Find Survivorship Information on Internet

CancerWise - August 2007

By Dawn Dorsey

The Internet opens a whole new world to cancer survivors.

It's easier than ever to:

• Connect to people who are going through similar experiences
• Find cancer-specific treatment information
• Learn about the possible late effects of cancer
• Find out about the rights of cancer survivors

Remember, while these resources may be valuable, they should never be substituted for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about any specific concerns.

Websites provide variety of information

These organizations offer a range of resources:

Anderson Network – This patient/survivor and caregiver support organization is a program of the Department of Volunteer Services at M. D. Anderson.

Anderson Network offerings include a:

• Quarterly newsletter: Network
• Living With, Through and Beyond Cancer conference
• Patient and Caregiver Support Line

U.S. News & World Report – Living With and Beyond Cancer – This special online health section features information on the impact of cancer – physical, psychological and emotional, social, spiritual and financial.

Association of Cancer Online Resources – Almost any cancer survival topic you can think of has an associated online community. This site operates as an information clearinghouse, with information on more than 130 online mailing lists including a long-term survivor list-serv.

CancerCare – A national nonprofit organization, CancerCare provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, including one-on-one counseling and support groups (online and by phone) led by oncology social workers.

National Cancer Institute (NCI) – The NCI website includes research updates, cancer policy news, cancer information, a cancer glossary, links to organizations that offer assistance and information and details about cancer-related events.

National Children's Cancer Society – This St. Louis non-profit organization helps survivors of childhood cancer and those who care about them. The website includes resources and information, including a customized analysis of specific late side effects based on diagnosis and treatment.

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship – This survivor-led cancer advocacy organization offers a step-by-step cancer survival toolbox and links to resources by specific cancer and treatment. Also included is information for cancer survivors on becoming an advocate at the national level. The site is also published in Spanish.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights – The Americans with Disabilities Act makes it illegal to be denied a loan or other financial service based on cancer history. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights has basic information to help survivors understand the rules and process complaints.

U.S. Social Security Administration – The Social Security website educates Americans about Social Security disability income and supplemental security income.

The more informed patients and caregivers are from the beginning, the better they can advocate for themselves.