Resource Links for Cancer Support

doctor patient laptop

These are web sites that present the resources available through UCLA, including sites like the UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.

  • California Digital Library
    The California Digital Library supports the assembly and creative use of the world’s scholarship and knowledge for the University of California libraries and the communities they serve.
  • UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
    An NCI designated comprehensive cancer center and the best cancer center in California as designated by U.S. News and World Reports.
  • UCLA Oncology Practices
    The Division of Hematology/Oncology in the Department of Medicine at UCLA offers state of the art cancer care in many locations in Los Angeles and Southern California, including clinics and hospitals providing both inpatient and outpatient care.
  • UCLA Lung Cancer Programs
    To provide the best patient care through promoting a multidisciplinary team approach, practicing evidence-based medicine, providing cutting-edge treatments and making new discoveries in lung cancer.
  • UCLA’s Collaborative Centers for Integrative Medicine
    A campus-wide program committed to the study and application of integrative medicine. The CCIM sponsors public and professional education, facilitates research and promotes appropriate practice of complementary, alternative, and mind-body medicine.
  • Revlon/UCLA Breast Center
    The mission of the UCLA Breast Center is to bring the most comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients and to develop future medicine to end the suffering of women with breast cancer.
  • UCLA Radiation Oncology
  • Semel Healthy Campus Initiative Center at UCLA
    We have programs to meet the differing needs of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and patients and their families.
  • Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) UCLA Semel Institute
    Our mission is to foster mindful awareness across the lifespan through education and research to promote well-being and a more compassionate society.
  • Women’s Health
    This site links you to the sites associated with the UCLA Center for Excellence on Women’s Health designated by the U.S. Public Health Service. Many programs are associated with this program including but not limited to the Iris Cantor/UCLA Women’s Health Center, the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, etc.

These sites are a mix of sites that present good information about health issues. Some are association sites (like the American Medical Association) and some are Internet friendly sites (like HealthAtoZ.com).

These sites tend to focus specifically on cancer, but typically offer a wide range of information. We include some of the larger resources such as the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Cancer Society (ACS).

  • National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health
    The leading government organization in the US dedicated to cancer information and research.
  • Instituto Nacional del Cáncer de los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud
    The CancerNet service in Spanish.
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology
    A non-profit organization, ASCO supports all types of cancer research, but in particular, patient-oriented clinical research.
  • American Cancer Society
    Provides information on all types of cancer, general coping and on chemotherapy drugs.
  • Cancer Care
    A non-profit organization whose mission is to provide free professional help to people with all cancers.
  • CancerGuide: Steve Dunn’s Cancer Information Page
    A general information site developed by a cancer survivor.
  • Cancer Hope Network
    One on one support for cancer patients and their families.
  • Cancer Today
    Published quarterly by the American Association for Cancer Research, Cancer Today is the authoritative resource for cancer patients, survivors, and their family members and friends.
  • Guide to Internet Resources for Cancer
    This non-profit guide contains over 100 pages and more than 4,000 links to cancer related information.
  • National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
    This is a strong organization dedicated to cancer survivorship. They are advocates for policy issues and have had impact on the definition and treatment of cancer survivors.
  • OncoLink
    Sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania, provides extensive information about all types of cancers, screening, treatments and side effects. It is designed for patients, their families and physicians, and offers on-line support to patients and their families. There are numerous links to journal articles that may be helpful to you as you face cancer treatment.
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
    It is dedicated to helping patients and their families find accurate, reliable, and oncologist-approved information about cancer. They have a number of virtual lectures on a variety of topics.
  • Chemocare
    This is an upbeat, clear web site developed by Scott Hamilton and sponsored by OrthoBiotech. It provides information on chemotherapy and bio- therapies, complementary therapy, nutrition, has survivor stories and a message board.

This collection of sites typically focus on specific types of cancer, such as breast cancer, gynecologic cancers, brain tumors, etc.

DISEASE-SPECIFIC

  • MedlinePlus
    Information on conditions, diseases and wellness, plus a medical encyclopedia; information about generic and brand name drugs; dictionaries with spellings and definitions of medical terms; directories with locations and credentials of doctors, dentists and hospitals; access to organizations, consumer health libraries, international sites, publications, MEDLINE and more. Input the name of any medical condition or cancer diagnosis and get up-to-date information.

BLADDER

BRAIN TUMOR

BREAST CANCER – ADVOCACY

  • Breast Cancer Action
    An advocate group dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer and to making information available. Publishes BCA News.
  • Breastlink
    A useful resource provided by the Breast Cancer Care and Research Fund, this site about breast cancer; is easy to navigate and includes recent research, articles, and an easy resource page with links to other sites.
  • The Catherine H. Tuck Foundation
    The Catherine H. Tuck Foundation is a nonprofit organization that offers breast cancer patients financial assistance through the “Catherine Fund”. They assist with payments for non-medical expenses such as rent, utilities, transportation for treatment, childcare during treatment, and food.
  • National Breast Cancer Coalition
    A grass roots advocacy group.
  • Sharsheret
    A national not-for-profit organization of cancer survivors dedicated to addressing the unique challenges facing young Jewish women living with breast cancer. By pairing those in their 20s and 30s who share similar life experiences as well as diagnoses, Sharsheret aims to provide support and resources for young Jewish women fighting breast cancer. Call toll-free (866) 832-9909.
  • Sister’s Network
    A national African-American breast cancer survivors’ organization.
  • Vital Options, Telesupport Cancer Network
    A not-for-profit organization using communications technology to reach cancer survivors. It has a radio program, The Group Room.
  • Young Survival Coalition
    An international, non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer. The YSC seeks to educate the medical, research, breast cancer and legislative communities and to persuade them to address breast cancer in women 40 and under. A point of contact for young women living with breast cancer. 212-577-6529

BREAST CANCER – INFORMATION

BREAST CANCER – PSYCHOSOCIAL

  • The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade
    Founded in 1993, this is a U.S. initiative of Avon Products, Inc. Its mission has been to provide women with direct access to breast cancer education and early detection screening services: mammograms and clinical breast exams.
  • After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
    At ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, you’ll be matched with a professionally-trained Mentor/breast cancer survivor who not only shares a similar diagnosis and treatment, but whose age, life stage and interests closely align with yours.

BREAST CANCER – RISK

CARCINOID

  • The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation
    This extensive site includes information about carcinoid disease, its development, and its treatments, and answers frequently asked questions. There is a link to a California support network.

EYE CANCERS

  • Eye Cancer Network
    This educational web site provides information on the diagnosis and treatment of eye and eyelid tumors. They have listings of eye tumor doctors, general information and support for eye tumor patients and their families.

GYNECOLOGICAL CANCERS

HEAD AND NECK CANCER

KIDNEY

  • Kidney Cancer Association
    The Kidney Cancer Association is a membership organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals providing information services and drug trial information, research education, advocacy, and support.

LIVER

  • MEDLINE Plus: Liver Cancer
    The National Library of Medicine through the National Institutes of Health provides detailed disease-related information, including a site dedicated to liver cancer, its diagnosis and symptoms, related clinical trials and research, treatment, and information about coping. (Also in Spanish).

LUNG

  • American Lung Association
    The mission of the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. It promotes tobacco control, asthma education, environmental health, research and professional education, and advocacy, multicultural and communications programs.
  • GO2 for Lung Cancer
    Find support as part of our community.

LYMPHOMA & LEUKEMIA

MELANOMA

  • Melanoma Research Foundation
    This site provides the support and information melanoma patients need to be proactive participants in treatment decisions.

MYELOMA

  • International Myeloma Foundation
    The Myeloma Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure.

OVARIAN CANCER

PANCREAS

  • UCLA Center for Pancreatic Diseases
    The clinical arm of the UCLA Center for Pancreatic Diseases applies a multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of patients with pancreatic diseases.  The Center combines the expertise of physicians from surgery, gastroenterology, radiology, medical oncology, and pathology who are specialized in pancreatic e diseases.  The Center’s surgeons all perform a high volume of pancreatic operations yearly and are experts in advanced laparoscopy.
  • Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
    Founded in 1997, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research, and providing information, resources, and support to pancreatic cancer patients and their families.
  • PanCAN
    Pancreatic Cancer Action Network provides information, support & referrals to individuals with pancreatic cancer. Toll free: 1-877-2PANCAN

PROSTATE

  • Prostate Cancer Foundation
    PCF is a primary source for new standard-of-care and research information. They connect patients, loved ones, care providers and scientists to critical updates, the latest developments, best practices and news from the treatment pipeline.
  • The Prostate Net
  • Prostate Cancer Research Institute
    The Prostate Cancer Research Institute’s mission is to end prostate cancer as a threat to any man’s life or quality of life. PCRI is dedicated to educating the public about prostate cancer, pursuing research into the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, and improving the present level of care for men with the disease.

PSEUDOMYXOMA PERITONEI

  • Pseudomyxoma Survivor
    Global non-profit organization, run by patients and caregivers. With volunteers all over the world, they have a thriving support community providing emotional support to anyone whose life has been touched by PMP. As PMP is so rare, having a global presence gives the community a scale where it is able to offer genuine support and advice around the clock – both emotional and practical.

SARCOMA

  • Sarcoma Alliance
    Striving to extend and improve the lives of sarcoma patients through accurate diagnosis, improved access to care, education and support.

TESTICULAR

  • Testicular Cancer Resource Center
    The Testicular Cancer Resource Center is a non-profit organization devoted to providing accurate, timely information regarding testicular cancer to patients, caregivers, family, friends, and physicians. There are links to other sources, and resources for contacting expert physicians in the field. This outstanding, comprehensive site, maintained by testicular cancer survivors, contains valuable information including self-examination, post-treatment sexuality, testicular implants and personal experiences.
  • OncoLink: Testicular Cancer
    This site sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania provides extensive information about Testicular Cancer, screening, and treatment for patients, their families and physicians, and offers on-line support to patients and their families. There are numerous links to journal articles that may be helpful to you as you face cancer treatment.

THYROID CANCER

  • Thyroid Cancer Survivor’s Association
    This site maintains current information about thyroid cancer and support services available to people at any stage of testing, treatment or lifelong monitoring for thyroid cancer as well as their caregivers.

There are a wide range of sites included in this section including sites related to treatments, drugs, research, nutrition, complementary care, financial support, talking to children about cancer and end of life care. They are categorized alphabetically.

ALTERNATIVE/COMPLEMENTARY CARE SITES

CAREER

CAREGIVERS

CHILDREN

  • KidsCope
    A non profit organization formed to help families and children better understand the effects of cancer and chemotherapy in a parent.

DRUG INFORMATION

END OF LIFE

  • Five Wishes
  • David Kessler, RN
    This author has written excellent books about a difficult topic, the end of life and the rights of the dying. Links to hospice programs and other organizations are provided.
  • Dying Well
    Dr. Ira Byock, international leader in hospice and palliative care, uses his book’s title “Dying Well” to define wellness through the end of life, and to provide resources for people facing life-limiting illness, their families, and their professional caregivers. He provides the “Five Things” he has found are important to say for healing at the end of life.
  • Compassion & Choices
    The oldest and largest right-to-die organization in the U.S.
  • Hospice Foundation of America
    A not-for-profit organization that provides leadership in the development and application of hospice and its philosophy of care. Through programs of professional development, research, public education and information, Hospice Foundation of America assists those who cope either personally or professionally with terminal illness, death, and the process of grief.
  • Cancer.Net
    This site is for patients and families facing life-threatening illness. It provides information about Hospice care and services, links to local agencies, support for caregivers, and help with bereavement issues.
  • National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
    A nonprofit organization 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 American and their loved ones.

ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE – PATIENT RESOURCE

FATIGUE

FERTILITY

  • Livestrong Fertility
    A fertility preservation resource for patients whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility. (888) 994-HOPE.

FINANCIAL AND LEGAL INFORMATION – INSURANCE

FINANCIAL AND LEGAL INFORMATION – LEGAL

FINANCIAL AND LEGAL INFORMATION – TRANSPORTATION

  • The Air Care Alliance
    A nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations dedicated to community service.
  • Angel Flight West
    The mission of Angel Flight West is to arrange free air transportation on private aircraft in response to health care and other compelling human needs.
  • Corporate Angel Network
    Provides free air transportation for cancer patients traveling to and from recognized US treatment centers without regard to their financial resources.
  • Mercy Medical Angels
    A non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in situations of compelling human need through the provision of charitable air transportation.

FINANCIAL AND LEGAL INFORMATION – FOOD AND HOUSING

  • Los Angeles Food Bank – Listing of Charitable Agency Sites in Los Angeles County Served By The Foodbank
  • Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority – LAHSA ERT offer services for people in the City and County of Los Angeles who are homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
  • Los Angeles Mission – The LA Mission provides both residential and emergency services to the community, including meals, showers, clothing, academic courses, employment workshops, job search assistance and referral services.

GRIEF/LOSS

  • GriefNet
    GriefNet.org is an Internet community of persons dealing with grief, death, and major loss. We have 47 e-mail support groups and two web sites. Our integrated approach to on-line grief support provides help to people working through loss and grief issues of many kinds. Our companion site, KIDSAID, provides a safe environment for kids and their parents to find information and ask questions.
  • Our House
    Our house is an organization that offer grief support groups by specially trained volunteers for adults and children who have lost a spouse, parent, or child.  They believe that there is healing in a safe and supportive environment and that the relationships in a group are beneficial.

HOME CARE

HOPE AND SUPPORT

LYMPHEDEMA

MEDITATION

MENOPAUSE

  • North American Menopause Society
    The award-winning site of the NAMS provides information about menopause.
  • Women’s Health in Midlife
    This project is designed to help women make informed choices about managing midlife health issues.

MIND/BODY HEALTH & SPIRITUAL RESOURCES

The sites below are useful both for the person dealing with cancer as well as for the loving caretakers who are supporting them. None of these sites focus on a particular religion, but rather on the broader term of spirituality. These are not meant to take the place of either good therapy or your own religious practice, but rather to give you tools to get you through a difficult time.

  • Mindful.org
    Mindful has many resources to help you live a more mindful life and tap into the best of who you are.
  • Gratefulness
    Gratitude and the cultivation of this virtue have been shown in research to reduce stress, improve physical symptoms and improves mood. One of the best sites to support this practice I have found on the web is listed above. This site allows you  to light a virtual candle, walk a labyrinth, speak with others on message boards, find uplifting readings, send a unique set of e-cards. The site is based on the work of a Christian monk, but this is more of a spiritual than a religious site.
  • Spirituality & Practice
    This free site (donations accepted & a gift shop available) provides a wealth of resources to help you develop an effective spiritual practice. These include descriptions of more than thirty essential practices, reviews of books, movies and audio tapes as well as e-courses taught by a wide variety of spiritual teachers.  There is a small fee charged for the e-courses.

RESTFUL MEDITATIVE MUSIC

Soothing music can help reduce anxiety, decrease pain and improve your meditation practice. You can have these on the background while you are going about your daily life as well. Internet sources of all kinds of music are available usually free of charge. Some stations broadcast ads or have banner ads. Registration and/or a low fee may also be requested. Look for choices that please you.

  • Live 365
    Live365 is a clearing house for hundreds of internet radio stations.
  • Zen Radio
    Music designed as a background to meditation.

NUTRITION AND FOOD SITES

PAIN MANAGEMENT

PET CARE

  • PAWS/LA
    We provide services to assist low-income seniors, veterans and people disabled by illness ​keep and care for their pets.

RESEARCH AND CLINICAL TRIALS

SENIOR LIVING & CARE

SUPPORT GROUPS

SURVIVORSHIP

  • Centers for Disease Prevention and Control — Survivorship
    CDC is working with national, state, and local partners to create and implement successful strategies to help the millions of people in the United States who live with, through, and beyond cancer.
  • Livestrong Foundation
    At the Livestrong Foundation, we unite people to fight cancer believing that unity is strength, knowledge is power, and attitude is everything.
  • National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
    This is a strong organization dedicated to cancer survivorship. They are advocates for policy issues and have had impact on the definition and treatment of cancer survivors.
  • VITA Program – Restoring Life After Cancer
    The VITA Program at UCLA is one of the first clinical programs in the nation designed to meet the special health needs of cancer survivors. The Vita program is oriented toward restoring life after cancer and is part of the UCLA-LiveSTRONG™ Survivorship Center for Excellence.

TRANSPLANTS

YOUNG ADULTS