Health Encyclopedia > Support Groups

Cancer

Self Help Clearinghouse

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American Childhood Cancer Organization

International. Founded 1970. Support for parents of children and adolescents with cancer, their families, adult survivors of childhood cancer and the professionals working with them. Links parents, families and groups. Provides free educational resource materials and advocates on behalf of childhood cancer.

Write:

American Childhood Cancer Org.

P.O. Box 498

Kensington, MD 20895-0498

Voice: 1-855-858-2226or 301-962-3520

Fax: 301-962-3521

Website: http://www.acco.org

E-mail: staff@acco.org

Verified: 7/26/2012

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The

(BILINGUAL) National. 66 chapters. Founded 1949. Educational materials, patient financial aid, support services for patients, families and friends coping with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood cancers. Support group meetings schedule depends on location. Patients should consult local chapter.

Write:

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

1311 Mamaroneck Ave.

White Plains, NY 10605

Voice: 1-800-955-4572 or 914-949-5213

Website: http://www.lls.org

Verified: 8/14/2012

Sisters Network Inc.

National. Over 43 affiliate chapters. Founded 1994. African American breast cancer survivorship organization that promotes the importance of breast health by empowering women through support, education, providing financial assistance and promoting early detection through mammography screenings.

Write:

Sisters Network Inc.

2922 Rosedale St.

Houston, TX 77004

Voice: 1-866-781-1808 or 713-781-0255 (9am-5pm CST)

Fax: 713-780-8998

Website: http://www.sistersnetworkinc.org

E-mail: infonet@sistersnetworkinc.org

Verified: 8/17/2012

Thymic Cancer

Online. 350+ members. Support group for all patients with thymic-related cancers and thymomas.

Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/thymic

E-mail: thymic-owner@yahoogroups.com

Verified: 7/2/2012

Patient Advocates for Advanced Cancer Treatments (PAACT)

International. 150 affiliated groups. Founded 1984. Provides support and advocacy for prostate cancer patients, their families and the general public at risk. Information relative to the advancements in the detection, diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of prostate cancer. Information, referrals, phone help, conferences and quarterly newsletter. Group development guidelines.

Write:

PAACT

P.O. Box 141695

Grand Rapids, MI 49514-1695

Voice: 616-453-1477

Fax: 616-453-1846

Website: http://www.paactusa.org

E-mail: paact@paactusa.org

Verified: 7/26/2012

Us TOO Int'l Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network

International. 300 affiliated groups. Founded 1990. Offers support and education men and their families through fellowship and peer counseling. Timely, personalized, unbiased and reliable information about prostate cancer. Monthly newsletter distributed through support groups and also on website.

Write:

Prostate Cancer Education and Support

5003 Fairview Avenue

Downers Grove, IL 60515-5286

Voice: 1-800-808-7866 or 630-795-1002 (Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm CST)

Fax: 630-795-1602

Website: http://www.ustoo.org

E-mail: ustoo@ustoo.org

Verified: 7/17/2012

AABCA (African American Breast Cancer Alliance)

Model. 1 group in Minnesota. Founded 1990. Support, education and advocacy for black women and men with breast cancer and their families. Provides information and referrals, education, and a support group for patients and survivors to discuss issues and concerns. Open to anyone interested in supporting and working with this grass-roots organization.

Write:

AABCA

P.O. Box 8981

Minneapolis, MN 55408

Voice: 612-825-3675

Fax: 612-827-2977

Website: http://www.aabcainc.org

E-mail: aabca@aabcainc.org

Verified: 7/17/2012

Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC)

National. 100+ affiliated groups. Founded 1991. Patient-directed support program offering information, encouragement, support, acceptance and self-expression for persons with oral, head and neck cancer. National Survivor Volunteer Network offering one-on-one support, phone support, educational programs and publications. Assistance in starting groups. Membership dues $25 (includes 8 newsletters).

Write:

SPOHNC

P.O. Box 53

Locust Valley, NY 11560-0553

Voice: 1-800-377-0928

Fax: 516-671-8794

Website: http://www.spohnc.org

E-mail: info@spohnc.org

Verified: 6/28/2012

Kidney Cancer Association

International. Founded 1990. Provides information about kidney cancer to patients and doctors. Sponsors research and advocates on behalf of patients. E-newsletter, literature, conferences, information and referrals.

Write:

Kidney Cancer Association

1234 Sherman Ave., Suite 203

Evanston, IL 60202

Voice: 1-800-850-9132

Fax: 847-332-2978

Website: http://www.kidneycancer.org

E-mail: office@kidneycancer.org

Verified: 6/28/2012

People Living Through Cancer

Model. 35 groups in New Mexico. Founded 1983. Helps cancer survivors and their loved ones make informed choices and improve the quality of life by sharing in a community of people who have 'been there.' Newsletter, information and referrals, support groups and advocacy. Conducts national training for American Indians and Alaskan natives who are interested in developing cancer survivorship programs based on a grassroots program serving Pueblo Indians.

Write:

People Living Through Cancer

3411 Candelaria NE, Ste. M

Albuquerque, NM 87107

Voice: 505-242-3263

Fax: 505-242-6756

Website: http://www.pltc.org

E-mail: info@pltc.org

Verified: 8/14/2012

Cancer Care, Inc.

National. Founded 1944. Support for cancer patients and their families. Financial assistance, information and referrals, community and professional education. On-going telephone, online and in-person support groups. Free counseling.

Write:

Cancer Care, Inc.

275 Seventh Ave.

New York, NY 10001

Voice: 1-800-813-4673

Fax: 212-719-0263

Website: http://www.cancercare.org

E-mail: info@cancercare.org

Verified: 8/14/2012

Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer

Model. Founded 1995. Offers emotional support to the mothers of daughters newly diagnosed with breast cancer to help them to be better 'care partners' to their daughters. Helps mothers cope with stress, learn about breast cancer treatment and promote breast cancer awareness. Literature, advocacy and phone support.

Write:

MSDBC

25235 Foxchase Dr.

Chestertown, MD 21620

Voice: 410-778-1982

Fax: 410-778-1411

Website: http://www.mothersdaughters.org

E-mail: msdbc@verizon.net

Verified: 7/26/2012

Mautner Project, the National Lesbian Health Organization

Model. Several groups in Washington, DC. Founded 1990. Cancer support and survivorship groups for lesbian, bisexual and transgender women who partner with women (WPWs), their partners and caregivers. Bereavement support groups for WPWs who have lost a partner, friend or loved one. Smoking cessation groups for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Health self-empowerment groups for black WPWs. Provides phone and online support to WPWs outside the DC-Metro area. Provides LGBT cultural competency training to health care professionals and their staff members. Information and referrals, phone support, literature, newsletter and advocacy.

Write:

Mautner Project

1300 19th St. NW, Ste. 700

Washington, DC 20036

Voice: 202-332-5536

Fax: 202-332-0662

TDD: 202-332-5536

Website: http://www.mautnerproject.org

E-mail: info@mautnerproject.org

Verified: 7/24/2012

International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)

International network. 100+ groups in the US. Founded 1990. Mission is to improve the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward a prevention and a cure. Educational and supportive programs, information packets, phone support and newsletter. Networks patients together for mutual support. Referrals to self-help groups nationwide. Guidelines offered to assist those interested in starting a group.

Write:

International Myeloma Foundation

12650 Riverside Dr., Ste. 206

North Hollywood, CA 91607

Voice: 818-487-7455 or 1-800-452-2873 (Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm PST)

Fax: 818-487-7454

Website: http://www.myeloma.org

E-mail: theimf@myeloma.org

Verified: 8/14/2012

Lymphoma Research Foundation

National. 18 chapters. Founded 1991. Devoted exclusively to funding lymphoma research and providing patients and healthcare professionals with critical information on the disease. Provides information and emotional support for lymphoma patients and their families. Offers free educational materials, lymphoma helpline, national buddy program, quarterly newsletter, annual patient educational forum and local seminars. Fundraises for research. Advocacy. Some materials available in Spanish and Chinese.

Write:

Lymphoma Research Foundation

115 Broadway, Ste 1301

New York, NY 10006

Voice: 212-349-2910 or 1-800-500-9976

Fax: 212-349-2886

Website: http://www.lymphoma.org

E-mail: lrf@lymphoma.org

Verified: 6/28/2012

Kids Konnected

National. 17 affiliated groups. Founded 1993. Opportunity for children who have a parent with cancer to connect with other children in similar situations for support and understanding. Groups are headed by youth leaders and co-facilitated by professionals. Youth Leadership program, monthly meetings, newsletter, summer camps, information and referrals.

Voice: 1-800-899-2866 or 949-582-5443 (24 hr.).

Website: http://www.kidskonnected.org

E-mail: info@kidskonnected.org

Verified: 6/28/2012

FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered)

Online. Founded 1999. Support and education for women whose family history and genetic status put them at high risk of getting ovarian or breast cancer. Open to family members. Provides resources for women to determine if they are at high risk. Forums, chats, bulletin boards, member profiles and phone support network.

Website: http://www.facingourrisk.org

E-mail: info@facingourrisk.org

Verified: 6/29/2012

Hope for Two...The Pregnant with Cancer Network

International. Founded 1997. Created by three women who were diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. Mission is to let women know that they are not alone in their facing their cancer diagnosis while pregnant. Connects women who are currently pregnant with cancer with other women who have experienced a similar cancer diagnosis. Newsletter.

Write:

The Pregnant With Cancer Network

P.O. Box 253

Amherst, NY 14226

Voice: 1-800-743-4471

Website: http://www.hopefortwo.org

E-mail: info@hopefortwo.org

Verified: 6/28/2012

Intestinal Multiple Polyposis and Colorectal Cancer (IMPACC)

National network. Founded 1986. Support network to help patients and families dealing with familial polyposis and hereditary colon cancer. Provides information and referrals, encourages research, educates professionals and public. Phone support network, correspondence and literature.

Write:

IMPACC, c/o Ann Fagan

P.O. Box 11

Conyngham, PA 18219

Voice: Ann Fagan 570-788-1818 (day) or 570-788-3712 (eve.)

Fax: 570-788-4046

E-mail: pjfagan@epix.net

Verified: 7/26/2012

SHARE: Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer

(BILINGUAL) Model. Founded 1976. Provides support to women with breast or ovarian cancer, their families and friends. Support groups led by trained survivors. Cutting edge educational forums and advocacy activities held throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

Write:

SHARE

1501 Broadway, Suite 704A

New York, NY 10036

Voice: 1-866-891-2392 Breast Cancer Hotline: 212-382-2111; Ovarian Hotline: 212-719-1204; Latina Hotline Spanish: 212-719-4454; New York State Ovarian Hotline (toll-free) 1-866-537-4273.

Fax: 212-869-3431

Website: http://www.sharecancersupport.org

Verified: 7/31/2012

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc.

National. Support, education and communication for people with all types of thyroid cancer, as well as caregivers. Outreach to the public for thyroid cancer awareness and early detection. Twelve online support groups, local support groups, free online newsletter, free downloadable low-iodine cookbook, free patient information booklet and packet, free regional workshops, free webinars, annual international conference and free thyroid cancer awareness brochures. Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, funding for research and educational website.

Write:

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association

P.O. Box 1545

New York, NY 10159-1545

Voice: 1-877-588-7904

Fax: 630-604-6078

Website: http://www.thyca.org

E-mail: thyca@thyca.org

Verified: 7/24/2012

Group Loop

Online. 1800+ members. Support for teens with cancer and their parents. Weekly scheduled online support groups with professionals, discussion boards, resources, information and news about many types of cancers and their affect on teens.

Website: http://www.grouploop.org

Verified: 6/29/2012

Carcinoid Cancer Foundation

National. Founded 1968. Provides support, information and educational materials to patients, caregivers and medical professionals dealing with carcinoid cancer and related neuroendocrine tumors. Support groups located throughout the United States. Online support groups, e-mail and toll-free telephone support available. Conducts conferences, supports research and maintains a carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumor database.

Write:

Carcinoid Cancer Foundation

333 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 492

White Plains, NY 10605

Voice: 1-888-722-3132 or 914-683-1001 (Tues.-Thurs., 10am-4pm EST).

Website: http://www.carcinoid.org

E-mail: carcinoid@optonline.net

Verified: 8/14/2012

Young Survival Coalition

International. 15 affiliates. Founded 1998. Support and education for young women (age 40 and under) living with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Addresses the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer (such as higher mortality rates, fertility issues and early menopause). Information, resources, advocacy, one-to-one Point of Contact Program and online support forums.

Write:

Young Survival Coalition

61 Broadway, Suite 2235

New York, NY 10006

Voice: 1-877-972-1011

Fax: 646-257-3030

Website: http://www.youngsurvival.org

E-mail: info@youngsurvival.org

Verified: 8/14/2012

National Cervical Cancer Coalition

International. Founded 1998. 4500+ members. Provides on-going support system for women, family members and friends facing issues related to cervical cancer, HPV and other HPV cancers. Offers phone pal system matching women together for support, online moderated message board, newsletter, annual conferences, information and referrals. How-to materials on starting a local NCCC chapter available.

Write:

National Cervical Cancer Coalition

6520 Platt Ave., #693

West Hills, CA 91307

Voice: 1-800-685-5531

Fax: 818-992-4178

Website: http://www.nccc-online.org

E-mail: info@nccc-online.org

Verified: 7/2/2012

ACOR (Association of Cancer Online Resources)

Online. Click on 'Mailing Lists' for over 150 e-mail support groups where patients, caregivers and survivors share their experiences with many different cancers: lung, colon, pancreatic, melanoma, endometrial, esophageal, leiomyosarcoma, male breast, metastatic, myeloproliferative disorders, mycosis fungoides, various sarcomas, stomach, testicular, thyroid, pediatric, retinoblastoma, etc., as well as possible related issues such as fatigue, finance, depression, bone marrow transplant, facing the death of a loved one and other situations.

Website: http://www.acor.org

Verified: 6/29/2012

Lung Cancer Alliance

National. Support and advocacy to thse living with, or at risk for, lung cancer. Support services include toll-free information line, packets of lung cancer information, telephone support group, a peer-to-peer matching program, clinical trial matching service and listing of lung cancer support groups across the United States and an online community support.

Write:

Lung Cancer Alliance

888 16th St. NW, Ste.150

Washington, DC 20006

Voice: 1-800-298-2436 (9-5pm EST).

Website: http://www.lungcanceralliance.org or http://www.lunglovelink.org

Verified: 7/2/2012

Testicular Cancer Support for Young Men

Online. 190+ members. Founded 2002. Mutual support for testicular cancer survivors who are in their teens and twenties. Discusses the physical, social and psychological aspects of the disease.

Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/tc_Support

E-mail: tc_support-owner@yahoogroups.com

Verified: 7/2/2012

Oral Cancer Foundation

National. Provides support, information, advocacy and research for those with oral cancer.

Write:

Oral Cancer Foundation

3419 Via Lido, Ste 205

Newport Beach, CA 92663

Voice: 949-646-8000 (Mon.-Fri., 9:30am-5pm PST).

Website: http://oralcancersupport.org/forums

E-mail: info@oralcancerfoundation.org

Verified: 7/26/2012

Meso Foundation

Offers mesothelioma telephone support groups for patients, families and caregivers. Groups include peritoneal, chemo, caregivers, grief, extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)/pleurectomy decortication (PD) and spousal support. Pre-registration required.

Write:

The Meso Foundation

1317 King Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

Voice: Mary Hesdorffer 1-877-363-6376

Website: http://www.curemeso.org

E-mail: mhesdorffer@curemeso.org

Verified: 7/2/2012

Cancer Support Community's The Living Room

Online. Support for people who are affected by cancer. Toll-free helpline: 1-888-793-9355

Write:

Cancer Support Community

1050 17th Street NW, Ste 500

Washington, DC 20036

Voice: Toll-free helpline: 1-888-793-9355

Website: http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org

E-mail: help@cancersupportcommunity.org

Verified: 8/2/2012

Prepare to Live

Online. Offers video/clips, support groups and stories for children and youth diagnosed with cancer.

Write:

Prepare to Live

511 Sixth Ave., No. 271

New York, NY 10011

Website: http://www.preparetolive.org

Verified: 8/3/2012

Young Empowered Survivors (YES!)

Online. Support for young women, under 45 but will welcome anyone, who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Write:

YES!

PO Box 101283

Denver, CO 80250

Website: http://www.youngempowered.org

E-mail: info@youngempowered.org

Verified: 8/14/2012

Coping with Chemo

Online. Support for teens through chats and blogs, who have been diagnosed with cancer, plus interactive video for children.

Write:

Starlight Children's Foundation

2049 Century Park East, Ste 4320

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Website: http://chemo.starlight.org

Verified: 7/31/2012

Young Adult Surviving Glioblastoma (YASG)

Online. Provides support and inspiration to young adults in their teens, twenties, thirties and forties who are diagnosed with GBM (Glioblastoma mutiforme), the most common primary and aggressive brain cancer.

Website: http://www.yasg.com

Verified: 7/11/2012

LUNGevity

Online. Offers online network of support for people affected by lung cancer via blogs, support and advocacy.

Website: http://events.lungevity.org

Verified: 8/17/2012

The Colon Club

Online. Provides support and education for individuals with colorectal cancer. Raises awareness of the symptoms that indicate colon cancer and provides financial assistance to young adults undergoing treatment for colon cancer.

Write:

The Colon Club

17 Peach Tree Lane

Wilton, NY 12831

Website: http://www.colonclub.com

E-mail: info@colonclub.com

Verified: 8/14/2012

CancerMatch

Online. Professionally-run. Support network for those diagnosed with cancer and cancer survivors. Site gives the user the ability to created circles of individuals with common diagnosis, write one's own journey through blog, use built-in communication services to meet or mentor others, live chat group or person-to-person chat, post face-to-face events or attend other members' events, and create and lead one's own live chat or support group.

Website: http://www.cancermatch.com

Verified: 7/12/2012

Prostate Cancer under 50

Online. Professionally-run. Support for men under the age of 50 and diagnosed with prostate cancer. Provides a forum for younger men with prostate cancer to ask their questions and voice their concerns.

Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/prostatecancerunder50 or https://www.facebook.com/prostatecancerunder50

E-mail: prostatecancerunder50-owner@yahoogroups.com

Verified: 7/12/2012

LGBT Cancer Project - Out With Cancer

Online. Professionally-run. Providing support and advocacy for Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals with cancer. Committed to improving the health of LGBT cancer survivors through direct and support service, patient navigation, education and advocacy.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/lgbtcancerproject or http://www.lgbtcancer.com

Verified: 7/12/2012

Anal Cancer

Online. Professionally-run. Founded in 1998. Providing support for individuals who have been diagnosed with anal cancer.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/analcancer

Verified: 7/12/2012

Gay Men and Prostate Cancer

Online. Professionally-run. Support for gay men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Safe-place to talk about one's fears and expectations about the process, diagnosis, treatment and afterwards.

Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/gaymenandprostatecancer

E-mail: gaymenandprostatecancer-owner@yahoogroups.com

Verified: 7/12/2012

MaleCare

National. Prostate cancer support groups, newly diagnosed cancer support groups, advanced prostate cancer, men diagnosed under age 50 and gay cancer survivor support groups throughout the United States.

Write:

MaleCare

419 Lafayette Street, 2nd FL

New York, NY 10003

Voice: 212-673-4920

Website: http://malecare.org

E-mail: info@malecare.org

Verified: 7/12/2012

Male Breast Cancer

Online. Professionally-run. Support for men have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Advocating for gender neutral support for breast cancer survivors.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/malebreastcancer

E-mail: darryl@malecare.org

Verified: 7/12/2012

Advanced Prostate Cancer

Online. Professionally-run. Support for advanced prostate cancer and recurrent prostate cancer. Treatment information and support for men with prostate cancer that did not respond adequately to primary treatment and PSA is rising after initial prostate cancer treatment. For more information visit: http://www.advancedprostatecancer.net

Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/advancedprostatecancer or http://facebook.com/advancedprostatecancer and http://www.advancedprostatecancer.net

E-mail: advancedprostatecancer-owner@yahoogroups.com

Verified: 7/12/2012

I Had Cancer

A cancer support network that connects individuals who are cancer survivors and their supporters. Site has a Community page, a Discussion page and offers individuals the opportunity to connect with others who have been through cancer.

Website: http://www.ihadcancer.com

E-mail: maya@ihadcancer.com

Verified: 7/20/2012

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