Breast Cancer Resource Center Tacoma (BCRC) -- The mission of the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) is to enhance the quality of life of people touched by breast cancer. They sponsor exercise and yoga classes, support groups, provide tips on wig fitting and breast prosthesis and sponsor speakers on breast health and and early detection. EARLY DETECTION PROGRAM -- Free diagnostic mammograms and/or ultrasound vouchers provided to women under 35 who are uninsured and low income, along with men of any age who are also without insurance and low income. Referrals to the Pierce County Breast and Cervical Program are given to qualified women 35 to 65 years of age.

 

Cancer Diagnosis/General Information

American Cancer Society -- a comprehensive site on cancer.

National Cancer Institute -- a comprehensive site on cancer.

Association of Cancer Online Resources -- a comprehensive site on cancer.

Blood & Marrow Transplant Information Network -- Information and services regarding blood and bone marrow transplants. It includes the BMTInfoNet Drug Database that provides information on possible uses, side effects, and drug interactions for many of the drugs bone marrow, stem cell and cord blood transplants patients receive during treatment.

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link -- A site designed to help patients, their caregivers and families understand and deal with the emotional and practical aspects of transplants and post-transplant concerns.

Cancer Guide -- A site created by a survivor of kidney cancer. In 1989, after his doctors said his cancer could not be treated, Steve found a clinical trial through his own research. Later he decided to share what he had learned, primarily through this web site and also as an ACOR mailing list owner, speaker, and FDA patient advocate for Kidney Cancer clinical trials.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network -- A site designed mainly for medical professionals, but it also contains a wealth of information for patients, including information on clinical trials, financial and travel assistance, and hospice care.

National Marrow Donor Program -- Information on how to make a positive difference to a critically ill person by donating bone marrow and cord blood or making a financial contribution towards research in this area.

Susan G. Komen Foundation -- One of the best resources on the web for understanding breast cancer. It includes in-depth discussions on diagnosis, treatment, and living with breast cancer.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis - Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent form of mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, three-quarters of all mesothelioma cases are pleural. Pleuralmesothelioma.com offers the most comprehensive and current information on asbestos exposure and Mesothelioma.

Caregiver Information

National Family Caregivers Association -- The National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships and life stages to help transform family caregivers' lives by removing barriers to health and well being.

Teens Living With Cancer -- A site for teens with cancer who have lots of living to do! Straight information with pictures and stories of "real" teens with cancer. Tens with cancer can connect with others - like themselves. In English and Spanish.

Well Spouse Foundation -- Provides emotional peer-to-peer support for the wives, husbands, and partners of chronically ill and/or disabled persons. Members can share their thoughts and feelings openly with others facing similar circumstances in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

 

Alternative Medicine Resources

National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicines -- Complementary and alternative medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Research-based information on alternative treatments and conditions.

Alternative Medicine Network -- source of natural health products and information for hormone balance and optimal health. ????

 

Wellness/Emotional Support Information

Cancer Hope Network -- A resource for one-on-one support for people undergoing treatment for cancer and to their families. This support is provided by trained individuals who have recovered from cancer.

CancerCare, Inc. -- A national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer. In English and Spanish.

Exceptional Cancer Patients -- Official web site for Bernie Siegel, M.D. Tools, information, seminars, retreats, and resources based upon the science of mind-body-spirit medicine for the challenges of all chronic illnesses.

Gilda's Club Worldwide -- Gilda's Club is named for Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989. She was best known for her skits in Saturday Night Live. Gilda’s Club encourages a sense of "expertise" among members, and emphasizes community-building, collective wisdom, and shared experience. It provides support and networking groups, lectures and workshops, and social activities, and is open to those living with any type of cancer.

Look Good...Feel Better -- A practical guide to help men, women, and teens deal with some of the side-effects of cancer treatment including skin changes, hair loss, stress, and other issues. Created by the cosmetic industry in partnership with the American Cancer Society and the National Cosmetology Association.

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship -- A survivor-led cancer advocacy organization, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors.

Patient Advocate Foundation -- A national non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability relative to their diagnosis of life threatening or debilitating diseases.

R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation, Inc. -- A personal story and information intended to help all cancer patients in the process to successfully conquer their disease.

The Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer -- Dedicated to improving the health of lesbians, bisexual, and trans-gender women with cancer.

The Wellness Community -- An online support web site.

Corporate Angel Network -- Arrange free air transportation for cancer patients traveling to treatment using the empty seats on corporate jets.

Lance Armstrong Foundation -- Information, headline cancer news, support programs. Of interest to everyone, especially athletes and men.

 

Symptom Management

Fertile Hope -- A national, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility.

The United Ostomy Association --Information on intestinal or urinary diversion procedures.

Ways to Manage your Symptoms -- For patients and caregivers. It provides information on how to manage ten cancer treatment-related symptoms that cancer patients commonly experience -- anorexia, cognitive dysfunction, depression, dyspnea, fatigue, hormonal disturbances, neutropenia, pain, peripheral neuropathy, and sexual dysfunction.