National Cancer Institute (NCI)
1-800-4CANCER
If you are newly-diagnosed with cancer, this should be the first resource you call. NCI is a government agency that provides information and referrals for cancer needs. When you dial the 800-number, select "option 3" for an information specialist who will transfer your call to one of NCI's nineteen Regional Offices. NCI also offers a very broad range of cancer information and publications, including their Physician Data Query (PDQ) service. Ask for a PDQ search of the latest clinical trials, which will give you an instant snapshot of current cancer research. Their online component, CancerNet, is a very helpful and immediate service.

American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Northeast
Atlanta GA 30329-4251
1-800-ACS-2345
Your local or state ACS chapter is listed in the White Pages of your phone book. Local chapters are able to address individual needs and requests better than the national organization. The ACS Web site is also an excellent resource for people coping with all types of cancer.

American College of Gastroenterology
4900 B South 31st Street
Arlington, VA 22206-7400
Fax: 703-931-4520
This institution's goal has been to advance the field of clinical gastroenterology through eduction and research.

Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Center
Information about colon cancer research, prevention and screening. Also includes resources for patients and health professionals.

Questions and Answers about Colon Cancer from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about colon cancer.

Mediconsult.com
Explains the various stages of colon cancer plus information on clinical trials, drugs and support groups.

Colon cancer screening guidelines
Colon cancer screening guidelines for those with no family history of the disease or symptoms.

OncoLink: the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Resource
Oncolink provides a wide array of information from the government (National Cancer Institute) and some periodical literature. It also provides a direct link with some of the relevant newsgroups that discuss cancer. While not comprehensive, this site does have a lot of information that won't be found in other sites.

CancerGuide
Here you will find general information about how and why individuals should research their cancer. Basic information on various types of cancer and their treatments are covered as well.

CANCERVIVE
6500 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 500
Los Angeles CA 90048
(213) 203-9232
This organization sponsors support groups for everyday concerns of cancer survivors. They can put you in touch with a local group or give you information to help you start your own.

Cancer Care, Inc.
1180 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
(212-302-2400)
1-800-813-HOPE (4673) toll-free
A non-profit social service agency providing information from social workers on topics including medical referrals and seeking second opinions, counseling and support groups, financial assistance information for non-medical expenses, home visits by trained volunteers, and referrals to local services such as housekeeping and health aids. Cancer Care is focused in New York, but provides as much information as they have available to people calling from other areas. They are currently striving to develop local/area information and support resources nationwide.

Internet Newsgroups

Newsgroups are discussions that take place on the Internet. They can be accessed via the Internet by searching for "newsgroups" and then selecting the appropriate group. Depending on your 'news reader' program (usually part of your Internet Service Provider's software package), the way that you communicate with these groups will vary.

  • sci.med.diseases.cancer
  • alt.support.cancer
  • alt.answers
  • sci.answers

    Listservs

    A listserv is a discussion of a particular topic, which may be mediated by a specific individual. Listservs are conducted entirely through e-mail, although they may be archived in other parts of the Internet. When you subscribe you will receive a message that confirms your subscription. This message will also contain the information about how to unsubscribe -- this is vital, so store it in a good place on your mail server.

  • CANCER-L Listserv

    This listserv can be used for general cancer information.
    To subscribe send an email message to LISTSERV@WVNVM.WVNET.EDU
    Leave the subject line blank and in the body of the message type:

    subscribe cancer your first and last names

    e.g.
    subscribe cancer Jane Doe

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