatment options, patient concerns, and questions; telephone peer counseling by breast cancer survivors

Your healthcare plan, local hospital, or regional cancer center are other sources for cancer information. Your healthcare plan may cover individual and family counseling. If not, speak to the healthcare plan social worker about mental health resources within your community.

Group counseling helps those faced with cancer to explore their feelings. People who have had cancer and who have been treated, actively participate in these groups. They share their experiences of going through the process after a diagnosis of cancer is made. These people have experienced the psychological factors as well as the treatment factors for the diagnosis of cancer. Some groups meet only during the period of hospitalization, while others continue after the diagnosis is made and treatment is started. Some groups meet only with the patients, while others include spouses, family members, and other special people. These groups also provide an opportunity to exchange treatment tips and hints, as well as give support and information to help patients, families, and friends gain some control over their lives.

Faith is a source of strength for many people. Members of the clergy can provide comfort. Some are trained to minister to those coping with life-threatening illnesses. Contact the faith community of your choice. The chaplain of your local hospital will be able to guide you to clergy who are experienced in supporting people after a cancer diagnosis is made.