Over the days and weeks following a cancer diagnosis, it’s normal to feel a range of emotions — shock, fear, confusion, and sometimes even loneliness or isolation. For those experiencing cancer alone, these feelings may be amplified. While some are able to lean on a support system of friends and family, this isn’t the case for everyone.
OneVillage has compiled a list of the best five resources for those navigating a cancer diagnosis without a support system—because nobody should have to experience cancer alone.
1. Cancer Helplines
Cancer helplines are often free services that provide callers with information and resources to help navigate through cancer and treatment. These helplines can also help locate national resources, all while providing a listening ear.
- 24/7 Cancer Helpline by the American Cancer Society provides callers with up-to-date information from a cancer information specialist. This includes info on specific cancers, treatment options, side effects, coping with cancer, pain control, and clinical trials. They can also help locate support groups, medical equipment, social services, transportation, and housing.
- The Cancer Support Helpline by the Cancer Support Community offers support, guidance, and resources to those experiencing cancer by providing cancer coping assistance, housing resources, and treatment planning resources. They can also connect you with support groups and transportation resources.
2. Support Groups
Cancer support groups provide a sense of community among cancer patients, survivors, and others affected by the disease. Support groups come in many different types — peer-led or professional-led, virtual or in-person — so it’s important to find where you feel the most comfortable.
Some support groups are open to those affected by cancer of all types, while others are geared toward a specific type of cancer. If looking for a local support group, asking your health care team or social worker at the hospital is a great place to start. An internet or social media search may also help you find the right support groups.
- CancerCare offers a variety of online support groups led by professional oncology social workers where members can post in the groups at any time. There is also a live chat option for certain locations.
- Cancer Support Community has over 170 locations across the world with programs that include support groups and educational workshops. They also provide the opportunity to build an online community through MyLifeLine.
- Living AlONE with Cancer: This Facebook support group offers a place of community for those navigating cancer alone.
- OneVillage: Our powerful community of cancer warriors, caregivers, and survivors come together to share their journeys and provide encouragement for one another. We offer free resources to help those affected by cancer take control of their lives.
3. Support Buddies
Many organizations offer a buddy program for cancer patients. Through this program, you’ll be matched with a support buddy who is typically a patient or a survivor of the same type of cancer.
These support buddies understand many of your feelings and the different aspects of navigating through diagnosis and treatment. Support groups are often a great place to find a support buddy, but there are other options.
- CanCare matches a person with cancer to a survivor who will help guide and support you through your cancer journey.
- Imerman Angels partners a cancer patient with a cancer survivor or caregiver, known as a “Mentor Angel”, who has faced the same type of cancer.
- Cancer Hope Network connects people with a cancer diagnosis to trained support volunteers who have faced cancer and understand the different emotions and struggles you may go through.
4. Transportation Assistance
After a cancer diagnosis, transportation may not be one of the initial thoughts that cross your mind. However, many cancer patients must travel to hospitals and cancer centers that specialize in their particular cancer type and treatment needs.
Transportation to and from these treatments can quickly become a concern. Fortunately, there are several organizations that can help.
- Air Charity Network provides free flights to people in need of medical treatment across all 50 states.
- The Good Days provide assistance to help pay travel costs and make travel arrangements to ensure you get the care needed.
- Mercy Medical Angels, the largest charitable medical transportation system in the world, provides both ground and air transportation for medical care.
- Road to Recovery Program by the American Cancer Society helps with transportation for those who don’t have a caregiver to drive them.
- Air Care Alliance offers free medical flights across the country.
- Corporate Angel Network offers both private and commercial flights at no cost for those seeking cancer care.
5. Housing/Lodging Assistance
Lodging for appointments and treatment regimens can add a costly fee to an already financially stressful situation. These resources may help cover the costs:
- Hope Lodge provides cancer patients with a free place to stay while traveling for appointments and treatments. There are currently more than 30 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
- Joe’s House is a non-profit organization that partners with lodging centers to provide cancer patients a place to stay at a discounted price while traveling for treatments. They provide a list of cancer treatment centers and hospitals with discounted lodging on their website.
- Healthcare Hospitality Network has an easy-to-use search tool to help you locate lodging resources in the area where treatment is needed.
You Don't Have to Go Through Cancer Alone
It's easier said than done. Sometimes, opening yourself up to accept help is the hardest part. Letting yourself know it’s okay to do so will help ease some of the financial and emotional stressors that come with a cancer diagnosis.
With the right cancer resources, your experience can be one of aid and support. Use these tools to find the information you need to feel supported during this journey. Lastly, don't be afraid to talk to your medical care team about your needs. Working with a hospital social worker, financial counselor, or case manager may also help you find additional resources in your time of need.
