Colorectal Cancer Advocacy, Education, and Support Groups

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.

CancerCare

http://www.cancercare.org

Telephone: 1-800-813-4673

E-mail: info@cancercare.org

CancerCare, founded in 1944, is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs–including counseling, education, financial assistance, and practical help–are provided by trained oncology social workers and are completely free. 

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.