Cancer Support Group Guide

In one of my first articles I talked about my support group. And how important it was to me. I also contacted the American Cancer Society and attended "I Can Cope" and "Look Good...Feel Better" programs that they offered. In this article I will describe some of the programs that they offer. I will also share my knowledge of other cancer organizations that may be helpful.

Contact your local ACS office:

American Cancer Society

1599 Clifton Road, N.E.

Alanta, GA 30329

800-ACS-2345

Web site: http://www.cancer.org

Programs offered by ACS:

Cansurmount

This program is patient-to-patient or family member-to-family support system for someone with a diagnosis of cancer. Volunteers "who have been there" can help answer questions and address concerns.

I Can Cope

The ACS and local hospitals sponsor a series of educational sessions for patients and their families. The program provides information and sharing to help the participants help themselves.

Look Good...Feel Better

This program provides "helpful hints and how to" care for skin, nails and hair problems that may occur during treatment. One free group or individual consultation by a certified cosmetologist is available.

Lost Chord Club

Provides one-to-one visitation before and after surgery for the person newly diagnosed with cancer of the larynx. Patients and families attend monthly club meetings for social interaction and problem solving.

Man to Man

Provides educational and supportive forums for prostate cancer patients and their significant others.

Reach to Recovery

Provides one-to-one visitation for the newly diagnosed person with breast cancer.

The following organizations may be benificial to cancer patients and their families.

R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation, Inc.

The Cancer Hotline

4435 Main Street

Kansas City, MO 64111

800-433-0464 Fax: 816-931-7486

E-Mail: hotline@HRBlock.com

Web site: http://www.BLOCHCANCER.org

Provides a hotline that matches newly diagnosed cancer patients with someone who has survived the same kind of cancer. Offers free information, resources and support group information. Also supplies three books at no charge: Fighting Cancer, Cancer...There's Hope and Guide for Cancer Supporters.

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation

7910 Woodmont Ave, Suite 460

Bethesda, MA 20814-3015

800-366-2223 Fax: 301-718-2686

E-Mail: info@candlelighters.org

Website: http:/www.CANDLELIGHTERS.org

Provides information, support and advocacy to families of children with cancer, survivors od childhood cancers, and professionals who work with them.

Leukemia Society of America

600 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10016

800-955-4LSA (educational materials)

212-573-8484 (general information)

Fax: 212-856-9686

Website: http://www.leukemia.org

Dedicated to seeking the cause and eventual cure of leukemia and related cancers (lymphoma, multiple myeloma, Hodgkins disease), Programs include: research, patient aid, peer support, family support groups, and education.

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Cancer Information Service

800-4-CANCER

Provides a nationwide telephone service for cancer patients and their families and friends, the public and healthcare professionals that answers questions and sends booklets about cancer.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic