Resources
Many resources are available to support people with cancer. In addition to the support CancerChoices provides, we’ve compiled a list of other resources below.
Cancer and Conventional Cancer Treatment Information
- American Cancer Society – A reliable resource for comprehensive cancer information and support.
- NCI (National Cancer Institute) – The official website of the NCI providing access to extensive resources on cancer research, treatment, and prevention.
- NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) – A leading organization providing guidelines for cancer care, supporting evidence-based decision-making in oncology. They provide information on specific cancers for both health care professionals and patients.
- ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) – A professional organization offering resources and support for cancer clinicians and researchers.
- Mayo Clinic – A renowned medical institution providing trusted information and services for cancer patients and caregivers.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering – A world-renowned cancer center offering cutting-edge treatment options and resources for patients and families.
- City of Hope – A comprehensive cancer center dedicated to research, treatment, and education for various types of cancer.
- CancerAustralia.gov – The official Australian government website offering information and resources on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Cancer Care Ontario – A resource hub providing information and support services for cancer patients and caregivers in Ontario, Canada.
- ACS Cancer Helpline – The American Cancer Society’s helpline offers support, information, and resources for individuals affected by cancer.
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – The CDC’s Cancer section provides data, research, and resources for cancer prevention and control efforts.
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute – Offers an integrative therapies program focused on promoting healthy living during and after cancer treatment.
- Cancer Council – An Australian organization providing support, information, and resources for cancer prevention, treatment, and research.
- Chemocare – An online resource offering information about chemotherapy, its side effects, and supportive care for cancer patients and caregivers.
- OncoLink
- Cancer Research UK
- NCCS National Coalition for Cancer Care Survivorship – Survivorship resources, checklists navigating your care, advocates for policy change in cancer care.
Integrative Oncology Professional Directories
- Directories of integrative oncology professionals:
- FON Consulting: National Directory of Integrative Oncology Providers
- KNOW (Knowledge in Integrative Oncology Website): Provider Network
- Directories of all types of integrative professionals, within which you can search for oncology professionals:
- Graduates of the Fellowship in the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona
- Nancy’s List Directory of Integrative Practitioners and Healing Centers
- Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP): Directory (If you want a naturopathic oncologist board certified in working specifically with people with cancer, click on the “FABNO Member” button)
- American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: Online Directory
- The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine: Find a Practitioner Directory
- Yes to Life: Chinese Herbal Medicine (practitioners/clinics providing Chinese herbal medicine)
- National Ayurvedic Medical Association: Find an Ayurvedic Professional
- Physicians’ Association for Anthroposophic Medicine: Directory of Providers
- Association of Anthroposophic Medicine & Therapies in America: Directory
- National Center for Homeopathy: Find a Homeopath
- The Institute for Functional Medicine: Find A Practitioner
Integrative Oncology
- SIO (Society for Integrative Oncology) – A professional organization promoting research on integrative oncology approaches. Includes a patient advocate group.
- Yes to Life – A UK-based organization providing information and support for integrative cancer care options, empowering patients to explore complementary therapies alongside conventional treatment.
- UCSF Osher Center – A center affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco, offering integrative oncology services and free public classes in mindfulness for people with cancer.
- CAM-Cancer – The Norwegian National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine providing evidence-based information on complementary and alternative medicine for cancer care.
- About Herbs from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides information on complementary therapies with an emphasis on safety and interactions.
- Anticancer Lifestyle Program
- CanHEAL – An integrative cancer care toolkit developed to support recently diagnosed patients in navigating integrative therapy options and accessing useful resources.
- NCI Integrative Medicine Summaries – Research summaries of integrative oncology therapies.
- KNOW Oncology – A database of research on diet and natural therapies for clinicians and researchers.
- ASCO/SIO Clinical Practice Guidelines for pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and cannabis.
Apps and Courses
- Integrative Medicine at Home Membership Program for live daily classes from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
- Radical Remission Project Online Course.
- The After Cancer Education Hub – Provides supportive services after treatment via a paid app.
- Oncio App – A free app providing information and courses on integrative oncology to help cancer patients manage their treatment.
- Outcomes 4 Me – A free app with personalized guidelines, tools, and resources.
Resources for Advanced Cancers
- Patient Led Oncology – A consulting practice and resource for people with advanced cancer who are interested in exploring all options. Recommendations are based on following both research and patient outcomes.
- Moss Reports – A platform providing cancer treatment recommendations based on integrative oncology principles and scientific evidence. Emphasis on alternative cancer clinics.
Integrative Oncology Books
- Anticancer Living: Transform Your Life and Health with the Mix of Six by Lorenzo Cohen and Alison Jefferies – Offers a holistic approach to cancer prevention and treatment by integrating six lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, stress management, and social support.
- Beyond the Magic Bullet: The Anti-Cancer Cocktail by Raymond Chang – Explores an integrative approach to cancer treatment, emphasizing the importance of combining conventional and complementary therapies for optimal outcomes.
- The Definitive Guide to Cancer, 3rd Edition: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment, and Healing by Lise Alschuler and Karolyn A. Gazella – Provides a comprehensive guide to cancer prevention, treatment, and healing, integrating conventional and complementary approaches.
- Life Over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Care by Keith I. Block – Presents the Block Center Program, an integrative approach to cancer care focusing on lifestyle interventions, nutrition, supplements, and mind-body practices.
- Anticancer: A New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber – Explores the role of diet, lifestyle, and mindset in cancer prevention and treatment, offering practical strategies for promoting health and well-being.
- The Journey Through Cancer: An Oncologist’s Seven-Level Program for Healing and Transforming the Whole Person by Jeremy Geffen – Presents a holistic seven-level program for healing and transformation during the cancer journey, integrating conventional and complementary therapies.
- Healing Outside the Margins by Carole O’Toole – Explores healing approaches beyond conventional medicine, offering insights and strategies for holistic healing.
- The Textbook of Naturopathic Oncology by Gurdev Parmar and Tina Kaczor
- Radical Remission by Kelly Turner
- Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery by Linda Carlson is based on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a therapeutic combination of mindfulness meditation and gentle yoga now offered to cancer survivors and their loved ones in hundreds of medical centers, hospitals, and clinics worldwide.
- Naturopathic Oncology, 4th Edition by Neil McKinney – Provides comprehensive information on naturopathic approaches to oncology, covering prevention, treatment, and supportive care strategies.
- Integrative Oncology by Donald Abrams and Andrew Weil
Books on Healing
- AfterShock: What to Do When the Doctor Gives You—Or Someone You Love—a Devastating Diagnosis by Jessie Gruman
- I Am with You: Love Letters to Cancer Patients edited by Nancy Novack and Barbara K. Richardson
- Your Dance with Cancer by Lindsay McDonnell – Part 2: Tips and Resources and Part 3: Eight Healing Practices
- Choices in Healing by Michael Lerner
Patient Forums
- American Cancer Society – Large, active online peer discussion boards based on types of cancer and key topics.
- CancerConnect – Combines current cancer treatment news and educational content with over 60 moderated social communities for patients and caregivers. Used by leading cancer centers.
- Cancer Support Community – Connect with others through moderated discussion boards, find resources on living with cancer, communicate with family and friends through a private website or blog, utilize the calendar to track appointments, and post requests for help from family and friends.
- Inspire – A platform used by over two hundred organizations, including over 35 different cancer organizations such as the Lung Cancer Association, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Fight Colorectal Cancer and the Kidney Cancer Association. Over 2 million users.
- Navigating Care – Hosts public discussion groups on various types of cancers and topics that anyone can join, with robust membership. If partnered with your cancer center, you can also access patient records, and communicate with your healthcare team as well as your personal support network.
- Smart Patients – Robust, active peer-to-peer discussion groups in clean format. Strong profile page design, which enables patients to learn from each others’ stories. Also features a clinical trial search and patient stories of hope. Not limited to cancer.
Financial Assistance
- American Cancer Society – Provides information on financial resources, including programs and resources to help with cancer-related expenses.
- Nancy’s List – Offers a directory of financial resources available to individuals affected by cancer.
- Susan G. Komen – Provides financial assistance programs to help individuals with the costs associated with breast cancer treatment.
- Undue Medical Debt – A nonprofit organization that buys and forgives medical debt, helping individuals burdened by medical expenses.
- TriageCancer.org – Offers information and resources on managing medical bills and navigating insurance coverage.
- Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition – Provides assistance in finding organizations offering financial or practical help to cancer patients.
- HealthCare.gov – Offers guidance on how to appeal an insurance company decision, particularly regarding inaccurately denied medical claims.
- Conquer Magazine – Offers a directory of foundations and nonprofit organizations providing financial assistance to cancer patients.
- Chemocare – Provides information on financial assistance programs for chemotherapy medications and treatments.
Support Groups
- Healing Circles Global
- Cancer Support Community
- CancerCare – Free counseling (for people in New York and New Jersey) and around 100 support groups for anyone with cancer with oncology social workers
Breast Cancer
- Your Dance with Cancer – Provides resources and support for individuals navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.
- MammAlive – Provides “The Healthy Breast Program” offering education and resources for breast health and prevention.
- Project Life MBC – Offers a thrivership program for individuals living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and their loved ones, focusing on support and empowerment.
- BAYS (Bay Area Young Survivors) – A support network for young women affected by breast cancer, offering resources and community.
- BreastCancer.org – Provides comprehensive information and support for individuals affected by breast cancer, including educational resources and discussion forums.
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine – Offers the Breast Cancer Integrative Care and Wellness Program, providing integrative care options for breast cancer patients.
- Unite for HER – A nonprofit organization offering wellness programs and support services for individuals affected by breast cancer.
- National Breast Cancer Foundation – Provides information, support, and resources for individuals affected by breast cancer, including early detection and support programs.
- Breast Cancer Prevention Partners – Works to prevent breast cancer by eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation linked to the disease.
- Going Beyond the Pink – Offers educational resources and guidance for individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer, providing information on next steps and support options.
- Zero Breast Cancer – A nonprofit organization dedicated to breast cancer prevention through research, education, and community outreach. They work to identify environmental factors contributing to breast cancer risk and promote prevention strategies to empower individuals and communities.
Prostate Cancer
- Prostate Cancer Foundation – Provides resources, support, and research funding for individuals affected by prostate cancer.
- American Cancer Society discussion board on prostate cancer – An online platform for individuals to discuss prostate cancer-related topics and provide support to one another.
- Zero Prostate Cancer – Offers a platform to find local support groups for individuals affected by prostate cancer, providing community and resources.
- Prostate Cancer Foundation Support Groups – Provides a network of support groups for individuals affected by prostate cancer, offering peer support and information.
- Fans for the Cure Online Men’s Support Group – Offers an online support group specifically for men affected by prostate cancer, providing a platform for sharing experiences and support.
- Tackle Prostate Cancer – UK-based support network
Palliative Care
- Center to Advance Palliative Care: Palliative Care Provider Directory – Offers a directory of palliative care providers to help individuals find quality care.
- International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care: Global Directory of Palliative Care Services and Organizations – Provides a global directory of palliative care services and organizations to support individuals worldwide.
- National Alliance for Care at Home’s CaringInfo:
- What is Palliative Care? – Offers information about palliative care and its benefits for patients and families.
- Find a Provider
- National POLST: Advance Care Plans – Provides information and resources on advance care planning, including the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form.
Patient Navigators and Advocates (Paid)
- Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health: Terrain Certified Practitioner Directory – Provides a directory of terrain certified practitioners.
- Alliance of Professional Health Advocates – Offers a directory of health advocates and navigators.
- National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants (NAHAC) – NAHAC provides a directory of healthcare advocates who offer assistance in navigating the complex healthcare system, advocating for patients’ rights, and providing support in healthcare decision-making.
- HealthNavs – Offers a platform to connect individuals with health navigators who provide guidance, support, and resources for navigating healthcare systems, finding appropriate care, and managing healthcare needs.
Free Navigation and Consultations
- Smith Center Integrative Oncology Navigation Services – Offers individual cancer patient integrative oncology navigation services, and offers navigators training on integrative oncology navigation.
- Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline – Offers a helpline for finding an integrative oncology navigator.
- Unite for HER
- Inova Life with Cancer – Free consultations with oncology nurse navigators or therapists for anyone anywhere.
- CancerCare – Free counseling (for people in New York and New Jersey) and around 100 support groups for anyone with cancer with oncology social workers.
- My Cancer Navigator – Free cancer navigation offered by the AntiCancerFund to support patients in making informed decisions.
- Friend for Life Cancer Support Network – Links patients with survivors or caregivers.
- Cancer Commons – Patients offer medical records to receive personalized medical advice. The records then get aggregated and used to inform research into new treatments.
- Cancer Support Community: Cancer Support Helpline
Free Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi, Diet, and Exercise Resources
- Healing Works Foundation – Guided Imagery Library (English/Spanish)
- Yoga Bridge Yoga for Cancer – Free online yoga classes.
- Dana Farber Zakim Center for Integrative Medicine – Meditation and exercise videos.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Free meditation and tai chi videos.
- Dempsey Center – Free integrative therapies and personalized care.
- The Sattva Life – Free meditation for all levels of experience, also an app.
- Centered in the City – Mindfulness practice.
- Palouse Mindfulness – Free online self-paced MBSR course.
- Insight Timer – Free MBSR meditations.
- UCSD Center for Mindfulness – Library of free guided meditations.
- CancerCare – Meditation exercises.
- 2Unstoppable – Exercise programs for women after cancer.
- Livestrong at the YMCA
- LiveStrong CancerFit – Online fitness classes.
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer – BeACTive exercise series
- yoga4cancer
- Cook for Your Life – A free website that teaches healthy cooking for people with cancer.
Fertility
- Worth the Wait – Charity to provide resources for fertility planning for people with cancer.