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| Diagnosed with Cancer? |
The DC Cancer Consortium is not a health care provider and we do not offer medical advice. However, information on this website can help you find the information you need as you cope with this diagnosis.
If you are newly diagnosed, here are some suggestions that can help:
1. Know you are not alone. Many, many people have faced a diagnosis of cancer -- and today there are many places for you to find expert care, support and knowledge. Here in the District, there are four "cancer centers" -- specialized institutions where cancer experts provide a wide range of patient care and conduct research (see information below). There are also a considerable number of oncologists (physicians who specialize in cancer treatment) and many support groups for people with cancer.
2. Take your time to make decisions, if possible. Most of the time, a cancer diagnosis is not a medical emergency, and most people have time to learn about their cancer and find the care that is needed.
When you first learn you have cancer, your reaction may well be shock and fear -- making it hard to concentrate on what is being said to you, and hard to make responsible decisions. Bringing someone with you -- a calm and reliable family member, spouse or trusted friend -- can help a lot as you have those first, important conversations with your doctors and other health care professionals involved with your care. You are the person most directly facing this health care crisis, and for that reason right now your ability to remember what is said to you -- especially information about a topic you may know very little about, like cancer -- is limited. Your companion at this time can take notes, ask questions you may not think of, and provide a vital source of comfort, as well.
3. Learn the basics about your cancer. Learn the cancer name, how big it is, where it is located in your body, and if it has spread. Get information about treatment options -- and what the success rate is for each option. Also ask if your cancer is growing quickly or slowly. These are the basic facts you'll need to begin learning more about your cancer.
4. Consider getting a second opinion. If your cancer is not a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment, it is a good idea to seek a second and even a third opinion about the best way to treat your cancer. This is not hard to do in the Washington, DC area, because there are many oncologists here. You can begin by asking the doctor who has diagnosed your cancer for recommendations as to where you might go for additional opinions. Your physician should provide you some suggested other physicians. If you do not choose to ask your physician for this information, you can call any of the District's four cancer centers and ask for a referral. One word of caution: it's generally not a good idea to seek more than one or two additional opinions about your cancer. If two or three cancer specialists are saying basically the same things to you, then it is usually safe to assume that this is the key recommendation you need right now.
Cancer Centers in DC.
The District of Columbia is home to four cancer centers -- Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, the George Washington Cancer Institute at George Washington University, Howard University Cancer Center and the Washington Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center. Cancer centers specialize in cancer treatment and also do research about cancer. Many people diagnosed with cancer receive their care at cancer centers and from physicians who specialize in cancer care, called oncologists. These doctors are often affiliated with one or more cancer centers.
General Information.
You can quickly receive general cancer information of many kinds from the following websites and telephone numbers. A more detailed listing of websites and organizations for many specific types of cancer follows. Also see our Regional Resource Guide for comprehensive cancer organizations and support groups in the Washington metropolitan area.
- The American Cancer Society - www.cancer.org; 1-800-ACS-2345
- ACS offers live counseling and information 24 hours, 7 days a week, comprehensive information on all cancers, information on clinical trials, patient advocacy, nutrition, research and more. The ACS site offers information and services by zip code, as well. ACS supported programs include:
- Look Good…Feel Better (www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org), focused on techniques that help people undergoing cancer treatment improve their appearance; available in English and Spanish
- Man to Man helps men cope with prostate cancer with community-based education and support; works to encourage screening.
- Cancer Survivors Network (www.acscan.org; 1-877-333-HOPE) is a phone and web-based service for survivors, families, caregivers and friends. Provides access to pre-recorded discussions on a range of topics. Web offers live online chat sessions, virtual support groups, pre-recorded talk shows, and personal stories. Also has events information.
- Reach to Recovery – a rehabilitation program for men and women who have had or have breast cancer. Volunteers assist breast cancer patients meet related needs.
- The National Cancer Institute - www.cancer.gov; 1-800-4-CANCER
- NCI is a federal government site and it is part of the National Institutes of Health, located nearby in Bethesda, Maryland.
- The website provides comprehensive research-based cancer information for patients as well as researchers, including information on all types of cancers, diagnosis, treatments, screening, prevention, coping with cancer, and more. Also on the site: a comprehensive, searchable database of cancer clinical trials, information about all cancers (usually in English and Spanish), news about cancer and more. NCI offers many cancer clinical trials -- many of them offered at Bethesda as well as at area cancer centers. Many free publications can also be ordered.
- Cancer Information Service (CIS): http://cis.nci.gov/index.html; 1-800-4-CANCER (operates M-F, 9 am - 4:30 pm)
This is a free information service run by NCI that offers the latest information on cancer screening and treatment, clinical trials, and more.
- Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities -http://crchd.nci.nih.gov - the Center researches ways to reduce cancer-related health disparities, and the website has useful information and guidance to other sites, including references to culturally-specific help.
- The Office of Minority Health Resource Center: www.omhrc.gov; 1-800-444-6472
- Website has an array of information on minority health, including downloadable publications, such as a breast cancer resource guide for minority women.
- American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR): www.aicr.org; 1-800-843-8114
- Provides information about cancer prevention through nutrition and diet; offers a toll-free nutrition hotline, free informational brochures, and the AICR CancerResources, an information and resource program for cancer patients.
- CancerCare: www.cancercare.org; 1-800-813-HOPE
- Offers free counseling, support groups, some financial assistance, information and practical help to people with cancer and families. Services are available online and by phone for people not living in New York, where CancerCare is based. Operates the AVONCares Program for Medically Underserved women,which provides financial help for low-income, under- and uninsured women nationwide who need supportive services (transportation, child care, home care) related to cancer treatment for breast and cervical cancer.
- Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation: www.candlelighters.org; 1-800-366-2223
- A nonprofit organization offering information, peer support and advocacy, information clearinghouse and a network of local support groups for people coping with a child with cancer. A financial aid list of organizations to which eligible people may apply is available.
- Gilda’s Club Worldwide: www.gildasclub.org; 1-888-445-3248
- Works to support local clubs, which provide emotional and social support to cancer patients, families and friends.
- Lance Armstrong Foundation: www.laf.org; 512-236-8820
- Resources and support services to people with cancer and families; runs Cycle of Hope, a national cancer education campaign and Cancer Profiler, a free interactive treatment decision support tool; funds research on survivorship.
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship: www.canceradvocacy.org; 1-877-662-8898 (Helpline) or 301-604-0158.
- A survivor-led cancer organization with extensive resources for people with cancer, including the Cancer Toolbox and a comprehensive section on symptom management and palliative care.
- National Patient Travel Center: www.patienttravel.org; 1-800-296-1217
- National Patient Travel Helpline, a phone service facilitation patient access to charitable medical air transport resources. Also offers information about airline discounts for patients and their escorts, operates Special-Lift and Child-Lift programs.
- OncoLink: www.oncolink.upenn.edu
- A comprehensive website based at the University of Pennsylvania that offers information about specific types of cancer, cancer treatments, and news.
- Patient Advocate Foundation: www.patientadvocate.org; 1-800-532-5274
- Education, legal counseling, and referrals to cancer patients about managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination and debt crises. Patient Assistance Program provides financial assistance to patients who are eligible; call 1-866-512-3861
- Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation: www.slsb.org; 1-800-315-2580
- Works to help seriously ill children and teens cope with the psychosocial and medical problems they face. Offers in-hospital, outpatient, school and home-based programs free of charge.
- Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults: www.ulmanfund.org; 1-888-393-FUND
- A site with free support programs, educational material and resources relevant to young cancer survivors and their families
- The Wellness Community-Greater Washington, DC: www.thewellnesscommunity.org/dc; 1-888-793-9355
- Free counseling and emotional support to cancer patients and families; support groups by licensed therapists, stress reduction workshops, nutritional advice, exercise and social events.
Resources by Kind of Cancer.
Below is a sampling of national cancer advocacy and information resources. If you have suggestions of other organizations to include, email us at info@dccancerconsortium.org; please include website and a phone number for each organization.
Bladder Cancer
- Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN): www.bcan.org
- Information, access to online support, materials, patient advocacy
- UrologyHealth.org: www.urologyhealth.org
- Online patient resources from the American Urological Association
Brain Tumor
- American Brain Tumor Network: www.abta.org; 1-800-886-2282
- Funds research, offers patient information to help make sound decisions about care; publications, physician listing, support groups.
- Brain Tumor Society: www.tbts.org; 1-800-770-8278
- Information for patients and families; patient/family phone network, publications, access to support groups. Funds research as well.
- Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation: www.cbtf.org; 1-866-228-4673
- Provides support, education and advocacy for kids with brain tumors and spinal cord tumors, and for families. Sponsors conferences, host Parent-to-Parent Network for families to share experiences. Funds research.
- National Brain Tumor Foundation: www.braintumor.org ; 1-800-934-2873
- Information, national and regional conferences, publications, access to a national network of patient support groups, answers patient inquiries.
Breast Cancer
- ENCORE Plus: www.ywca.org; 1-800-953-7587
- Encore –Plus is the YWCA’s discussion and exercise program for women who have had breast cancer surgery, to help restore strength and emotional well-being. Local Y branches offer more information.
- FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered: www.facingourrisk.org; 1-866-288-7475 (Helpline)
- Resources, information and support for women with increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer due to family history and genetic status.
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: www.lbbc.org; 1-888-753-5222 (Helpline)
- Works to empower women living with breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life. Offers interactive message board, events, teleconferences, toll-free Helpline, outreach to medically underserved women. Quarterly educational newsletter and a book for Black women living with breast cancer.
- National Asian Women’s Health Organization: www.nawho.org; 415-989-9747
- Works to improve Asian women’s health; publications include breast and cervical cancer information; materials in English, Cantonese, Laotian, Vietnamese and Korean.
- National Breast Cancer Coalition: www.stopbreastcancer.org; 1-800-622-2838
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/index.htm; 1-800-CDC-INFO (24-7 screening information hotline)
- Online and phone access to free or low-cost mammograms and cervical cancer screening (PAP tests) nationwide and in DC; quick links to basic information on breast and cervical cancer
- Advocacy organization; provides education and training for advocacy on public policy; promotes breast cancer research; works for better access to high-quality breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/index.htm; 1-800-CDC-INFO (24-7 screening information hotline)
- Online and phone access to free or low-cost mammograms and cervical cancer screening (PAP tests) nationwide and in DC; quick links to basic information on breast and cervical cancer
- National Lymphedema Network: www.lymphnet.org; 1-800-541-3259
- Education and guidance to people with lymphedema and health care professionals; toll-free support hotline, quarterly newsletter, database.
- Sisters Network, Inc.: www.sistersnetworkinc.org; 1-866-781-1808
- Focused on raising awareness of impact on breast cancer on the Black community; chapters run by survivors; national organization provides a resource base, referral information, clinical trials information, etc. Education brochure for underserved women.
- Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: www.breastcancerinfo.com; 1-800-462-9273
- Extensive breast health and breast cancer materials; funds research.
- Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, Inc.: www.y-me.org; 1-800-221-2141 (English); 1-800-986-9505 (Spanish)
- National 24-hour hotline, open-door groups, early detection workshops, support programs. Many local chapters nationwide.
Carcinoid Tumors
- Carcinoid Cancer Foundation: www.carcinoid.org; 1-888-722-3132 (Helpline operates Tues-Thurs, 10am-4pm)
- For patients and families, information, physicians list, trial information, websites of interest, helpline.
- Caring for Carcinoid Foundation:www.caringforcarcinoid.org; 857-222-5492
- Raises funds for research; patient information, events, links, etc.
Cervical Cancer
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/index.htm; 1-800-CDC-INFO (24-7 screening information hotline)
- Online and phone access to free or low-cost mammograms and cervical cancer screening (PAP tests) nationwide and in DC; quick links to basic information on breast and cervical cancer
- Gynecologic Cancer Foundation: www.thegcf.org; 1-800-444-4441 (physician referrals, information); 312-578-1437
- The foundation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists; works to increase public awareness of gyn cancers; see two other related sites:
- www.cervicalcancercampaign.org - provides information, screening information on new vaccine for cervical cancer, resource information
- www.wcn.org – Women’s Cancer Network. Information on reproductive cancers, trials, finding a gynecologic oncologist
- National Cervical Cancer Coalition: www.nccc-online.org; 1-800-685-5531
- Grassroots patient advocacy organization focused on providing information, support, resources
Colorectal Cancer
- C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition: www.fightcoloncancer.org; 202-244-2906
- Works for research and policy to make effective prevention and treatment available for all; information for patients, health care providers; advocacy programs.
- Colon Cancer Alliance: www.ccalliance.org; 1-877-422-2030 (Helpline)
- Organization of colon and rectal cancer survivors, families, medical community; offers support, education, supports research; advocacy programs. Has CCA Buddies Network, matching survivors and caregivers with others in a similar situation for support.
- Colorectal Cancer Network: www.colorectal-cancer.net; 301-879-1500
- Advocacy group dedicated to increased awareness; provides support services: Internet chat room, email listservs for survivors; hospital visitation program, material and publications.
Endometrial Cancer
- Gynecologic Cancer Foundation: www.thegcf.org; 1-800-444-4441 (physician referrals, information); 312-578-1437
- The foundation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists; works to increase public awareness of gyn cancers; see related site:
- www.wcn.org – Women’s Cancer Network. Information on reproductive cancers, trials, finding a gynecologic oncologist
Eye Cancer
- Eye Cancer Network: www.eyecancer.com; 212-832-8510
- Online cancer community and website created by an eye cancer physician specialist; patient information and resources, bulletin boards, online information.
Head and Neck Cancers
- American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery: www.entnet.org
- Website for physicians specializing in ear-nose-throat care and surgery; has patient information and physician referral mechanism for cancer
- American Dental Association: www.ada.org
- This professional organization for dentists provides patient information on oral cancers and on having dental work done while in cancer treatment.
- Let’s Face It: www.faceit.org
- Site dedicated to linking people with facial disfigurement and their caregivers; patient information and resources
- Oral Cancer Foundation: www.oralcancerfoundation.org
- Resources, information and support for a range of oral cancers; advocacy organization; newsletters
- Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer: www.spohnc.org; 1-800-377-0928
- Self-help advocacy organization for oral and head and neck cancer patients and families; support groups, information, newsletters, teleconferences and “Survivor to Survivor” matching program to pair survivors with others with a similar diagnosis.
Kidney Cancer
- Kidney Cancer Foundation: www.curekidneycancer.org; 1-800-850-9132
- Funds research, provides patient and health care professional information and resources; clinical trials information; advocates for public policy to support kidney cancer research.
Leukemia, Lymphoma and Other Blood Cancers
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: www.leukemia-lymphoma.org; 1-800-955-4572
- Advocacy organization working for cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma and other cancer-related disorders; supports research, offers patient and family information and support, financial aid for eligible patients, a peer support program, referrals and more.
- Lymphoma Foundation of America: www.lymphomahelp.org; 1-800-385-1060
- Provides individual counseling, peer counseling, support, referrals for legal advice and second opinions, information for patients and families.
- Lymphoma Research Foundation: www.lymphoma.org; 1-800-500-9976
- Funds research, conducts public policy work for lymphoma-related organizations, offers education and support for patients and families.
Liver Cancer
- American Liver Foundation:www.liverfoundation.org; 1-800-465-4837
- Nonprofit organization providing research and education for liver diseases and disorders, including liver cancer
- LiverTumor.org:www.livertumor.org
- Information and education materials, glossary, link to find a physician near you treating liver cancer
Lung Cancer
- American Lung Association: www.lungusa.org; 1-800-LUNGUSA
- Information about lung diseases, including cancer. Information about tobacco control, quitting smoking, and more.
- Lung Cancer Alliance:www.lungcanceralliance.org; 1-800-298-2436
- Dedicated to support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer: patient education, resources, clinical trials matching service, blog.
- Lungcancer.org: www.lungcancer.org; 1-877-646-LUNG (Information Line)
- Site created by CancerCare to provide information for patients, families and health care professionals. Offers educational materials, referrals, links for support and assistance.
Multiple Myeloma
- Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation: www.multiplemyeloma.org; 201-972-1250
- Supports research grants and programs for survivors and health care professionals on myeloma and related cancers. Newsletter, referrals, free information packets.
- International Myeloma Foundation: www.myeloma.org; 1-800-452-2873
- Supports education, treatment and research for multiple myeloma; toll-free hotline, seminars, educational materials for patients and families as well as information on support groups.
Ovarian Cancer
- FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered: www.facingourrisk.org; 1-866-288-7475 (Helpline)
- Resources, information and support for women with increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer due to family history and genetic status.
- Gynecologic Cancer Foundation: www.thegcf.org; 1-800-444-4441 (physician referrals, information); 312-578-1437
- The foundation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists; works to increase public awareness of gyn cancers; see two other related sites:
- www.cervicalcancercampaign.org - provides information, screening information on new vaccine for cervical cancer, resource information
- www.wcn.org – Women’s Cancer Network. Information on reproductive cancers, trials, finding a gynecologic oncologist.
- In My Sister’s Care: www.inmysisterscare.org; 202-607-1883
- Works to fight health disparities and improving health status for women with gyn cancers
- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition: www.ovarian.org; 888-OVARIAN
- Toll-free information line, resources and links
- Local divisions
- Ovarian Cancer National Alliance: www.ovariancancer.org: 202-331-1332
- Education, advocacy, resources, national conferences
- Online social community, links to key resource, clinical trials information guide
- Nationwide partner-member organizational affiliates
Prostate Cancer
- American Urological Association: www.auanet.org; 410-689-3700
- A professional site with a section for urology patients; illustrated conditions and glossary
- Men’s Health Network: www.menshealthnetwork.org; 202-543-MHN-1
- Education materials, special events, partnerships with other organizations
- ProstateNet: www.prostate-online.org; 888-477-6763
- Information, education, support
- Racial/ethnic disparities initiative
Skin Cancer and Melanoma
- American Academy of Dermatology: www.aad.org; 888-462-DERM
- Professional site with patient-friendly information and dermatologist locator service
- Educational materials
- American Melanoma Foundation: www.melanomafoundation.org; 619-448-0991
- Newsletter, special events, UV index calculator
- Funds melanoma research
- BCCNA Life Support Network (Basal Cell Carcinoma Nevus Syndrome): www.bccns.org; 440-635-0078
- Group support and counseling, referrals, online forums, chat room
- Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation: www.clfoundation.org; 248-644-9014
- Advocacy, disease and treatment information, publications
- Funds research
- Melanoma Education Foundation: www.skincheck.org; 978-535-3080
- Self-detection and prevention; worksops; downloadable documents
- Also in Spanish
- Melanoma Research Foundation: www.melanoma.org; 800-MRF-1290
- Research, advocacy, education, informational materials
- Skin Cancer Foundation: www.skincancer.org; 800-1-SKIN490
- Awareness, education, newsletter
- Funds research
Thyroid Cancer
- See also: Head and Neck Cancers (make this live, as it is part of the section, earlier content)
- ThyCa: www.thyca.org; 301-260-0975 (local) & 877-588-7904 (national)
- Survivor support
- Conferences, workshops, newsletters
- Society of Thoracic Surgeons: www.sts.org; 312-202-5800
- Professional site with information on prevention, anatomy, recovery, symptoms, etc.
Resource Guide
For detailed information a wide range of information people with cancer, survivors, caregivers and health care professionals can use, please see the DCCC Resource Guide.
Here you will find information on many topics:
- Advocacy Organizations
- Breast Forms and Accessories
- Cancer Screenings
- Caregiver Assistance
- Clinical Trials
- Employment Rights
- End-of-Life Care and Hospice
- Financial Assistance
- Grief and Loss
- Health Clinics (DC only)
- Health Insurance
- Home Care
- Hospitals and Cancer Centers
- Integrative Medicine/Wellness
- Legal Resources
- Medical Equipment and Supplies
- Mental Health Services
- Nutrition and Food Assistance
- Pain and Side Effects Management
- Senior Citizens Assistance
- Smoking Cessation
- Support Groups and Resources by kind of cancer
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Wigs
Resources by Kind of Cancer
To find support group lists for each kind of cancer, please click on Resource Guide.
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