Cancer Resources

General Cancer Resources

Websites

American Cancer Society
Provides cancer information, educational programs and community outreach, both nationally and internationally

Cancer.net
Oncologist-approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), with support from the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Offers expertise and resources to people living with cancer and those who care for and about them to help them make informed health care decisions.

Cancer: Living with Cancer, HHS, National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus Health Information
Information on research and resources to help those living with cancer; includes food safety, eating tips and emotional support.

Publications

• Chemotherapy and You, National Cancer Institute
• Chemotherapy Precautions at Home, HACCC. This handout discusses safety precautions for patients and is provided to all patients receiving chemotherapy and biotherapy at the HACCC.
• Radiation Therapy and You, National Cancer Institute
• Genetic Testing, HACCC: Informational brochure about genetic testing at HACCC.
• Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute

Symptom Management Resources

Publications

• • • Constipation Guidelines, HACCC
    • Diarrhea Guidelines, HACCC
    • Preventing Nausea, HACCC
    • Cancer Pain Control, National Cancer Institute

Emotional and Social Support:

• • • CaringBridge. A free easy online tool for sharing health updates with family and friends.
    • Cancer Hope Network. Offers free one-on-one support to cancer patients by matching them with cancer survivors and their families throughout the U.S.

Disability, Legal Questions

• • • The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Programs. Federal programs assisting people with disabilities. Both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals with a disability who meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits.
    • PineTree Legal Assistance. Provides free civil legal assistance in cases where it can make a difference in one’s ability to meet basic human needs or in enforcing one’s basic human rights, including access to housing, food, income, safety, education and health care.
    • Consumers for Affordable Healthcare. Advocates for the right to quality, affordable health care for Maine people. Also provides resources on how to access health care in Maine.
    • Legal Services for the Elderly. Provides free, high-quality legal services to Maine’s socially and economically needy elderly age 60 and older.
    • Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office for Family Independence. Helps connect Maine families to benefits and services that foster health, safety, resilience and opportunity; helps them to meet needs including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), health care assistance and food supplements.

Lodging and Traveling for Cancer Care

• • • Joe's House. Nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients and their families find a place to stay when traveling away from home for medical treatment

Wig Program

• • • American Cancer Society tlc (Tender Loving Care). This ACS publication offers affordable products and advice for women coping with breast cancer or any cancer treatment that causes hair loss. Products include wigs, hairpieces, hats, turbans, breast forms, mastectomy bras and mastectomy swimwear.
    • Dempsey Center Wig Consultation. The Dempsey Center may be able to offer wigs that have been donated to its program.

Community Support

• • • KVCAP and WCAP. Non-profit organizations Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP) and Waldo County Community Action Program (WCAP) provide services to help people in Kennebec, Somerset and Waldo counties achieve economic and social self-sufficiency.
    • Dempsey Center. Provides comprehensive, no-cost healing and symptom management services to people with cancer. Services include counseling, nutrition, wigs, integrative health, classes and support groups. Call (877) 336-7287 to learn more.
    • Spectrum Generations. Provides referrals, programs and activities for older adults in Kennebec, Lincoln, Somerset, Waldo, Sagadahoc and Knox counties. Services include socialization, adult daycare, nutrition, fitness, health and wellness, caregiver support and dementia services.
    • SeniorsPlus. Provides resources and services to older people, adults with disabilities and their families in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties.
    • Catholic Charities Maine. Provides help and hope for individuals, families and children in need, regardless of faith or ability to pay. Call (207) 781-8550 to learn more.

Transportation

• • • KVCAP Transportation. Offers transportation services to local citizens, including fixed route buses, the Kennebec Explorer in Waterville and Augusta and the Somerset Explorer in lower Somerset County, as well as door-to-door van and volunteer driver services to passengers who are elderly and/or disabled or and low-income.
    • Penquis. Penquis Transportation Brokerage coordinates all rides for MaineCare appointments in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Kennebec, and Somerset counties, using Lynx Mobility Services, volunteer drivers, taxi services and the Community Connector; also offers reimbursements for friends and family.

Publications

• • • Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer. A booklet for people newly diagnosed with cancer that discusses the many emotions that come with having cancer, as well as how to communicate with others about the disease.
    • Caring for the Caregiver. Provides ways for a friend or family member to take care of themselves while caring for someone with cancer. It gives you communication and self-care tips to focus on your needs while helping your loved one too.

Peter Alfond Prevention & Healthy Living Center Videos

• • • Healthy Mind & Body
    • Physical Movement

Nutrition Resources

Websites

• • • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A great resource, updated regularly, for patients with nutrition questions.
    • Nutrition for Cancer Patients. Offers good information specifically on nutrition and cancer.
    • American Institute for Cancer Research. Information on the AICR's research, and publications including recipes on eating to prevent cancer and healthy eating after treatment.
    • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. A regularly updated resource for those considering alternative therapies.

Publications

• • Eating Hints Before, During and After Cancer Treatment. (NCI) This booklet covers common types of eating problems before, during and after treatment and includes ways you can manage these issues.
  • Nutrient Dense Smoothies. (HACCC) This handout provides recipes for high calorie and high protein smoothies and is helpful for those with mouth sores or lack of appetite.
  • Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ). (HHS, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute)
    Find information, suggestions and resources to help with nutrition-related side effects of cancer and its treatments
  • Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases. This resource outlines how to help prevent foodborne illness in persons with cancer and other conditions where the immune system is weakened.