Cancer Health Center

(formerly Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation) International. 32 groups in U.S. 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 psychosocial support, educational resource materials and advocates on behalf of childhood cancer. Newsletter, youth newsletter, educational materials and publication list. Online community message board.
Write:
American Childhood Cancer Organization
P.O. Box 498
Kensington, MD 20895-0498
Voice: 1-800-366-2223 or 301-962-3520
Fax: 301-962-3521
Website: http://www.acco.org
E-mail: staff@acco.org
Verified: 3/28/2011

National. Local outgrowth of Reach to Recovery Program which in most areas is a one-to-one visitation program but in some areas is a support group. Contact your local or state chapter of the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 to determine availability of such groups and trained volunteers. In the website click on 'survivors;' then click on 'support;' then click 'view all message boards'.
Website: http://www.cancer.org
Verified: 3/29/2011

National network. Founded 1986. Grassroots network that works on behalf of persons with any type of cancer. Mission is to advocate for quality of cancer care for all Americans by leading and strengthening the survivorship movement, empowering cancer survivors and advocating for policy issues affecting survivors' quality of life. Provides information on employment and insurance issues, referrals and publications. Newsletter. Guidelines available to help start a similar group.
Write:
NCCS
1010 Wayne Ave., Suite 770
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Voice: 301-650-9127 (Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-5:30pm EST)
Fax: 301-565-9670
Website: http://www.canceradvocacy.org
E-mail: info@canceradvocacy.org
Verified: 1/10/2011

(BILINGUAL) National. 9 affiliated groups. Founded 1978. Mission is to decrease the impact of breast cancer, create and increase breast cancer awareness, and ensure through information, empowerment and peer support that no one faces breast cancer alone. Information and peer support for breast cancer patients and their families during all stages of the disease. Offers 24-hour hotlines (English and Spanish), a Latino Outreach program, a Men's Match program for husbands and partners of women with breast cancer, support groups, a Teen Education program and Advocacy Network, publications, wig and prosthesis bank and newsletter. Group development guidelines.
Write:
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
135 South La Salle St., Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60603
Voice: 1-800-221-2141 (English 24 hr.) or 1-800-986-9505 (Spanish 24 hr.)
Fax: 312-294-8597
Website: http://www.y-me.org
Verified: 1/31/2011

(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. Live help online (10am-5pm EST).
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
E-mail: erica.cortes@lls.org
Verified: 1/11/2011

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 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: 1/26/2011

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:
US TOO Int?l 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: 1/26/2011

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: 3/29/2011

National. 60+ 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: 1/28/2011

(BILINGUAL) National. Founded 1990. Support and education for men with prostate cancer to enable them to better understand their options and to make informed decisions. Support group meetings, education, information and referrals. Some chapters invite wives and partners.
Voice: 1-800-227-2345 (The American Cancer Society)
Website: http://www.cancer.org
Verified: 1/21/2011

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 or 847-332-1051 (Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm CST)
Fax: 847-332-2978
Website: http://www.kidneycancer.org
E-mail: office@kidneycancer.org
Verified: 1/10/2011

National. 40 affiliated chapters. 3,000 members. Founded 1994. African American breast cancer survivors organization that promotes the importance of breast health through empowerment, support, breast education programs, resource information and clinical trials.
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: 4/1/2011

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. Dues $35/yr. (includes subscription to journal). 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: 1/18/2011

National. 80 affiliated divisions. Founded 1995. Promotes education and awareness regarding ovarian cancer for patients, families and medical community. Information and referrals, networking, conferences, literature and phone support. Helps develop statewide divisions.
Write:
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
2501 Oak Lawn, Suite 435
Dallas, TX 75219
Voice: 1-888-682-7426
Website: http://www.ovarian.org
E-mail: nocc@ovarian.org
Verified: 1/28/2011

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: 4/1/2011

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: 3/25/2011

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
1875 Conn. Ave. NW, Suite 710
Washington, DC 20009
Voice: 1-866-628-8637 or 202-332-5536 (Mon.-Fri., 9am-5:30pm EST)
Fax: 202-332-0662
TDD: 202-332-5536
Website: http://www.mautnerproject.org
E-mail: info@mautnerproject.org
Verified: 1/26/2011

International network. 89+ 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: 1/31/2011

(MULTILINGUAL) National. 20 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, Suite 1301
New York, NY 10006
Voice: 212-349-2910
Fax: 212-349-2886
Website: http://www.lymphoma.org
E-mail: lrf@lymphoma.org
Verified: 1/27/2011

Online. Founded 1997. Brings men together who have been diagnosed with male breast cancer so they can share experiences, gain information and support each other. In the Website, click on mailing lists; then select 'M' then 'MaleBC.'
Website: http://www.acor.org
Verified: 3/28/2011

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: 1/26/2011

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
Verified: 3/28/2011

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:
Intestinal Multiple Polyposis and Colorectal Cancer (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: impacc@epix.net
Verified: 1/28/2011

Online. Resource for working women with cancer, their employers, coworkers and caregivers. Offers first-hand experiences and articles for working women with cancer. Provides resource information and publications via the website.
Website: http://www.cancerandcareers.org
Verified: 3/28/2011

(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: 1-866-537-4273
Fax: 212-869-3431
Website: http://www.sharecancersupport.org
Verified: 1/26/2011

National. 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 cancer while pregnant. Links women together who have a similar 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: 3/28/2011

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 regional workshops, 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, Inc.
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: 1/13/2011

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: 3/28/2011

Online. Founded 2005. National advocacy organization dedicated to improving public awareness of bladder cancer, increasing research directed towards the diagnosis, treatment and cure of the disease. Weekly online support chats. Plans to help local chapters nationwide.
Website: http://www.bcan.org
Verified: 3/28/2011

National. Founded 1983. Mutual support and education for DES-exposed women, with a special focus on DES cancer issues. Provides research, advocacy and medical/legal resources.
Write:
DES Action
2925 Garber St.
Berkeley, CA 94705
Voice: 1-800-337-9288
Website: http://descancer.org
E-mail: desaction@columbus.rr.com
Verified: 1/13/2011

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: 1/28/2011

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 or 646-257-3000
Fax: 646-257-3030
Website: http://www.youngsurvival.org
E-mail: info@youngsurvival.org
Verified: 4/1/2011

International. Founded 1996. 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., Suite 693
West Hills, CA 91307
Voice: 1-800-685-5531 or 818-992-4242
Fax: 818-992-4178
Website: http://www.nccc-online.org
E-mail: info@nccc-online.org
Verified: 3/31/2011

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: 1/26/2011

National. Lists local lung cancer support groups. They also provide a guide for lay persons on how to start a local lung cancer support group. Provides other literature. On the website, click on 'Facing Lung Cancer,' first menu bar item on left (below their name), then click on 'Support' to view local listing of groups.
Write:
Lung Cancer Alliance
888 16th St. NW, Suite 150
Washington, DC 20006
Voice: 1-800-298-2436 (9-5pm EST)
Website: http://www.lungcanceralliance.org
Verified: 3/29/2011

Online. Provides emotional support, encouragement and information for individuals affected by sarcoma. Chatroom, message, bulletin boards, newsletter and blog.
Write:
Sarcoma Alliance
775 East Blithedale, Suite 334
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Website: http://www.sarcomaalliance.com
E-mail: nfo@sarcomaalliance.com
Verified: 4/1/2011

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
Verified: 3/28/2011

Online. 350+ members. Support group for all patients with thymic-related cancers and thymomas.
Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/thymic
Verified: 3/28/2011

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
E-mail: info@oralcancerfoundation.org
Verified: 2/14/2011

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: 2/14/2011

Online. (BILINGUAL) Provides mutual support for men who have cancer. Separate groups for prostate, gay men, and other forums.
Website: http://malecare.org
Verified: 3/29/2011