You are not alone

Support & community

Treatment is only part of the journey. Here are the helplines, communities, and financial resources that carry people through — all free.

Free helplines with real humans

Sometimes the most useful thing is a calm, knowledgeable voice. These national services are free and staffed by trained specialists.

NCI Cancer Information Service

Answers about any cancer type, treatment, or clinical trials, in English and Spanish.

1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)

American Cancer Society

24/7 helpline for information, lodging programs near treatment centers, and rides to treatment.

1-800-227-2345 · cancer.org

CancerCare

Free counseling from oncology social workers, support groups, and financial assistance.

1-800-813-4673 · cancercare.org

If you're struggling emotionally, that's a normal part of this — and help exists for it too. Ask your care team for a referral to an oncology social worker or counselor, and if you're in crisis in the U.S., you can call or text 988 any time.

Finding your community

People who've been where you are can offer a kind of understanding no one else can. Support comes in many shapes — pick what fits you.

In-person support groups

Most cancer centers and hospitals host free groups, often organized by cancer type. Ask your care team or call the ACS helpline to find groups near you. Gilda's Club / Cancer Support Community centers offer welcoming clubhouses in many cities.

Online communities

The Cancer Survivors Network (ACS), Cancer Support Community's MyLifeLine, and disease-specific forums let you connect any hour of the day — especially valuable for rare cancers, where your "neighbors" may live far away.

Peer matching

Programs like Imerman Angels match you one-on-one with a survivor of your same cancer type, age range, and stage — someone who has literally walked your path.

For caregivers

Caregiving is its own journey. CancerCare and the Cancer Support Community run caregiver-specific groups, and the Family Caregiver Alliance offers practical guidance. Caring for yourself is part of caring for them.

Financial help: you have more options than you think

Hospital financial navigators — ask to meet one at your treatment center; negotiating bills and finding aid is literally their job.
Manufacturer patient-assistance programs — most brand-name cancer drugs have programs that reduce or eliminate cost for eligible patients.
Co-pay foundations — Patient Advocate Foundation, HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offer co-pay grants by disease fund.
Practical costs — the ACS Road to Recovery program provides free rides to treatment; Hope Lodge and similar programs provide free lodging near treatment centers.
Work and insurance rights — Triage Cancer offers free education on employment rights, disability insurance, and appeals when insurance denies coverage.

One phone call can start everything

If you're not sure where to begin, call the NCI's information line. Tell them your situation — they'll point you to the right resources, no script required.

1-800-4-CANCER

Free · English & Spanish · Mon–Fri