CANCER CARE

Answers for People with Cancer

What is CancerCare?

CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer. Whatever your individual cancer situation is, we have a service that can help.

How can CancerCare help me?

Because we know that cancer affects far more than your body, we help you in those areas of your life beyond medical treatment. CancerCare is like a professional cancer assistant, answering your questions, finding you help, or just listening when you need an understanding ear. You can browse our services or search for services by cancer type.

Sometimes, I feel so emotional about my cancer diagnosis. Is there anything CancerCare can do to help?
Yes. From our more than 60 years of experience working with people with cancer, we know that counseling (talking to a professional about your concerns) helps. Some people prefer individual counseling with our trained social workers; others find help from our professionally facilitated support groups to hear how others manage their concerns.

I’m having trouble paying my bills. Can CancerCare help?

We know that cancer is an expensive illness and financial difficulties are not easily solved. CancerCare can give you valuable information about helpful resources, in addition to providing direct financial assistance for people who qualify. View our CancerCare Assist® services.

Where can I learn about my diagnosis, possible side effects and how to make treatment decisions?

CancerCare offers a range of free educational programs that provide you with reliable information from leading cancer experts. Also, be sure to visit our Reading Room for free publications on a wide range of cancer topics.

Can I use your services if I do not live near a CancerCare office?

Yes. All of our services, including support groups, are offered online and on the telephone. Also, if you are looking for a specific service in your area, we can often help you find an organization closer to home.
How can CancerCare help my loved ones?

Whatever we do for you, we will do for your loved ones, including your caregiver, family members and friends. That means helping them understand your cancer, putting them in touch with helpful resources, and providing support for their concerns and needs. View the "I am a loved one/friend" FAQ for more information.

How can CancerCare provide all these services for free?

CancerCare is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and is able to provide free services because of the generosity of many committed donors.

Assistance

Cancer is an expensive illness. In addition to your health, you now may be worrying about your finances. CancerCare can help.

CancerCare Financial Assistance
For more than 60 years, CancerCare has provided financial assistance to help with some types of costs. Our social workers and case managers are well trained in financial issues and will work closely with you to get you the help you need.

Tips for Finding Assistance
General pointers for finding financial assistance.

A Helping Hand Resource Guide
CancerCare produces a free resource guide called A Helping Hand that you can search to find national and local resources that provide a variety of helpful services. You may also request a free print guide of the Helping Hand Resource Guide.

Counseling

Learning that you or your loved one has cancer can be frightening and overwhelming. Talking to a professional about your concerns, a practice known as counseling, can help you feel more hopeful and in control.

Counseling is not just about emotions, though. It also includes practical concerns, such as how to tell your children or your boss that you have cancer. Counseling will give you tools to manage the cancer experience.

To learn more about counseling, read our Counseling Frequently Asked Questions.

Whether you need to express your fears, triumphs or concerns, we’re here for you. At CancerCare, you can receive free counseling from compassionate, professional oncology social workers in a way that is most convenient for you – online, on the phone or face-to-face. This counseling is offered individually or through support groups.

Online Counseling
Online support groups can be accessed whenever you need them, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telephone Counseling
No matter where you live in the country, a toll-free call to CancerCare connects you with a professional oncology social worker. Or, telephone support groups bring together people from around the country on a weekly one-hour phone call to share experiences, concerns, and triumphs.

Face-to-Face Counseling
One-on-one conversation with a professional who understands can be a great help. And, CancerCare social workers can help you find face-to-face support groups in your community, no matter where in the country you live.