In honor of October being breast cancer awareness month, it's important for people to not only be aware about the cancer itself, but what resources are available if you've been effected. The American Cancer Society offers many different services for cancer patients, their families, and cancer survivors.
1.
The National Cancer Information Cancer is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. You can go online and do a live chat, or talk over the phone with trained specialists that can connect you to local services, and answer whatever questions you may have about cancer in general. The number is 1-800-227-2345, and you can live chat by clicking this link: https://livechat.boldchat.com/aid/5386287375352862.... Live chat is only available Monday-Friday, 7am-6:30pm.
2.
The Hope Lodge is a place where cancer patients and their families can stay, free of charge, during their treatments. Some cancer treatments are only available in certain hospitals or cancer centers, and traveling daily or weekly can be costly and time-consuming. With the Hope Lodges, patients can stay closer and not have to worry about the expenses. There are 30 locations right now in US major cities. You can find one near you at http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsser....
3.
The Road to Recovery program provides cancer patients with rides to their treatment. Volunteers transport them to and from if they can't make it there themselves. The number to contact a volunteer near you is 1-800-227-2345.
4.
The Cancer Survivors Network is available for patients and their families to speak with others who have won their battle. You can post stories, photos, and speak about you experiences as well as view other's as well. The link to sign up is http://csn.cancer.org/?_ga=1.80031902.867119110.14...
5.
The Patient Navigator program allows you to get in contact with a representative from a local cancer center. They can listen and talk with you whenever you need support on the phone, or n person. The number to get started is 1-800-227-2345.
Mostly every person will have to cope with some form of cancer in their lifetime, whether it be a family member, friend, or personally. As I lost my stepfather and grandmother to cancer, knowing about these resources has shed a new light on coping with the stress and sadness of this disease. The American Cancer Society is an incredible program that has helped countless numbers of people. Consider donating to help them continue their success at https://donate.cancer.org/index.
