Ask the Cancer Information Service

Cancer Resources

Q: What are some national resources for cancer survivors and their families?

A: The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Cancer Information Service can respond in English or Spanish to questions about cancer survivorship issues. These may include symptoms after cancer treatment, psychological problems, workplace concerns, relationships, and medical costs. The CIS also sends callers free NCI materials. Call 1 (800) 4-CANCER. You also can “chat” with the CIS online, click on LiveHelp.

There are many other organizations that help cancer survivors and their families. The NCI does not endorse individual groups, but it provides information on organizations, such as:

• American Cancer Society—Cancer survivors network, support and rehabilitation programs, volunteer opportunities and many other services. (800) 227-2345
• Cancer Hope Network—Matches cancer patients with trained volunteers who have recovered from a similar cancer experience. (877) 467-3638
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship—Information on cancer advocacy, support, and quality of life issues. Some publications available in Spanish. (877) 622-7937
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer—Interactive message board and information about upcoming conferences and teleconferences on Web site. Toll-free Survivors Helpline, Young Survivors Network and outreach programs for medically underserved communities. (888) 753-5222

Call the NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1 (800) 4-CANCER for a list of more than 50 organizations that help cancer survivors and patients and their families. Also, ask for a free copy of the NCI booklets for survivors “Facing Forward Series: Life After Cancer Treatment” and “Facing Forward Series: Ways You Can Make A Difference in Cancer.”


The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) is one of the country’s most trusted resources. “Ask the CIS” is distributed by the Cancer Information Service of Hawai‘i (CIS-HI), which serves Hawai‘i and the U.S. Pacific Territories in cooperation with the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Research Center of Hawai‘i. Call the CIS toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Hawai‘i time.