Pain Control Support for People With Cancer by National Institute of Cancer. - HTML preview

Private/Nonprofit Organizations

• American Cancer Society (ACS)

Mission is to end cancer as a major health problem through prevention, saving lives, and relieving suffering. ACS works toward these goals through research, education, advocacy, and service. The organization’s National Cancer Information Center answers questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Toll-free: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)

TTY: 1-866-228-4327

Online: http://www.cancer.org

• American Pain Foundation

Serves people with pain through information, advocacy, and support; pain and resource information, practical help and publications are available through toll-free telephone service and website.

Toll-free: 1-888-615-PAIN (1-888-615-7246)

Online: http://www.painfoundation.org

• CancerCare

Offers free support, information, and financial and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones.

Toll-free: 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)

Online: http://www.cancercare.org

• Cancer Support Community

Cancer Support Community is a national organization that provides support groups, stress reduction and cancer education workshops, nutrition guidance, exercise sessions, and social events.

Phone: 1-888-793-WELL (1-888-793-9355)

Web site: http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org

• Center to Advance Palliative Care

Goal is to increase the availability of quality palliative care services for people facing serious illness. Offers training and assistance to health care professionals.

Phone: 1-212-201-2670

Online: http://www.capc.org

For patients

and families: http://www.getpalliativecare.org

• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)

Gives out information on cancer support, employment, financial and legal issues, advocacy, and related issues.

Toll-free: 1-877-NCCS-YES (1-877-622-7937)

Online: http://www.canceradvocacy.org

• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)

Has information on hospice care, local hospice programs, advance directives in different states, and finding a local health care provider. It offers education and materials on palliative and end-of-life issues through its Caring Connections program, as well as links to other organizations and resources.

Toll-free: 1-800-658-8898

Online: http://www.nhpco.org

• Caring Connections

Toll-free: 1-800-658-8898

Online: http://www.caringinfo.org

• NeedyMeds

Lists medicine assistance programs available from drug companies.

NOTE: Usually patients cannot apply directly to these programs.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or social worker to contact them.

Online: http://www.needymeds.com

• Patient Advocate Foundation

Offers education, legal counseling, and referrals concerning managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt crisis matters.

Toll-free: 1-800-532-5274

Online: http://www.patientadvocate.org