Counseling

Oncology social workers help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer. Contact us at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673). Learn more about counseling.

Financial Assistance

Find resources and support to manage your financial concerns. Limited assistance from CancerCare is available to eligible families for cancer-related costs.

Support Groups

Connect with others in our free support groups led by oncology social workers.

For Any Diagnosis

Face-to-Face 9

• Blended Voices — For Women Diagnosed with Cancer and Their Loved Ones (Connecticut)
• Crafting Ways to Cope — For Children and Teens Who Have a Family Member with Cancer (Connecticut)
• General Patient Support Group (New Jersey)
• Kids Group — For Children Who Have a Parent with Cancer (Connecticut)
• Men with Cancer Support Group (New York City)
• People with Cancer Support Group (Long Island)
• Post-Treatment Survivorship for Young Adults Support Group (New York City)
• Post-Treatment Survivorship Support Group (New York City)
• Women with Cancer Support Group (New York City)

Online 4

• Healing with Words — A Therapeutic Writing Group
• Men with Cancer Support Group
• Post-Treatment Survivorship Support Group
• Women with Cancer Support Group

Telephone 2

• Men with Cancer Support Group
• Post-Treatment Survivorship Support Group

Community Programs

If you live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, learn about and view the full calendar of our free Community Programs.

Connect Education^® Workshops

Listen in by telephone or online as leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information about cancer-related issues in one-hour workshops. Podcasts are also available.

For Any Diagnosis

Upcoming Workshops 6

• The Importance of Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Understanding Adherence, Mar 08, 2012
• Using Mind/Body Techniques to Cope with the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 24, 2012
• Planning Your Comfort and Care at End of Life, May 10, 2012
• Recapturing Joy and Finding Meaning, May 15, 2012
• Understanding the Importance of Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know , May 18, 2012
• Managing Post-Treatment Neuropathy, Jul 17, 2012

Podcasts 48

• Managing the Costs of Living With Cancer
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule—Adherence: Sharing Responsibility for Your Care
• Nutrition, Physical Activity and You: A Guide for People Living With Cancer
• Understanding the Important Role of Adherence in the Medical Management of Cancer
• Fear of Recurrence and Late Effects: Living with Uncertainty
• Cancer and the Workplace
• Money Matters: Finding Resources to Manage Cancer Treatment Costs
• Understanding and Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
• The Importance of Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Understanding Adherence
• The Challenges of Coping with Cancer and Other Health Problems
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Targeted Therapies
• Understanding the Importance of Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know
• Weight Changes After Cancer Treatment: Why is it Happening and What Can I Do About It
• Mouth Pain and Discomfort: All You Need to Know About Mouth Sores and Oral Mucositis
• Helping Children and Teens Understand When a Parent or Loved One Has Cancer
• Chemobrain: The Impact of Cancer Treatments on Memory, Thinking and Attention
• Advances in Treating Chemotherapy-Related Nausea and Vomiting
• Cancer Treatments and the Risk of Blood Clots: What You Need to Know
• Understanding and Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
• The Importance of Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Understanding Adherence
• The Important Role of Clinical Trials
• Survivors Too: Communicating With and Among Family, Friends and Loved Ones
• Survivorship and Workplace Transitions
• Understanding and Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
• Communicating with Your Health Care Team After Treatment: Making the Most of Your Visit
• Understanding Treatment-Related Rash and Dry Skin
• New Advances in Bone Health for People Living with Cancer
• Trouble Sleeping? Sleep Better to Feel Better: Tips You Can Use
• Helping Teachers and Educators Support Siblings of Children with Cancer
• Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy
• The Importance of Nutrition and Physical Activity
• For Parents, Caregivers and Professionals: Helping Brothers and Sisters of Children Living with Cancer
• Dental Health During Cancer Treatments
• Managing the Stress of Survivorship
• Medical Emergencies in Cancer Treatment
• Balancing Cancer and Careers: Living and Working with Cancer
• Coping with Cancer Pain: What You Need to Know
• Update on Medicare Part D for People Living with Cancer
• Rediscovering Intimacy in Your Relationships Following Treatment
• The Importance of Communicating with Your Doctor About Follow-Up Care
• Finding Hope and Meaning After Treatment
• My Treatment is Over: Why Do I Feel So Alone and Sad?
• Neuropathy and Joint Aches: New Post Treatment Challenges
• Managing Your Costs of Recovery
• Is It My Cancer or Am I Getting Older?
• The Bereaved Caregiver in the Workplace
• Stress Management Tips for Survivors
• The Challenge of Creating Supportive Work Environments for Employees with Cancer and Their Caregivers

Publications

Read or order our free Connect booklets and fact sheets offering easy-to-read information about the latest cancer treatments, managing side effects and coping with cancer.

For Any Diagnosis 49

• "Doctor, Can We Talk About Chemobrain?"
• "We Can Help" CancerCare Client Brochure
• “Doctor, Can We Talk?”: Tips for Communicating With Your Health Care Team
• About CancerCare Flyer
• After Treatment Ends: Tools for the Adult Cancer Survivor
• CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation Brochure
• Caregiving At the End of Life
• Caring for Your Bones When You Have Cancer
• Caring for Your Skin During Cancer Treatment
• Clinical Trials: Improving the Care of People Living With Cancer
• Cognitive Problems After Chemotherapy
• Combating Chemobrain: Keeping Your Memory Sharp
• Communicating With Your Health Care Team
• Controlling Cancer Pain: What You Need to Know to Get Relief
• Coping with Cancer During the Holidays
• Coping with Cancer-Related Weight Changes and Muscle Loss
• Coping With Cancer: Tools to Help You Live
• Coping With Lymphedema
• Coping With Nausea and Vomiting From Chemotherapy
• Coping with the Loss of Your Partner or Spouse
• Don’t Be Afraid of Clinical Trials
• Finding Resources in Your Community
• Grief and Healing: Coping with the Loss of a Loved One
• Grieving the Loss of an Adult Child
• Helping Children Understand Cancer: Talking to Your Kids About Your Diagnosis
• Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer
• Helping Children Who Have Lost a Loved One
• Helping Teenagers When a Parent Has Cancer
• Helping Teenagers Who Have Lost a Parent
• Helping the Siblings of the Child with Cancer
• Helping Yourself As You Cope with the Loss of a Parent
• Hospice Care: Quality of Life at the End of Life
• How to Help Someone Who is Grieving
• If You've Just Been Diagnosed
• Improving Your Concentration: Three Key Steps
• Living with Grief: How Can You Help Yourself?
• Managing Oral Mucositis
• Opening the Door to Effective Pain Management: Getting the Facts and Getting Help
• Relaxation Techniques and Mind/Body Practices: How They Can Help You Cope With Cancer
• Sources of Financial Assistance
• Strengthening the Spirit
• The Importance of Taking Your Pills Everyday on Schedule
• The Importance of Taking Your Pills on Schedule
• Tips for Managing Hair Loss
• Tips for Managing Nausea and Increasing Appetite During Cancer Treatment
• Tips for Managing Treatment-Related Rash and Dry Skin
• Understanding and Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
• Young Adults with Cancer
• Your Health Care Team: Your Doctor is Only The Beginning

Ask CancerCare

Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer. View all questions and answers.

For Any Diagnosis 92

• How do I deal with the possibility of infertility due to my cancer treatments?
• When I am no longer covered under my parents' policy, will I be able to get my own health insurance with a past history of cancer?
• My 24 year old son was recently diagnosed with cancer and I think it would be a good idea for him to join a support group. How do I convince him?
• I am 28 years old and it seems like I'm the only one my age with cancer. Is there anyone else like me out there?
• I have stage 4 cancer and after 5 years of receiving chemotherapy, I'm being told there are no more treatment options for me. Because I survived so long with a terminal diagnosis, some people in my family don't seem understand how serious this is. How can I help them understand?
• My dad has terminal cancer and he is currently at home. He has no insurance, but Medicaid is pending. We're trying to get hospice or some support. What can I do?
• What support services should a cancer survivor look for after finishing treatment?
• I'm worried that a few side effects from my cancer treatment won't go away. Do you know how long they might last?
• I've finished treatment and now I feel like I'm on my own. Are there things I should be doing?
• I've been trying to get back to normal after ending treatment, but I'm having some trouble. Everyone is happy that I'm back to work, but I'm not sure I am. Why am I feeling this way and what should I do?
• I have received several different treatment recommendations from doctors, and I have to decide what type of treatment to have. This overwhelms me. How can I make the right choice?
• How can a cancer survivor deal with fear of recurrence?
• I'm a cancer survivor and am wondering if I should seek counseling now that my treatment has ended?
• What are support groups and how can they help me? How do I know if they're right for me?
• I'd like to organize a support group for cancer survivors and people facing a cancer diagnosis. What do I need to do to get one started?
• What are the different types of online groups I can join?
• Are there books written especially for children that can help them understand and cope with a parent's cancer diagnosis?
• My daughter is having separation anxiety now that she knows about my cancer. She also wakes me up every night saying she is scared. She won't go to sleep without me. Any suggestions?
• My 7 year old daughter is sure she did something to cause my cancer. What can I say to her to convince her otherwise?
• Last week I told my son that I had cancer and we have barely spoken about it since. What can I do to help support my son?
• I've been recently diagnosed and I'm not sure quite how to tell my kids. Is it ever a good idea to not tell them?
• I am 16 years old. My mother died of cancer when I was 12. I am still grieving deeply about it. What can I do to feel better?
• My teenage son has had body-image issues since having cancer. His treatments caused him to gain weight and surgeries left him with scars. How can I help him deal with this?
• I have a 14 year-old son who doesn't seem to want to talk about my cancer at all. I know it's hard for him, but it also can't be good for him to keep things bottled up. What should I do?
• I'm looking for support for my teenage son to help him deal with his sister's cancer. Can you recommend any specific places?
• I'm starting chemotherapy soon. Should I avoid having sex?
• I am a spiritual person and believe that prayer works. My 94-year-old aunt now has bladder cancer. How can I use the power of prayer to help her and my cousins?
• My cancer has just come back, and I feel really let down by my faith. Is this normal, and is there something that could help me through this crisis?
• I'm currently in treatment and having a hard time leaving the house, even for doctor's appointments or going to church. I've heard that some members of my church have been able to receive assistance from the parish. Do you know what type of help is available?
• I was raised in a non-religious household and was never exposed to any spiritual or religious practices or ideas. How can spirituality help me cope with my cancer?
• One of the toughest times I have is when I go to bed at night. After I turn off the lights and am in the dark, my thoughts go immediately to my cancer and possibly dying from it and all the things I should do in preparation. Any suggestions?
• Can you suggest some resources that address the effects of mind/body exercises on your immune system?
• My treatments for cancer aren't always easy. More and more, I am thinking negative thoughts, which only increases my anxiety. What can I do to calm my mind and help make my treatment sessions go more smoothly?
• I was told that if I did not have a positive attitude my treatment wouldn't be as effective, or worse, it wouldn't work. Sorry, I just don't feel positive about this whole cancer experience! What can I do?
• Since I've been diagnosed, I've been anxious and sometimes feel overwhelmed by my thoughts, which I can't seem to "turn off." Are there any ways I can help myself to feel more calm?
• I've been diagnosed with advanced cancer. I have five children and feel they don’t want me around for Christmas, because it makes them sad, and they don’t have the time for both me and their own families. I can’t be alone. I don’t know what to do to or what to say to them.
• I was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and I don't feel much like celebrating the holidays. I'm worried I'll be a downer for my family and I'm not sure how to act.
• As caregiver for my husband, I have no interest in the holidays. I know this is a disappointment to our adult children and our young grandchildren don't understand why I just don't care about shopping, etc. What can I say to them to tell them I love them but I am just so sad, other than just that?
• My 42 year old brother passed away this year and I was his caregiver. I am devastated and do not know how to cope this holiday season.
• My co-worker and friend recently lost her husband of 23 years to prostate cancer. I want to be there for her, but I'm not sure how best support her. Could you give advice on what I might say or can do?
• I am a 20-year-old college student and I recently lost two grandparents to cancer. I was close to both and am having trouble dealing with guilt and regret for not being there when they died or spending more time with them. What can I do?
• My older sister recently died and my friends have urged me to join a support group to help me deal with her death. I'm not quite sure how to go about doing this - could you help direct me?
• My husband died about five months ago and I think I should be feeling better by now, but honestly, I feel worse. Is there something wrong with me?
• I have been receiving chemotherapy treatments for the past six months and my memory is not as good as it used to be. Is this because of the chemo? What should I do?
• My dad is elderly and is scheduled to start treatment for cancer. We are concerned about his ability to tolerate treatment side effects given his age.
• I have a full-time job. How will side effects from my chemotherapy affect my ability to work?
• I'm worried about how the side effects from my treatment will interfere with the holidays. Any suggestions?
• My aunt is on morphine and acetaminophen for advanced cancer. What else can we do to ease her pain?
• I'm worried about taking pain medications. Could I become addicted?
• My mother has been struggling with pain since she was diagnosed with cancer. What can she do?
• How do I talk to my doctor about the pain I am experiencing?
• I'm receiving chemotherapy and have been gaining weight. Is that normal?
• My mother is undergoing chemotherapy treatments and her appetite is poor. She has a doctor's appointment next week. I plan to go with her but don't know what to say to her doctor.
• I just started chemotherapy. I am not eating as much as before I started treatment. I don't have the energy to prepare my meals and sometimes feel nauseated. What should I do?
• I have been treated by my oncologist for cancer for over 2 years. It currently has spread and I've been referred to hospice care. I thought there would be more treatments available to me. My oncologist was so positive at the beginning and now I feel that she is avoiding me and I'm very hurt. Should I confront her?
• I'm starting to have second thoughts about my oncologist. She started off having more time to answer my questions, but over time, I feel like I can barely get a phone call returned. I don't want to be a pushy patient, but I also am becoming more and more frustrated. What should I do?
• My mother was recently diagnosed with cancer and is seeing a local oncologist. I'm wondering if I should research oncologists or hospitals that specialize in the treatment of her type of cancer. I don't think she wants to change, but I want to make sure we're doing everything possible. Should I proceed with my research?
• I've just been diagnosed with cancer. How can I get information to help me make treatment decisions?
• Where can I find a simple explanation of medical terms?
• What is "compassionate use"?
• My cousin has advanced cancer. Is there a clinical trial she can get into? How do we find out?
• Are there clinical trials for cancer treatments other than chemotherapy?
• I am currently receiving treatment for my second recurrence of cancer. I have no family or friends close by, and my husband works so if I become very sick I will be home alone most of the time. How will hospice be able to help us? I know that they can't be here 24/7. Any idea what my options will be?
• My father's oncologist has made a referral for him to see a pain specialist. Is this palliative care? He seems resistant - how do convince him that it's a good idea? And is palliative care covered by insurance?
• What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
• I am going through treatment and need help covering the costs of practical things, like nutritional drinks and medical supplies. Are there resources available?
• My son owes one hospital over $100,000 for surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He has recently been approved for Medicare but it will be impossible for him to pay the remaining costs, after Medicare pays, for any future treatment. Is there any legal help for him?
• How do I find groups to connect with others who may be experiencing similar issues or side effects from cancer treatment?
• How do I find information about a particular doctor or hospital? How do locate a specialist?
• A number of employees in our workplace have cancer. As the personnel director, I would like to organize educational programs to help all our employees learn more about cancer. How do I do this?
• My co-worker told me she has cancer. I don't know what to talk about or what to say to her.
• I am an employer and one of my employees has just been diagnosed with cancer. I want to be helpful but am not sure what I should do.
• I was just diagnosed with cancer and plan to continue working. Do I have to tell my employer that I have cancer?
• I've heard so much about health care reform, but I'm not sure exactly how I will be affected?
• How do I figure out which Medicare plan is right for me? I don't know if I should get a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap plan, or if I should just keep my original Medicare and do neither.
• I have insurance, but I still have bills that are stressing me out. I thought I'd be covered, but I don't know how I'm going to pay the part I'm being told I owe.
• I've been having trouble paying my co-pays. I am self employed and with the downturn in the economy my business is way down. Where can I go to find some help?
• I think I may have cancer but I don't have any insurance and I'm not sure I can afford it. What can I do?
• I receive Social Security Disability. Can I work at minimum wage part-time (20 hours a week maximum) without losing my Medicare and disability payments?
• I receive Social Security Disability and Long-Term Disability. My doctor filled out my yearly forms to send to my insurance and said I was good to go back to work without discussing how I’m feeling. Now my insurance is sending me paperwork to go back to work and I don’t feel I am ready.
• I am a 9 year metastatic cancer patient who does not have 40 consecutive work quarters to qualify/apply for SSD. My husband is 8 yrs older (age 68) and still working to provide me with reasonable medical insurance. His job is in jeopardy. If forced to retire how soon could I get medical benefits? I need to know how many years I would be paying for COBRA and HIPPA (afterwards). I also realize that after 2014 “pre-existing condition” may change for someone like me who can’t get medical insurance on my own.
• I am the caregiver for my elderly father who has cancer. My father’s cancer has spread to his bones and he's having pain. What can I do to help relieve his pain?
• I've recently started treatment and I'm trying to find things that can help support my 13-year-old such as groups, counseling, etc. Do you have recommendations?
• My 5-year-old nephew has lost an eye due to retinoblastoma. He has started asking questions we do not know how to answer (e.g., What does cancer look like? Was I born with it?). How do we answer these questions and ease his anxieties?
• My husband has advanced cancer, and he has severe pain in his lower back and legs. What does that mean?
• My pain seems to be increasing. How do I tell my doctor without sounding like a "seeker"?
• How can I find an exercise program that is adjusted for physical limitations I have due to having had cancer? I can't walk like I used to, because I have nerve damage in one leg and I tire easily. I thought yoga or Tai Chi, but I can't do the normal sets. Any ideas what kind of exercise I can do or where I can find modified plans?
• I finished treatment and would like information on fertility issues and cancer survivors. Can you help me?
• I am a 4 year survivor of prostate cancer, my sister just lost her 11-month ordeal with pancreatic cancer. She was told she had cancer almost 20 years after losing our mother, so holidays are rough for me and the rest of the family. Any thoughts as to how to handle this?
• I lost my only daughter this past Jan. 2011—she was only 38-years old and left 3 young children. They do not live close to me. Christmas is coming up and I don't know how to get through all the joy of others. I do not want to be a downer to my other family members. I am married, but my husband is going through his own grief. Suggestions?
• My daughter passed away from cancer about 6 months ago and I'm concerned about my 2 grandchildren, ages 7 and 4. Could you give me advice about how I might be able to help them?
• I'm a third-grade teacher and one of my student's mothers recently died of cancer. I'd like to know how to help her, and how to help the rest of my class support her.