The following organizations provide a variety of support programs and educational materials for people with colorectal cancer and their family members, caregivers, and friends. However, this is not an endorsement of these organizations and the information they provide. You should always discuss any questions or concerns you have with your health care provider.
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org
Toll-free information line: 1-800-ACS-2345
TTY: 1-866-228-4327
E-mail: http://www.cancer.org/asp/contactUs/
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a national organization working to eliminate cancer as a major health problem through research, education, advocacy, and service. ACS operates the National Cancer Information Center, a call center that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The center answers questions about cancer, links callers with resources in their communities, and provides information on local events.
American College of Gastroenterology
http://www.acg.gi.org/
Patient information: http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/
Phone: 1-301-263-9000
E-mail: http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/contact.asp
More than 9,000 physicians from 75 countries are members of the American College of Gastroenterology. The college’s goal is to advance the scientific study and medical practice of diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The college’s Patient Information website offers information about colon cancer and other GI diseases, a list of questions to ask about colonoscopy, links to other patient support and education sites, and a physician locator tool.
C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition
http://www.fightcolorectalcancer.org
Phone: 1-703-548-1225
Clinical trial matching service: 1-866-278-0392 or http://www.fightcolorectalcancer.org/patients/clinicaltrials
E-mail: info@fightcolorectalcancer.org
C3 is involved in advocacy to improve screening, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer; increase access to the most effective colorectal cancer prevention and treatment; and expand awareness that colorectal cancer can be prevented, treated, and cured. The organization’s website offers tips on managing colorectal cancer, a clinical trial matching service, and a list of sources of support for patients.
Colorectal Cancer Alliance
http://www.ccalliance.org/
Toll-free helpline: 1-877-422-2030
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA) is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. CCA has a toll-free helpline for patients; a peer-to-peer support network; and an online chat room, message board, and listserv. CCA’s Colorectal Cancer Resources and Education (CORE) kit, available online, helps people with colorectal cancer manage their disease.
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov
Toll-free information line: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
TTY: 1-800-332-8615
LiveHelp: https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/livehelp
E-mail: http://www.cancer.gov/contact
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a federal agency and a component of the National Institutes of Health. NCI supports and conducts research, training, and education. NCI operates the Cancer Information Service, which answers questions about cancer by telephone, TTY, instant messaging (through the LiveHelp service), and e-mail. NCI’s website includes information about various cancer topics, research, and cancer statistics.
United Ostomy Associations of America
http://www.uoaa.org/
Phone: 1-800-826-0826
E-mail: info@uoaa.org
UOAA is a national network of support groups for people who have had a bowel or urinary diversion procedure, including a colostomy. The organization provides information, advocacy, and services to its affiliated support groups and their members. The UOAA website offers guidebooks on colostomy, diet and nutrition, and other issues of interest to people who have had a colostomy; a list of support groups by state; an online discussion board; and notices of upcoming conferences and events.