Cancer Resource Links on the Web

Cancer Library

MEDLINE Authoritative information from the National Library of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other organizations. MEDLINE has more than 10 million journal article references and abstracts going back to the early 1960s.

Clinical Trials

View the complete listing of NCCN Clinical Trials Resource Links

ClinicalTrials.gov: Web site that provides patients, family members, and members of the public easy and free access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions, including cancer.

Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups, Inc: A network of cancer clinical trials specialists, which includes cooperative groups, cancer centers, academic medical centers, community hospitals, physician practices, and patient advocacy groups. The Coalition offers a variety of programs and information for physicians, patient advocacy groups, and patients designed to increase awareness of and participation in cancer clinical trials. 877.520.4457

EmergingMed: A free and confidential cancer clinical trial matching and referral service which will link you (at your request) to the doctors and nurses conducting the clinical trials you match. 877.601.8601

National Cancer Institute (NCI): Provides a listing on clinical trials based on specific search criteria including: type of cancer, Stage/Subtype of Cancer, Type of Trial, and Location of Trial. 800.4.CANCER

Complementary and Alternative Medicines

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): One of the 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, training complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) researchers, and disseminating authoritative information to the public and professionals. United States: 888.644.6226. International: 301.519.3153

Financial Assistance

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): Administers the Medicare program, and works in partnership with the states to administer Medicaid, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and health insurance portability standards. CMS works closely with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide information about Medicare to beneficiaries applying for, or currently receiving, retirement or disability benefits at local SSA district offices.

Patient Advocate Foundation: The Patient Advocate Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that serves as an active liaison between patients and their insurers, employers and/or creditors to resolve insurance, job discrimination, and/or debt crisis matters related to their diagnosis. It seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation, assuring access to care, maintenance of employment, and preservation of financial stability. 800.532.5274

Social Security Administration (SSA): Provides a monthly income for eligible elderly and disabled individuals. Information on eligibility, coverage, and how to apply for benefits is available from the Social Security Administration.

General Cancer Information/Support Organizations

American Cancer Society (ACS): An extensive network of information resources and organizations fighting cancer by providing information, education, support and research funding. 800.ACS.2345

Cancer Care: A nonprofit, voluntary health agency devoted to education, research, and patient services relating to patients with cancer and their families. The organization's programs include individual and group counseling for patients and their families, bereavement services, financial assistance, and education programs. 800.813.HOPE

Cancer Hope Network: Provides free, confidential, one-on-one support to people with cancer and their families. The program is available to all patients with cancer and their loved ones from anywhere in the United States at no cost. 877.HOPENET

CURE: Cancer Updates, Research & Education is a unique quarterly magazine bridging the knowledge gap between patients with cancer and caregivers. CURE demystifies the science and medicine of cancer and gives readers links to important resources on the Web and in the medical community they won’t find anywhere else. CURE gives readers the tools they need to take action, such as participating in clinical trials of new drugs that could mean the difference between life and death. CURE was created by Cancer Information Group, LP, a physician-managed publishing company. 214.367.3500 Toll Free: 800.210.CURE (2872)

Fertile Hope: A national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reproductive information, support, and hope to patients with cancer whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility. 888.994.HOPE

Gilda’s Club: Named in honor of Gilda Radner, a comedian who succumbed to ovarian cancer, Gilda's Club, a nonprofit organization, offers support and networking groups, lectures, workshops, and social events free of charge in nonresidential, home-like settings where people with cancer, their families, and friends join with others to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care. 888.GILDA.4.U

National Cancer Institute (NCI): Conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of patients with cancer and the families of patients with cancer. 800.4.CANCER

National Coalition For Cancer Survivorship (NCCS): A nonprofit national advocacy organization, NCCS is a nationwide network of independent organizations and individuals working in the areas of cancer support, education, and advocacy. 877.NCCS.YES

The Cancer Project: The Cancer Project is a nonprofit organization advancing cancer prevention and survival through nutrition education and research. 202.244.5038

People Living With Cancer: The patient information website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is designed to help patients and families make informed health care decisions. The site provides information on more than 50 types of cancer, clinical trials, coping, side effects, a "Find an Oncologist" database, message boards, patient support organizations, and more. (English and Spanish)

Government Agencies

Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB): A national clinical research group sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), with a goal of bringing together clinical oncologists and laboratory investigators to develop better treatments for cancer. The group conducts clinical research studies aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality from such cancers as leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal malignancies, genito-urinary malignancies, and melanoma. 773.702.9171

Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP): A research organization focused on improving the lives of patients with cancer by finding better ways to treat, control, and cure cancer. CTEP accomplishes this mission by funding an extensive national program of cancer research and by sponsoring clinical trials to evaluate new anti-cancer agents. CTEP works extensively with the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry to effectively develop new cancer treatments.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The FDA is a public health agency, charged with protecting American consumers by enforcing the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and several related public health laws. 800.INFO.FDA

National Cancer Institute (NCI): Conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of patients with cancer and the families of patients with cancer. 800.4.CANCER

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): One of the 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science, training complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) researchers, and disseminating authoritative information to the public and professionals. United States: 888.644.6226. International: 301.519.3153

National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP): A cooperative group supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that organizes clinical trials research in breast and colorectal cancer for both men and women. 412.330.4600

Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG): A national clinical cooperative group funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to increase the survival and improve the quality of life of patients diagnosed with cancer. The primary areas of research for RTOG investigators are: brain tumors, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, cancers of the gastrointestinal system (esophagus, rectum, anal canal, and stomach), genitourinary tract cancers (bladder and prostate), sarcomas, gynecologic cancer (cervix), and breast cancer. 800.227.5463

Hospice Care

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO): NHPCO is the largest nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States. The organization is committed to improving end-of-life care and expanding access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for people dying in America and their loved ones. (Spanish/English) 800.658.8898

International/Cultural Support Groups

American Cancer Society (ACS) Asian Language Materials: American Cancer Society site that provides resources and cancer information in several Asian languages including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

Canadian Cancer Society: A national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. 416.961.7223

Intercultural Cancer Council (ICC): Promotes policies, programs, partnerships, and research to eliminate the unequal burden of cancer among racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations in the United States and its associated territories. 713.798.4617

International Union Against Cancer (UICC): UICC is an international nonprofit, nonsectarian, nongovernmental association of more than 290 member organizations in 85 countries. Their mission is to advance scientific and medical knowledge in research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer throughout the world, especially professional and public education. + 41 22 809 18 11

Make-A-Wish Foundation International: A not-for-profit organization established to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses around the world. The Make-A-Wish Foundation can now be found in 30 countries and territories around the world.

National Asian Women's Health Organization (NAWHO): NAWHO helps to raise awareness about the health needs of Asian Americans through research and education. They have health education programs for breast, cervical cancers, and reproductive health. 415.989.9747

World Health Organization (WHO): A specialized agency of the United Nations with 191 Member States, WHO promotes technical cooperation for health among nations, carries out programs to control and eradicate disease, and strives to improve the quality of human life. + 41 22 791 21 11

Travel Assistance

Angel Flight America: A nonprofit grassroots organization with a volunteer corps of more than 6,000 private pilots divided into six regions covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They transport patients and their families in private planes, free of charge, to hospitals for medical treatment. (United States Only) Toll Free: 877.621.7177

Corporate Angel Network Provides free air transportation for patients with cancer traveling to and from recognized cancer treatment centers in the United States without regard to their financial resources. 914.328.1313 Toll Free: 866.328.1313

Cancer/Support Organizations by Site

Bladder

American Foundation for Urologic Disease: The foundation's mission is to keep medical professionals, patients, family members, and friends informed about urologic disorders, the latest treatment options, and up-to-date research findings. 800.242.2383

Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN): The first national advocacy organization dedicated to improving public awareness of bladder cancer, and increasing research directed towards the diagnosis, treatment and cure of the disease. Founded in May 2005, BCAN is a cooperative effort among bladder cancer survivors, their families, caregivers, and the medical community. One of their goals is that no one should ever have to feel alone when dealing with Bladder Cancer. 301.469.6865

Bone Marrow

Blood and Marrow Transplant Information Network: A nonprofit organization that provides publications and support services to bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cell, and cord blood transplant patients and survivors. All literature is written in lay language and reviewed for accuracy by a team of medical experts from transplant centers throughout the United States and Canada. 888.597.7674

National Marrow Donor Program: A nonprofit organization which facilitates unrelated donor stem cell transplants for patients of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds with life-threatening blood diseases who do not have matching donors in their families. Provides advice, support, and access to resources and information throughout the search process, coordinates research studies, and provides one-on-one advocacy for patients and medical professionals. Donors and other inquiries: 800.MARROW.2. Patients and families: 888.999.6743; Outside the United States: 612.627.8140

Brain Tumors

American Brain Tumor Association: A nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating brain tumors by funding and encouraging research. Provides educational materials and information to patients, their families, and medical professionals. 800.886.2282

National Brain Tumor Foundation: NBTF is a national nonprofit organization providing information and support for brain tumor patients, family members, and health care professionals, while supporting research into better treatment options and a cure for brain tumors. 800.934.CURE

Breast Cancer

Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE): A nonprofit organization that provides resources and information for women with increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, due to a family history and/or genetic status. FORCE is also a resource for members of families in which a BRCA mutation may be present. 866.824.RISK

National Breast Cancer Coalition: A grassroots advocacy organization consisting of more than 500 organizations and over 60,000 individuals from across the United States, dedicated to fighting breast cancer. Informs, trains, and directs patients and supporters in knowledgeable and effective advocacy efforts. 202.296.7477

Sisters Network, Inc.: A nonprofit African American breast cancer survivors’ organization. It promotes the importance of breast health through personal empowerment, support, breast education programs, resources, information, and research through its strong affiliate chapter base. 866.781.1808

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: The nation's largest private foundation dedicated solely to breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment. 800.I’M AWARE

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization: Provides help, information, and education about breast cancer free of charge every day of the year on a 24-hour basis to anyone who has been touched by breast cancer. English: 800.221.2141; Spanish: 800.986.9505

WomenStories: An organization that inspires, informs and supports patients with breast cancer by documenting and sharing survivors' experiences. Through a series of ten psychosocial videos, breast cancer survivors offer emotional support and advice that women need and value. The videos may be viewed as well as purchased on their site. 800.775.5790

Childhood Cancers

Candlelighter’s Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF): CCCF, founded in 1970 by concerned parents of children with cancer to assist families and survivors of childhood cancer, has a network of parent support groups in the United States and on every continent. 800.366.2223

CureSearch.org: Web site based on the combined efforts of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and the National Childhood Cancer Foundation (NCCF), dedicated to research, advocacy, and fundraising for childhood cancers. United States and Canada: 800.458.6223

Make-a-Wish Foundation: Nonprofit organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions. 800.722.WISH

Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA): A nonprofit organization of colon and rectal cancer survivors, their families, caregivers, people genetically predisposed to the disease, and the medical community dedicated to patient support, advocacy, and education. Helpline: 877.422.2030

Colorectal Cancer Network: This web site is intended to assist people with colorectal cancer, their family, friends, and caregivers find information to help them make decisions regarding treatment and management of their disease. 301.879.1500

Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic Cancer Foundation: A nonprofit organization dedicated to ensure public awareness of gynecologic cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and proper treatment as well as supporting research and training related to gynecologic cancers. Includes access to resources containing information about ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Toll Free: 800.444.4441

National Cervical Cancer Coalition: An advocacy group dedicated to educating the public about cervical cancer prevention and outreach, new screening and treatment options, cervical cancer screening and follow-up programs, HPV, the limitations of the Pap smear AND its overwhelming success as a screening tool for clinicians. 800.685.5531

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition: Grassroots advocacy organization formed to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and to promote education about this disease. 888.OVARIAN

Women's Cancer Network Web Site: This premiere site, developed by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, offers a confidential risk assessment and comprehensive cancer information for lay public and survivors.

Head and Neck Cancer

Oral Cancer Foundation: A nonprofit advocacy organization that seeks to increase public and professional awareness of oral cancers. They promote lifestyle changes, early detection initiatives, education, improved treatment modalities, and provide a survivor/patient forum for the support of those patients and their families currently fighting this disease. 949.646.8000

Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC): SPOHNC is a patient-directed, self-help organization dedicated to meeting the needs of patients with oral and head and neck cancers. Offers information, support, and encouragement. 516.759.5333 or 800.377.0928.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer Association (KCA): KCA is a national nonprofit membership organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals which offers a broad range of services, including advocacy on behalf of patients, support of both public and private research, information, and education. 800.850.9132

Leukemia and Lymphoma

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: Provides information, support, and guidance to persons living with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, myeloma, and other blood-related cancers and to those involved in their care. 800.955.4LSA

Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF): LRF creates, promotes, and supports lymphoma research and provides comprehensive educational and supportive programs for lymphoma patients and their families. 800.500.9976

Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Alliance: A nonprofit organization dedicated to people living with lung cancer, improving the quality of their lives through advocacy, support, and education. (United States only) 800.298.2436

American Lung Association (ALA): The oldest voluntary health organization in the United States, with a National Office and constituent and affiliate associations around the country. Founded in 1904 to fight tuberculosis, ALA today fights lung disease in all its forms, with a special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control, and environmental health. 800.LUNG.USA

Lymphedema

National Lymphedema Network (NLN): An internationally recognized nonprofit organization providing education and guidance to lymphedema patients, health care professionals and the general public by disseminating information on the prevention and management of primary and secondary lymphedema. The NLN also supports research into the causes of and possible alternative treatments for lymphedema. 800.541.3259

Myeloma

International Myeloma Foundation (IMF): IMF, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to education, treatment, and research in multiple myeloma. 800.452.CURE United States and Canada. Outside the United States 818.487.7455

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF): International nonprofit foundation founded in 1998 with the mission of accelerating the search for a cure for multiple myeloma. Today, the MMRF is the number one private funder of myeloma-specific research and offers educational programs to patients and professionals worldwide. 203.972.1250

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN): The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) works to focus national attention on the need to find the cure for pancreatic cancer. PanCAN provides public and professional education that embraces the urgent need for more research, effective treatments, prevention programs, and early detection methods. PanCAN is the first national patient-based advocacy organization specifically focused on pancreatic cancer. 877.272.6226

Prostate Cancer

National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC): This web site provides information about the NPCC and access to prostate cancer resources. 888.245.9455 or 202.463.9455.

Prostate Cancer Foundation: Association for the Cure of Cancer of the Prostate: A nonprofit public charity dedicated to finding cures and controls for prostate cancer and the world's largest private source of prostate cancer research funding. 800.757.CURE

PSA Rising: Prostate cancer news internet magazine which reports on prostate cancer treatments and research and maintains a forum for advocacy and grass-roots activism.

US-TOO! International, Inc.: An independent network of support group chapters for men with prostate cancer and their families. Offers fellowship, peer counseling, education about treatment options, discussion of medical alternatives without bias and increases public awareness of prostate disease. 800.80.USTOO

Rare Cancers

National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD): A nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them. NORD is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and service. 800.999.NORD

Sarcomas

Sarcoma Alliance: An advocacy organization that provides support, education, and guidance for patients/family members with sarcoma. Also provides patient materials, web links, support group locations, and other resources. 415.381.7236

Skin Cancer

American Academy of Dermatology: A professional organization representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 13,700, it represents virtually all practicing dermatologists in the United States. Includes resource pages for various skin diseases including melanoma. 847.330.0230

Testicular Cancer

Malecare: (Prostate, Testicular, and Male Breast Cancer) Malecare is a web-based information portal developed by oncologists, psychologists and social workers to facilitate health care programs, that are free and open to the public. Malecare has workshops, lectures, treatment and support groups that provide cancer education to men, their loved ones, and their families. Patient information is presented in English, Spanish, Hebrew, French and Italian. 212.673.4920

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association, Inc.: A national nonprofit organization advised by nationally recognized thyroid cancer specialists, educates and supports patients and families through its web site, support groups, person-to-person support, free newsletters, and low-iodine cookbook, workshops, and conferences. Toll-free: 877.588.7904

Professional Organizations/Resources

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): A nonprofit organization, ASCO supports cancer research, especially patient-oriented clinical research. Membership is composed of clinical oncologists from all oncology disciplines and sub-specialties. 703.299.0150

American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology: An organization comprising more than 8,000 health care professionals that are dedicated to advancing the practice of radiation oncology by promoting excellence in patient care, providing opportunities for educational and professional development, and promoting research in the field. 800.962.7876

Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW): A nonprofit, international organization dedicated to the enhancement of psychosocial services to people with cancer and their families. 215.599.6093

Children's Oncology Group: A National Cancer Institute (NCI)-sponsored clinical trials cooperative group of individuals and institutions dedicated to controlling cancer among children and adolescents.

Eastern Cooperative Group (ECOG): ECOG is one of the largest clinical cancer research organizations in the United States, and conducts clinical trials in all types of adult cancers. The cooperative group is a large network of researchers, physicians, and health care professionals at public and private institutions across the country.

European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC): An Oncology Research Organization established as a not-for-profit international association under the Belgian Law that conducts, develops, coordinates, and stimulates laboratory and clinical research in Europe. EORTC works to improve the standard of cancer treatment in Europe, through the development of new drugs and other innovative approaches, and through testing more effective therapeutic strategies such as radiotherapy, surgery or by using drugs which are already commercially available. + 32 2 774 16 11

Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG): GOG is a national organization dedicated to clinical research in the field of gynecologic cancer. Approximately 45 individual clinical trials are active at any one time within GOG for patients with a variety of gynecologic malignancies, including cancers of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva. 215.854.0770

National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG): NCIC CTG is a cooperative oncology group which carries out clinical trials in cancer therapy, prevention, and supportive care across Canada and internationally. It is one of the national programs and networks of the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC). 613.533.6430

Oncology Nursing Society (ONS): A national professional organization of more than 30,000 registered nurses and other health care providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research, and administration in oncology nursing. It's also the largest professional oncology association in the world. 866.257.4ONS

Southwest Oncology Group: A national consortium of institutions and investigators organized for the purpose of improving the survival of patients with cancer through clinical research that includes all modalities of cancer therapy, and institutions in all regions of the United States. 734.998.7130