Skin Cancer Support Resources
Help for Patients and Caregivers
A skin cancer diagnosis can be physically, emotionally and financially challenging. You’re not alone. Our Robins Nest program provides you with a carefully curated list of organizations that offer assistance with insurance, health care costs, transportation, coping support and other issues that arise with a skin cancer diagnosis. Find out more about Robins Nest.
We’re here to guide you. Below is a list of support organizations broken down into categories. Note that this is by no means a complete list of organizations. Think of it as a way to help you answer the question: “Where do I begin?”
Start by selecting a category that best describes your need. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, scroll down to review our complete list of resources.
Health Insurance
Visit HealthCare.gov to learn more about enrolling in health insurance plans in the healthcare marketplace. HealthCare.gov is a health insurance exchange website operated by the U.S. government under the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as the ACA and “Obamacare”).
Some states have their own healthcare exchanges and may offer extended enrollment periods. It’s important to understand your options and obtain the most comprehensive coverage possible. Should you need further assistance, contact a local insurance navigator available at no cost through HealthCare.gov or through your state-run insurance website.
Treatment Assistance
- Health care cost assistance
- Health insurance assistance
- Medication & copay assistance
- Pain management
- Physician/Treatment center/Clinical trials finder
Supplemental Financial Support
- Food
- Lodging/Housing
- Transportation
- Other
Disease Specific Organizations
- Melanoma
- Merkel cell carcinoma
Advocate Groups
- Patient & survivor advocacy
- Case management
- Legal aid
- General organizations
Coping Support & Reading Resources
- Patient support groups
- Survivorship groups
- Young adult groups
- Programs to help you
look and feel better - Reading Resources
Caregiver & Family Support
- Caregiver resources
- Home care
- Hospice & palliative care
TREATMENT ASSISTANCE
If you cannot afford to treat your skin cancer (or think you cannot), financial assistance may be available to help you get the medical care and medications you need. Treatment is important. It can prevent the cancer from spreading or becoming disfiguring. There are steps you can take to get the treatment you need.
Treatment Assistance Resources
HEALTH CARE COST ASSISTANCE
Benefits.gov
You can search Benefits.gov for U.S. government benefits you might be eligible for.
Website: www.benefits.gov/
Cancer Care
Cancer Care offers limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs and co-pays, and their professional oncology social workers can help you find additional resources.
Website: www.cancercare.org/financial_assistance
Telephone: 800.813.HOPE (4673)
Cancer Support Community
The Cancer Support Community has gathered valuable information from many sources to create an online guide to help you deal with the significant financial matters related to cancer.
Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/living-cancer-topics/managing-cost-cancer-treatment
Telephone: 888.793.9355
Dial 211 for Essential Community Services
In many states, dialing 211 provides a shortcut through the maze of health and human services agencies offering medical support programs. Calls are routed to a local or regional calling center where referral specialists match caller needs to available resources and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. To find out whether 211 services are offered in your area, visit 211.org. Support services vary.
Website: www.211.org
Telephone: 211
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Find a Health Center: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
HRSA funds nearly 1,400 health centers. They provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality primary health care to underserved communities at more than 15,000 sites. Find a Health Center helps you search for HRSA-funded health centers.
Telephone: 877-464-4772 (TTY: 877-897-9910), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, weekdays (except Federal holidays).
National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
If you don’t have health insurance and are diagnosed with an early skin cancer, you may be able to find help at a free or low-cost health clinic. Some clinics focus mainly on providing primary medical or dental care, while other clinics provide a wide array of services. Search for one near you.
Website: www.nafcclinics.org/find-clinic
Telephone: 703.647.7427
Email: Info@nafcclinics.org
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Reimbursement Resource Room
The NCCN Virtual Reimbursement Resource Room is available for patients to search for reimbursement help and services available to help mitigate reimbursement challenges.
Website: www.nccn.org/reimbursement_resource_room/default.aspx
Telephone: 215.690.0300
Email: tredwell@nccn.org
Patient Advocate Foundation
The Patient Advocate Foundation serves as an active liaison between the patient and the insurer, employer and/or creditors to ensure access to care, maintenance of employment and reservation of financial stability. Case managers, doctors and attorneys work through the Foundation. View their Case Management services page, or click “Explore Our Resources” on the top menu of the website to see a list of support services offered
Website: www.patientadvocate.org
Telephone: 800.532.5274
Email: help@patientadvocate.org
Vital Options® International Vital Grant Program
The Selma Schimmel Vital Grant is a financial support program focused on helping patients and families who are enduring financial hardship while battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The Vital Grant program funds things like transportation to treatment, treatment costs, medication, groceries and other expenses. The program is administered by Vital Options International’s partner foundations with the capacity and infrastructure to accept applications from patients and families and distribute the funds.
Website: www.vitaloptions.org/voi-vital-grants/
Telephone: 818.508.5657
Email: info@vitaloptions.org
HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE
Cancer Care
Cancer Care offers limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs and co-pays, and their professional oncology social workers can help you find additional resources.
Website: www.cancercare.org/financial_assistance
Telephone: 800.813.HOPE (4673)
The Healthwell Foundation
The Healthwell Foundation is a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving access to care for America’s underinsured. The following programs are now open:
Melanoma: Medicare Access (Copay)
Melanoma: Medicare Access (Premium)
Please Note: Funding is limited, and disease fund statuses may change quickly. Assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to each foundation’s criteria.
Website: www.healthwellfoundation.org
Telephone: 800.675.8416
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Reimbursement Resource Room
The NCCN Virtual Reimbursement Resource Room is available for patients to search for reimbursement help and services available to help mitigate reimbursement challenges.
Website: www.nccn.org/reimbursement_resource_room/default.aspx
Telephone: 215.690.0300
Email: tredwell@nccn.org
Patient Advocate Foundation Personalized Medicine CareLine
The Patient Advocate Foundation offers a Personalized Medicine CareLine to assist patients, caregivers and providers who are encountering barriers accessing targeted therapies, immunotherapies or clinical trials that have been recommended. CareLine services include assisting with prior authorizations, screening and enrollment in insurance and social programs, appeals assistance, coding and billing issues, disability eligibility and enrollment, debt crisis and cost of living assistance and identifying solutions to out of pocket medical costs.
Website: www.patientadvocate.org
Connect with services: www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/case-management-services-and-medcarelines/
Online assistance form: patientadvocate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Ww6p8qW4Fy0fiZ
Telephone: 866.460.1928
Patient Advocate Foundation
The Patient Advocate Foundation serves as an active liaison between the patient and the insurer, employer and/or creditors to ensure access to care, maintenance of employment and reservation of financial stability. Case managers, doctors and attorneys work through the Foundation. View their Case Management services page, or click “Explore Our Resources” on the top menu of the website to see a list of support services offered.
Website: www.patientadvocate.org
Telephone: 800.532.5274
Email: help@patientadvocate.org
MEDICATION AND CO-PAY ASSISTANCE
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Copay Relief
The PAF Co-Pay Relief Program provides direct financial assistance to insured patients who meet certain qualifications to help them pay for the prescriptions and/or treatments they need. This assistance helps patients afford the out-of-pocket costs for these items that their insurance companies require.
Website: www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/copay-relief/
Telephone: 866.512.3861
Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
The Patient Access Network Foundation is dedicated to providing help and hope to underinsured patients unable to afford high cost specialty medications. PAN provides financial assistance to support the cost sharing obligations (i.e., co-pays, deductibles) of patients through nearly 60 disease-specific programs designed to help patients being treated for certain chronic illnesses, rare diseases and cancers including advanced basal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma.
PAN also has a Fund Finder where you can sign up to receive alerts for available funding related to your diagnosis.
Website: www.PANFoundation.org
Telephone: 866.316.7263
Email: info@panfoundation.org
Patient Services Inc.
A nonprofit premium and copayment foundation serving people with a range of medical conditions, Patient Services Inc. provides funding for bone metastases and metastatic melanoma.
Website: www.patientservicesinc.org/
Telephone: 800.366.7741
Contact form: www.patientservicesinc.org/contact
PHARMACEUTICAL PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Pharmaceutical companies often provide assistance to help patients get access to the medications they need. Below is a list of companies that offer patient assistance.
- Amgen Assist First Step Program®(Imlygic®)
Website: amgenfirststep.com/ - Array ACTS™ (Braftovi™; Mektovi®)
Website: www.braftovimektovi.com/ - Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Access Support®(Yervoy®;Opdivo®)
Website: www.bmsaccesssupport.bmscustomerconnect.com/cms__Main?name=patient - Genentech Access to Care Foundation®(Zelboraf®; Cotellic®)
Website: www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/zelboraf.html - Novartis Patient Assistance Now Oncology (PANO)®(Tafinlar®; Mekinist®)
Website: www.oncologyaccessnow.com/ - The Merck Access Program®(Keytruda®)
Website: www.merckaccessprogram-keytruda.com/hcc/the-merck-patient-assistance-program/
PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT)
MAT is an online directory designed to help patients, caregivers and health care providers learn more about and search through the resources that the pharmaceutical industry offers.
Website: medicineassistancetool.org/My-Resources
Online contact form: medicineassistancetool.org/Contact-Us
PAIN MANAGEMENT
American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA)
ASRA is a partner of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) focusing on pain management therapies and treatments. Their website includes information on the specifics of cancer pain, chronic pain management and treatment options for chronic pain.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®)
National Comprehensive Cancer Center member institutions conduct clinical trials trials funded by the NCCN Oncology Research Program (ORP). Click here for a list broken out by cancer type or use the link below to search for a trial.
Website: www.nccn.org/patients/about/default.aspx
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
This group develops and conducts clinical trials with promising new cancer therapies and utilizes the best science to develop optimal treatment and prevention strategies for cancer, as well as researches methods to alleviate side effects of cancer and cancer treatments.
Website: www.allianceforclinicaltrialsinoncology.org
Telephone: 877.442.2542
Email: info@alliancefoundationtrials.org
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
NCI is the US government’s source of information on the latest cancer treatments and clinical trials, as well as insurance, hospice and home care. Callers to the toll-free number can be referred to community activities and support services. Spanish speakers are available.
Website: www.cancer.gov
Telephone: 800.4.CANCER (422.6237)
Email: cancergovstaff@mail.nih.gov
Please note: The Skin Cancer Foundation provides links to search tools to help you locate physicians and other health care programs. These links are provided as a resource and do not signify our endorsement of the physicians and programs listed therein.
Skin Cancer Foundation physician finder
www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) physician finder
www.aad.org/public#
Note: The Skin Cancer Foundation provides links to search tools to help you locate physicians and other health care programs. These links are provided as a resource and do not signify our endorsement of the physicians and programs listed therein.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) member institutions:
www.nccn.org/members/network.aspx
Note: The Skin Cancer Foundation provides links to search tools to help you locate physicians and other health care programs. These links are provided as a resource and do not signify our endorsement of the physicians and programs listed therein.
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT
In addition to health care costs, skin cancer patients may require assistance with transportation to and from treatment, housing and lodging if travel is necessary, as well as other expenses. Below are some places to turn for help.
Financial Support Resources
Cancer Support Community
The Cancer Support Community has gathered valuable information from many sources to create an online guide to will help you deal with the significant financial matters related to cancer.
Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/living-cancer-topics/managing-cost-cancer-treatment
Telephone: 888.793.9355
FOOD
Feeding America
Feeding America’s mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks. Visit their website or call their hotline to find the food bank closest to you.
Website: www.feedingamerica.org
Telephone: 800.771.2303
Dial 211 for Essential Community Services
In many states, dialing 211 provides a shortcut through the maze of health and human services agencies offering medical support programs. Calls are routed to a local or regional calling center where referral specialists match caller needs to available resources, and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. to find out whether 211 services are offered in your area, visit 211.org. Support services vary.
Website: www.211.org
Telephone: 211
CANCER CENTER LODGING/HOUSING
Many hotels near cancer centers and major health care facilities offer discounts to patients. Below is a list of housing resources for patients and their families when they travel for medical treatment.
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge is available in many states, helping cancer patients and their caregivers can find free lodging when home is far away. See the website for details. If there is no Hope Lodge in your state, call 1.800.227.2345 for lodging assistance.
Website: www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/hopelodge/
Cancer Support Community
In 2019, Airbnb announced a strategic partnership with the Cancer Support Community to provide free housing for cancer patients and caregivers, provided they meet certain geographic and income criteria.
Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/airbnb
Telephone: 877.793.0498
Joe’s House
A nationwide lodging guide for cancer patients.
Website: www.joeshouse.org
Telephone: 877.563.7468
Email: info@joeshouse.org
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Lodging for patients and families. Located in Boston, Massachusetts.
Website: www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/becoming-a-patient/planning-your-visit/places-to-stay-near-dana-farber/
Telephone: 617.632.3750
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Lodging for patients and families. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Website: www.fccc.edu/patients/resources/lodging/index.html
Telephone: 888.369.2427
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Lodging for patients and families. Housing is offered through the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, located in Seattle, Washington.
Website: www.seattlecca.org/housing-information
Telephone: 206.606.7263
Email housing@seattlecca.org
Hosts for Hospitals
Lodging for patients and families. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Website: www.hostsforhospitals.org/
Telephone: 484.380.2999
Email: lodging@hostsforhospitals.org
Online contact form: https://hostsforhospitals.org/contact/
Mayo Clinic
Lodging assistance for patients and families. Located in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.
Website: www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Patient Travel Services provided by MD Anderson has access to MD Anderson airline, lodging and ground transportation discounts and rates for patients and their families. Located in Houston, Texas.
Website: www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/guide-to-md-anderson/getting-here/lodging.html
Telephone: 866.964.2459
Email: patienttravel@mdanderson.org
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital
Lodging assistance for patients and their families. Located in Baltimore, Maryland.
Website: www.hopkinsmedicine.org/the_johns_hopkins_hospital/planning_visit/hotels_housing/hotels.html
Telephone: 410.464.6713 or 410.955.5000 for Maryland residents
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lodging assistance for patients and their families. Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Website: www.secufamilyhouse.org/staying-here
Telephone: 919.932.8000
Online contact form: www.secufamilyhouse.org/about/contact-us
Transportation
Angel Flight East
AFE facilitates free air transportation to children and adults in need of medical treatment far from home. AFE’s footprint is from Virginia to Ohio to Maine but for destinations beyond that the organization links up with other volunteer pilot organizations.
Website: www.angelflighteast.org
Telephone: 215.358.1900
Email: missions@angelflighteast.org
Angel Flight Central
Angel Flight Central serves people in need by arranging charitable flights for health care or other humanitarian purposes.
Website: www.angelflightcentral.org
Phone: 866.569.9464
Email: request@angelflightcentral.org
Angel Flight West
Angel Flight West is one of six regional Angel Flight organizations that work with Mercy Medical Airlifts to take patients to health care facilities or distant destinations free of charge.
Website: www.angelflightwest.org
Telephone: 888.426.2643
Email: coordination@angelflightwest.org
Angel Flight
Angel Flight was created by a group of pilots who believe in the benefit of volunteering. See their nationwide flight locator:
Website: www.angelflight.com/locator/
Phone: 918.749.8992
Air Care Alliance
Air Care Alliance is a nonprofit public service organization supporting the work of volunteer-based charitable organizations whose members fly to help others. See their nationwide flight locator:
Website: www.aircarealliance.org/directory-groups
Request a flight: www.aircarealliance.org/submit-request-for-assistance/
Email: info@aircarealliance.org
Corporate Angel Network
Corporate Angel Network provides space on corporate and private jets free of charge to cancer patients who must travel long distances for treatment. Please note: you may register online but you must also speak directly with them. You may ask to be called or call them directly.
Website: www.corpangelnetwork.org
Telephone: 914.328.1313
Online contact form: www.corpangelnetwork.org/#/ContactUs
Email: info@corpangelnetwork.org
Mercy Medical Angels
Mercy Medical Angels provides transportation on the ground and in the air to clinical care for those in need, ensuring that no one is denied medical care because they don’t have transportation.
Website: mercymedical.org/
Telephone: 757.318.9174
Online contact form: mercymedical.org/contact-us/
MD Anderson Cancer Center Patient Travel Services
MD Anderson’s Patient Travel Program offers discounts on unrestricted, changeable, non-penalty airfares as well as change fee waivers on restricted fares from anywhere in the United States (and most of the world) for patients and their caregivers coming to Houston.
Website: www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/becoming-our-patient/getting-to-md-anderson/traveling-to-houston.html
Telephone: 888.848.9992
Email: patienttravel@mdanderson.org
Patient Advocate Foundation
The Patient Advocate Foundation offers a fund for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
Once approved, the fund provides one-time assistance of $450 to cover transportation-related expenses connected to treatment appointments. Eligible patients include those who are undergoing active treatment, have received treatment within the previous six months, or will be receiving treatment in the next 60 days. Each patient must meet household income guidelines and provide diagnosis documentation in order to finalize the application.
Website: www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/financial-aid-funds/
Access2Care
Access2Care manages the transportation experience for those receiving non-emergency medical transportation benefits through Medicaid or Medicare.
Website: www.access2care.net/
Online contact form: www.access2care.net/contact
American Cancer Society/Lyft Road to Recovery Program
The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program provides transportation to and from treatment for people with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.
Website: www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/road-to-recovery.html
Telephone: 800.227.2345
Uber Health
Uber partners with numerous doctors and health facilities for patient transportation services.
Website: www.uberhealth.com
Online contact form: www.uberhealth.com/landing/enroll
Ride United
Ride United is a transportation access initiative launched by United Way with partners like Lyft and the 211 network. It addresses unmet transportation needs for individuals and families across the U.S.
Website: www.unitedway.org/our-impact/featured-programs/2-1-1/ride-united
Telephone: Dial 211
Other
Dial 211 for Essential Community Services
In many states, dialing 211 provides a shortcut through the maze of health and human services agencies offering medical support programs. Calls are routed to a local or regional calling center where referral specialists match caller needs to available resources and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. To find out whether 211 services are offered in your area, visit www.211.org. Support services vary.
Website: www.211.org
Telephone: 211
DISEASE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Disease Specific Resources
Melanoma
American Melanoma Foundation
The American Melanoma Foundation maintains a support group in San Diego, CA and will advise anyone wanting to start a support group. AMF also gives information about melanoma from screening to staging and clinical trials that patients may wish to join.
Website: www.myamf.org
Telephone: 858.882.7712
Online contact form: melanomafoundation.org/contact
Email: info@melanomafoundation.org
Melanoma International Foundation
The Melanoma International Foundation’s phone number is a “patient navigation hotline” to help patients and their families gain a better understanding of the disease and where to go for treatment. Most answers to questions and information are offered via email.
Website: www.melanomainternational.org
Telephone: 866.463.6663
Email: contact@melanomainternational.org
Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)
Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, MRF can assist in locating cancer treatment centers specializing in melanoma or specifically pediatric, ocular or mucosal melanomas.
Website www.melanoma.org
Telephone: 800.673.1290
Email: info@melanoma.org
Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
The Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) is dedicated to providing help and hope to underinsured patients unable to afford high cost specialty medciations. PAN provides financial assistance to support the cost sharing obligations (i.e., co-pays, deductibles) of patients through nearly 60 disease-specific programs designed to help patients being treated for certain chronic illnesses, rare diseases and cancers. The PAN website also has a FundFinder with up to date availability of funding resources for specific diseases. Two of PAN’s programs are for patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma.
Website www.PANFoundation.org
Telephone: 866.316.7263
Patient Services Incorporated (PSI)
PSI provides financial support and guidance for qualified patients with specific, rare chronic diseases.
Website: www.patientservicesinc.org/
Telephone: 800.366.7741
Contact form: www.patientservicesinc.org/contact
Kelly’s Dream
Kelly’s dream raises awareness of melanoma and provides financial assistance for patients in the state of Maryland.
Website: www.kellysdream.org/
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
MerkelCell.org
MerkelCell.org was created by physicians and researchers who work on Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive skin cancer, to answer frequently asked questions and provide accurate information about this disease.
Website: merkelcell.org
Email: mccteam@uw.edu
Find an MCC specialist: merkelcell.org/resources/find-a-specialist/
Patient Advocate Foundation
The Patient Advocate Foundation offers a fund for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
Once approved, the fund provides one-time assistance of $450 to cover transportation-related expenses connected to treatment appointments. Eligible patients include those who are undergoing active treatment, have received treatment within the previous six months, or will be receiving treatment in the next 60 days. Each patient must meet household income guidelines and provide diagnosis documentation in order to finalize the application.
Website: www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/financial-aid-funds/
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Seattle Support Group
This support group is a flexible, open discussion group located in Seattle, WA for anyone touched by Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), including patients, spouses, family and friends. This is an informal opportunity to meet others coping with MCC, share stories and information, answer questions and provide support. They have first-hand knowledge and experience to share about treatments, clinical research trials and coping with MCC.
Website: sites.google.com/site/merkelcellcarcinomaseattle/home
ADVOCATE GROUPS
The following advocacy organizations offer programs and services for patients and survivors to help them navigate the complex landscape of a skin cancer diagnosis and improve both their quality of care and quality of life.
Advocacy Resources
PATIENT AND SURVIVOR ADVOCACY
Cancer Support Community/Gilda’s Club
Cancer Support Community provides a vast range of professional programs offering emotional support, education and hope for people impacted by cancer at no charge. Their services are online as well as 175 locations worldwide and include extensive educational materials in many languages. See the survivorship and advocacy sections of the website for more information.
Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
Support links: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/get-support
Telephone: 888.793.9355
Email: help@cancersupportcommunity.org
Patient Advocate Foundation
The Patient Advocate Foundation serves as an active liaison between the patient and the insurer, employer and/or creditors to ensure access to care, maintenance of employment and reservation of financial stability. Case managers, doctors and attorneys work through the Foundation. View their Case Management services page, or click “Explore Our Resources” on the top menu of the website to see a list of support services offered.
Website: www.patientadvocate.org
Telephone: 800.532.5274
Email: help@patientadvocate.org
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
This survivor-led organization works on behalf of the country’s more than 9 million cancer survivors and the millions more living with, through and beyond this disease.
Website: www.canceradvocacy.org
Telephone: 877.622.7937 or 800.532.5274
Email: info@canceradvocacy.org
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®)
NCCN is a not-for-profit alliance of 28 leading cancer centers dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, efficient and accessible cancer care so patients can live better lives. The NCCN website includes a list of NCCN Cancer Centers, clinical guidelines for patients and expert guidance from the world’s leading doctors and cancer centers free of charge.
Website: https://www.nccn.org/patientresources/patient-resources
Telephone: 215.690.0300
Vital Options® International
A leader in patient advocacy, Vital Options is committed to giving a voice to patients, caregivers, families and healthcare professionals through their Vital Conversations and Advocacy In Action programs. This blend of patient stories and insights from healthcare professionals provides patients and their families valuable guidance about the treatment and support they need.
Advocacy in Action: www.vitaloptions.org/advocacy-in-action/
Telephone: 818.508.5657
Email: info@vitaloptions.org
CASE MANAGEMENT
Patient Advocate Foundation
The Patient Advocate Foundation serves as an active liaison between the patient and the insurer, employer and/or creditors to ensure access to care, maintenance of employment and reservation of financial stability. Case managers, doctors and attorneys work through the Foundation. View their Case Management services page, or click “Explore Our Resources” on the top menu of the website to see a list of support services offered.
Website: www.patientadvocate.org
Telephone: 800.532.5274
Email: help@patientadvocate.org
LEGAL AID
National Cancer Legal Services Network (NCLSN)
NCLSN hosts a huge number of organizations across the U.S. that provide legal services to cancer patients, caregivers and families, including representation for issues such as advocacy, career and insurance disputes.
Website: www.nclsn.org/
Online contact: www.nclsn.org/contact-us/
General Organizations
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
The AAD represents virtually all practicing dermatologists in the U.S., as well as a growing number of international dermatologists. It provides information and educational material on all aspects of melanoma, other skin cancers and skin care. A “Find a Dermatologist” listing is offered on the website.
Website: www.aad.org/diseases/skin-cancer
Telephone: 888.462.3376
Online contact us form: server.aad.org/Forms/ContactUs/
Cancer Support Community/Gilda’s Club
Cancer Support Community provides a vast range of professional programs offering emotional support, education and hope for people impacted by cancer at no charge. Their services are online as well as 175 locations worldwide and include extensive educational materials in many languages. See the survivorship and advocacy sections of the website for more information.
Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
Worldwide cancer helpline: 888.793.9355
Telephone:202.659.9709
Fax: 202.974.7999
Email: help@cancersupportcommunity.org
Dial 211 for Essential Community Services
In many states, dialing 211 provides a shortcut through the maze of health and human services agencies offering medical support programs. Calls are routed to a local or regional calling center where referral specialists match caller needs to available resources and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. To find out whether 211 services are offered in your area, visit www.211.org. Support services vary.
Website: www.211.org
Telephone: 211
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®)
NCCN is a not-for-profit alliance of 28 leading cancer centers dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, efficient and accessible cancer care so patients can live better lives. The NCCN website includes a list of NCCN Cancer Centers, clinical guidelines for patients and expert guidance from the world’s leading doctors and cancer centers free of charge.
Website: www.nccn.org/patients/about/default.aspx
Telephone: 215.690.0300
Online contact form: www.nccn.org/patients/contact/default.aspx
COPING SUPPORT & READING RESOURCES
A skin cancer diagnosis can cause both physical and emotional pain. The organizations listed below offer programs and services to help patients heal the mind and body during treatment and recovery. Many cancer centers, hospitals and medical centers also maintain support groups for their patients and family members so ask your doctor or local hospital whether such a group is available near you.
Our Reading Resources section includes books that provide education, guidance and motivation.
Coping Support & Reading Resources
Support Groups
Cancer Support Community/Gilda’s Club
Cancer Support Community provides a vast range of professional programs offering emotional support, education and hope for people impacted by cancer at no charge. Their services are online as well as 175 locations worldwide and include extensive educational materials in many languages.
Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
Worldwide cancer helpline: 888.793.9355
Telephone:202.659.9709
Fax: 202-974-7999
Email: help@cancersupportcommunity.org
Cancer.net
Cancer.net is a comprehensive compilation of linked resources approved by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to help manage the physical, emotional and social effects of cancer, including support groups and online communities.
Website: www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/finding-social-support-and-information
Telephone: 888.651.3038
Email: contactus@cancer.net
CURE
CURE® Media Group’s flagship magazine and online resource curetoday.com provide access to leading resources and information that serve as a guide to every stage of the cancer experience.
Website: curetoday.com
SkinCancer.net
Providing patients and caregivers with a platform to learn, educate and connect with peers and health care professionals, SkinCancer.net provides tools and resources to help manage your disease and improve your quality of life.
Website: skincancer.net
Telephone: 484-985-9715
Email: Contact@skincancer.net
Smart Patients
Smart Patients is an online community of support for patients and families.
Website: www.smartpatients.com/home
Online contact form: www.smartpatients.com/contact
SurvivorNet
SurvivorNet collaborates with the top doctors and cancer centers in the U.S. to create medically reviewed content to help cancer patients, survivors and caregivers get accurate information, comfort and hope.
Website: www.survivornet.com
Young Adult Support
First Descents
First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18 – 39) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.
Website: firstdescents.org
Telephone: 303.945.2490
Email: info@firstdescents.org
Stupid Cancer
Stupid Cancer’s mission is to empower young adults (ages 15-39) affected by cancer by ending isolation and building community. Their website has a list of resources including many that provide financial assistance for young adults with a cancer diagnosis, meet-up group possibilities and an annual four day gathering called CancerCon®.
Website: stupidcancer.org
Telephone: 877.735.4673
Online contact form: stupidcancer.org/contact/
Exercise and other programs to help you look and feel better
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
LIVESTRONG assists those who are living with, through or beyond cancer to regain strength and connect with other cancer survivors. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants experience improved fitness and quality of life as well as significant decreases in cancer-related fatigue. It is open to adults 18 years or older at low or no cost.
Website: www.livestrong.org/ymca-search
Look Good Feel Better
Sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, Look Good Feel Better teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients during and after chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.
Website: www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
Telephone: 1.800-395.LOOK
Contact us form: lookgoodfeelbetter.org/contact-us/#contact-us
Wigs for Cancer
Since 2008, Andrew DiSimone and staff have been volunteering cutting and styling wigs for the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program. People experiencing medical hair loss due to cancer and cancer treatments can receive a free wig and have it cut/styled by Andrew at the Hope Lodge in New York City.
Website: www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/new-york-city/
For Adults in NYC: www.hairplacenyc.com/free-wigs-for-cancer/
Reading Resources
Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis or trying to instill sun-smart behavior in your child — or yourself — there’s a book to help you do it. We’ve rounded up the latest reads on skin cancer and sun protection for all ages, written by dermatologists — from a cutting-edge guide on melanoma from a leading expert to a graphic novel to convince kids that sun protection is cool. We’ll add more as we find them. Check out our reviews below.
Title: Beating Melanoma: The Ultimate Patient Resource (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
Author: Steven Q Wang, MD, director of dermatologic oncology at Hoag Family Cancer Institute in Newport Beach, California, and chair of The Skin Cancer Foundation Photobiology Committee
For: Ages 18+. It’s a comprehensive guide for anyone with a melanoma diagnosis — at any stage, including post-treatment.
Why it’s a must-read: This book gives readers access to top skin cancer doctors, including Dr. Wang himself and 25 other renowned melanoma experts from leading institutions. The book begins in what Dr. Wang calls “the mad rush” phase, the often-stressful time after a diagnosis when you’re gathering info, seeing specialists and starting treatment, and ends in “the marathon phase,” a section to help readers understand that preventing melanoma is a lifelong commitment. There are QR codes throughout the book to take readers to videos with melanoma experts on topics that need more explanation. Beating Melanoma provides the most up-to-date information available on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of melanoma.
A surprising takeaway: Melanoma is the deadliest of the three most common types of skin cancer. Still, this book delivers information on a serious topic in a calming and optimistic way, so patients feel empowered and hopeful about life during and after melanoma.
Sold on: Amazon
Title: Skinventurez: The Sunscreaming Summer
Author: Tamara Lazic Strugar, MD, New York City-based dermatologist
Illustrator: Lea Embeli
For: Ages 6 to 12. Tweens who like graphic novels will enjoy this engaging story that underscores the importance of sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
Why it’s a must-read: The Sunscreaming Summer tells the story of Mia, Luka and some friends enjoying summer break with a mystery to solve: Why does Mia and Luka’s father look a bit ghostly? Luka also learns a painful lesson about sun exposure on a cloudy day, which requires an educational trip to a dermatologist.
A surprising takeaway: The kids in the book are inspired by and named after Dr. Lazic Strugar’s children, and she and her husband, John, are also characters. Dr. Lazic Strugar wrote this book to serve as a creative outlet while dealing with a stage IV cancer diagnosis, and to leave a legacy for her profession and family.
Sold on: Amazon
Title: Dermboy Saves Vacation! An Adventure in Sun Safety
Author: Brian Matthys, DO, a dermatologist in Kansas City, with Scott Emmons, children’s author
Illustrator: Renée Andriani
For: Ages 4 to 8. Young kids can learn about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and the importance of sunscreen through a superhero character called “Dermboy.”
Why it’s a must-read: Kids can have difficulty conceptualizing the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The book teaches kids about sun safety through fun storytelling about Dermboy, a superhero who fearlessly protects kids from “Rojo the Lobster” up in the sky. Dermboy’s “weapons” include sunscreen, hats and a high-tech UV tracker
A surprising takeaway: The UV tracker that Dermboy arms the main characters with is a real product developed by Dr. Matthys, designed for the Apple Watch.
Sold on: Amazon
CAREGIVER & FAMILY SUPPORT
Caregiver Resources
Caregiver Support
National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA)
A grassroots organization that educates, supports and speaks out on behalf of caregivers, NFCA strives to improve the caregiver’s quality of life by raising public awareness.
Website: www.caringcommunity.org/
Telephone: 707.539.2364
Email: info@thefamilycaregiver.org
Cancer Care
Cancer care offers support groups, publications and podcasts for caregivers along with a multitude of other educational resources and offerings.
Website: www.cancercare.org/tagged/caregiving
Telephone: 800.813.4673
Email: info@cancercare.org
Caregiver Action Network
Caregiver Action Network offers new funding for local volunteer programs to provide non-medical care to older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers.
Website: caregiveraction.org/
Telephone: 855.227.3640
Contact form: caregiveraction.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Email: info@caregiveraction.org
SkinCancer.net
Providing patients and caregivers with a platform to learn, educate and connect with peers and health care professionals, SkinCancer.net provides tools and resources to help manage your disease and improve your quality of life.
Telephone: 484.985.9715
Email: Contact@skincancer.net
Home Care
Dial 211 for Essential Community Services
In many states, dialing 211 provides a shortcut through the maze of health and human services agencies offering medical support programs. Calls are routed to a local or regional calling center where referral specialists match caller needs to available resources and link or refer them directly to an agency or organization that can help. To find out whether 211 services are offered in your area, visit www.211.org. Support services vary.
Website: www.211.org
Telephone: 211
Elder Helpers
Elder Helpers provides free elder care. Volunteers help carry groceries, run errands, give rides, entertain, help make phone calls, write letters, read and assist with cleaning and cooking.
Website: www.elderhelpers.org/
Email: help@elderhelpers.org
Senior Bridge
Senior Bridge specializes in caring for people who have complex chronic medical or cognitive conditions and taking care of them in their home environment. Licensed nurses and social workers provide professional oversight, planning, coordination and implementation of care plans. They make regular home visits, ensure doctor’s orders are followed, reconcile and monitor medications and more.
Website: www.seniorbridge.com
Telephone: 855.627.3684
Hospice & Palliative Care
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
The Caring Info Program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization provides free resources to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis. The site contains comprehensive information and resources to hospice and palliative care and includes advance care planning, caregiving and grief and loss resources.
Website: www.nhpco.org/patients-and-caregivers/
Telephone: 703.837.1500
Online contact form: www.nhpco.org/contact-us/