If you or a loved one has lung cancer and you’re looking for information or to connect with other people also dealing with this, here are some sources to help you get started, including nonprofit organizations, blogs, and online communities.
You may find support groups that meet in person or online. Some are organized by professionals, while others are led by peers. Find a group that best meets your needs, including educational updates, tips for daily living, or emotional support. Your local hospital or doctor may sponsor support groups or be able to put you in touch with one.
When you use blogs or online communities, keep in mind that while they can offer personal perspective and information from people living with lung cancer, it’s not medical advice. Also ask yourself these questions:
- Who runs or created the site? Are they selling anything?
- Does it make claims that sound too good to be true?
- Is the information up to date, reviewed, and based on scientific research?
Nonprofit Organizations
These nonprofit and government groups provide online information related to lung cancer.
American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer.html
This link goes to the society’s section on lung cancer.
American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer
This link goes to the association’s section on lung cancer.
Cancer.net’s section on non-small-cell lung cancer: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lung-cancer-non-small-cell and on small-cell lung cancer: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lung-cancer-small-cell
Cancer.net is from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the professional organization of oncologists, doctors who specialize in treating cancer.
Lung Cancer Research Foundation:https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/
Lung Cancer Foundation of America:https://lcfamerica.org/
Lungevity:https://lungevity.org/
National Cancer Institute’s section on lung cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung
Blogs
Blogs are a great source for learning about how people live with lung cancer. These first-hand accounts can be inspiring and helpful. Just don’t take them as medical advice.
- LUNGevity: https://lungevity.org/news-blogs/blogs
- Gray Connections: https://grayconnections.net/
- GRACE: The Lung Cancer Blog: https://cancergrace.org/disease-learning/lung-cancer
- Emily Kicks Cancer: https://embenkickscancer.wordpress.com/
- GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer: https://go2foundation.org/blog/
- Lung Cancer Research Foundation: https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/for-patients/patient-stories/
Online Communities
Many national and local lung cancer organizations and advocacy groups have social media accounts. These and other online communities can offer a wealth of good information and supportive resources. Here are some to explore.
Reddit. This site connects you with others in the lung cancer community. You can join different forums and learn more from people who share your experiences. You can post about your successes and challenges, and read posts from others.
https://www.reddit.com/r/lungcancer/
Facebook. This social media platform allows you to connect with others who live with lung cancer. Some Facebook groups may be private, so you may have to request to join.
https://www.facebook.com/4LCSC/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1643271995958004/
Popular hashtags. #lungcancer, #lungcancerawareness, #lungcancernews, #LCSM
It’s important to know if the content you find on Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites is reliable. Information online is often incorrect. Make sure that you:
- Check that the social media account is who it says it is. Always go through an organization’s website to find its social media pages.
- Look for verified accounts. Major organizations have a specific symbol that ensures they’re real and not spam accounts.
- Ask yourself the same questions about the quality of the information that you would for anything else you read online.