A great resource to learn more about all types of cancer. This site also lets you search for opportunities in your area to get involved and volunteer (in such events as the Relay for Life). Register to get specific information on colon cancer.
This is a great resource for anyone who is dealing with cancer. Gilda’s Club welcomes men, women, and children who either have cancer or are friends or family of someone with cancer. You’ll find ways to receive social and emotional support through networking groups, workshops, lectures, and social events. Go to “Where to Find Us” to find a Gilda’s Club near you.
This site is for kids who are coping with cancer in their family. A good place to go for support and to find out how other kids are coping. Go to “Support” to find a group in your area, or to get information on starting a support group with help from Kids Konnected. You can even look at archived issues of Konnections, a quarterly newsletter, or go to the chat room. See “Offline Resources” for the Hotline number.
This is a trusted site for health information, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. You can look up current news in health and look up medical terms in the very complete glossary. Go to the interactive tutorial for a walk-through information session.
This Alliance was founded by Katie Couric and Lily Tartikoff. Its purpose is to use celebrities’ power to raise awareness of colon cancer, promote fundraising and research, and encourage people to be tested for the disease. You can find out more about your state’s legislation on healthcare coverage for colon cancer screenings, and even get information on clinical trials being conducted.
American Cancer Society1-800-ACS-2345Offers several Fact Sheets and support and resources about all cancers, including male breast cancer. Learn about treatments, coping and connect with cancer survivors.
Cancer Care, Inc.(800) 813-HOPECancerCare is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to provide free professional help to people with all cancers through counseling, education, information and referral and direct financial assistance.
Colon & Rectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients & FamiliesBy Lorraine Johnston
A very complete guide, you will find information useful to you as a patient, such as all the technical information on treatment and choosing doctors. Or you might share this book with a loved one in your life who has colon cancer. This is a good book to have on hand for the whole family that has been affected by this disease.
How to Help Children Through a Parent’s Serious IllnessBy Kathleen McCue and Ron Bonn
This book deals specifically with how to handle a parent’s serious illness around children. The authors offer advice on when to tell a child about an illness (and how to do it), and what warning signs you can look for in your child’s behavior to signal that professional counseling help is necessary. There’s even information on how to prepare a child for a hospital visit.
Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call to ask questions (although they cannot give out medical advice), to talk about your concerns, or just to have a listening ear. 1-800-899-2866
National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Services(800) 4-CANCERThe National Cancer Institute coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship1010 Wayne Avenue, Ste 770Silver Spring, MD 20910-5660(877) NCCS-YESThe National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) is the only survivor-led advocacy organization working exclusively on behalf of this country's more than 9 million cancer survivors and the millions more touched by this disease. Founded in 1986, NCCS continues to lead the cancer survivorship movement. By educating all those affected by cancer and speaking out on issues related to quality cancer care, NCCS is empowering every survivor.
National Institutes of Health9000 Rockville PikeBethesda, MD 20892(800) 4-CANCER (affiliated with National Cancer Institute)The National Institutes of Health is the steward of medical and behavioral research for the Nation. It is an Agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Understanding Colon Cancer By A. Richard Adrouny
This book is a manageable length (146 pages), and is praised for its ability to relate scientific concepts and terms to the average reader. Dr. Adrouny explains how things will look and feel at different stages of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Also a good book to read before going in for a routine colonoscopy. ****
US Department of Health & Human Services200 Independence Ave, SW Washington, DC 20201(877) 696-6775They aim to protect the health of Americans, especially those who cannot help themselves. Disease prevention and research is just one of the many services provided by this department.
When Life Becomes Precious: The Essential Guide for Patients, Loved Ones, and Friends of Those Facing Serious Illnesses By Elise Babcock
This is a wonderful resource for coping with a serious illness, whether the patient is yourself or a loved one. You’ll find suggestions on how to avoid “burnout” if you’re a caretaker, how to choose doctors, and how to prepare for visits to the hospital. There is also great information on how to help children understand and cope with the situation.