Also see the Spanish version of this page.
Local
American Cancer Society Washington
(800) 227-2345 (Spanish option available)
Free local programs are available, such as transportation to appointments, patient lodging, patient navigation, gift closets for wigs and breast prostheses, one-on-one support, and more. A few of these programs are described below. See American Cancer Society Programs and Services for a complete list.
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based organization dedicated to eliminating cancer with prevention, saving lives, and diminishing suffering. They work through research, education, advocacy, and service. They are a good first step in learning more about cancer and connecting with services. Your local Patient Navigators can assist patients in finding local and national financial resources. You can contact the 800 number to be directed to the nearest ACS Patient Navigator.
Cancer Lifeline
Available via phone and online chat from 9 am – 5 pm PST
(206) 297-2500 (Spanish option available)
(800) 255-5505
Cancer Lifeline offers free support groups and classes aimed at optimizing the quality of life for all people living with cancer — survivors, friends, families, co-workers and caregivers. They have information about cancer resources but do not offer medical advice. Financial assistance through a partnership with Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation-Puget Sound may be available for low-income women in treatment for breast cancer. Cancer Lifeline is located near Green Lake in Seattle.
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Patient & Family Resource Center
(206) 606-2081
The Resource Center has information available on different types of cancers, treatments, coping with cancer, supportive care and survivorship issues. There is an SCCA Resource Navigator who can assist patients and caregivers with finding appropriate resources about health education and support. Her services are available to everyone; however, service priority is given to patients from SCCA, Harborview Medical Center, the University of Washington, and Seattle Children’s Hospital. The Resource Center is located on the third floor of the SCCA clinic building.
Cancer Pathways
(206) 709-1400
Cancer Pathways (formerly Gilda’s Club) provides meeting places where men, women and children living with cancer and their families and friends join with others to build emotional, social and educational support as a supplement to medical care. They offer support and networking groups, lectures, workshops and social events in a nonresidential, homelike setting. Services are free of charge. Please call to inquire about services available in Spanish. They are located at 1400 Broadway Avenue in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Washington State Breast & Cervical Health Program
(888) 438-2247 (Spanish option available)
A program to provide uninsured and underinsured women aged 40-64 with breast and cervical cancer screenings (breast cancer screening for men aged 50-64 years). See website for eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions. Information on the website is not in Spanish. However, clinics that regularly access this program for their clients will assist non-English speakers with requirements and eligibility.
Hopelink
(425) 869-6000
In partnership with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Hopelink coordinates door-to-door transportation to and from medical appointments for low income residents on Medicaid assistance. Other types of assistance are available for families in crisis, such as housing, interpretation, energy assistance, food, emergency, and financial.
Neighborhood Legal Clinics
(206) 267-7070
Free help for low-income King County residents or Washington State residents with civil legal issues (non-criminal) in King County.
Premium Payment Program - Washington State Health Care Authority
(800) 562-3022
Medicaid recipients who have private, employer sponsored, COBRA, or Medicare Supplement insurance and are having difficulty paying the premiums may be able to receive assistance through this program.
National
American Cancer Society
(Spanish option available)
(800) 227-2345 (Spanish option available)
A nationwide, community-based organization dedicated to eliminating cancer with prevention, saving lives, and diminishing suffering. They work through research, education, advocacy, and service. They are a good first step in learning more about cancer and connecting with services. Free programs may be available in your area such as patient lodging, patient navigation, gift closets for wigs and prostheses, one-on-one support and more. A few of these programs are described below. Contact the number above for more information.
Your local Patient Navigators can assist patients in finding local and national financial resources. You can contact the 800 number to be directed to the nearest ACS Patient Navigator.
After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD)
(800) 977-4121
Free information and support to anyone touched by breast cancer, including peer support through YourShoes, a 24/7 breast cancer telephone support line staffed by breast cancer survivors. In addition, the Partner Match Program provides support and education for people while they are supporting a wife, partner or other loved one through the disease. Real-time interpretation is available in 150 languages.
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
Through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides low-income, uninsured, and underserved women access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Services include clinical breast examinations, mammograms, pap tests, pelvic examinations, diagnostic testing (if results are abnormal), and referrals to treatment.
National Cancer Institute (Spanish option available)
(800) 422-6237 (Spanish option available)
The National Cancer Institute provides consumer-oriented information on a wide range of topics related to all cancer types. It is part of the National Institutes of Health, so is fairly research-oriented. The website is available in Spanish and English.
MedlinePlus (Spanish option available)
No phone services
MedlinePlus has extensive information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources. It includes a medical encyclopedia and dictionary, easy-to-understand information on tests and treatments, extensive information on drugs, health information from the media, and links to thousands of clinical trials.
Lance Armstrong Foundation (LIVESTRONG) (Spanish option available)
English: (866) 673-7205
Spanish: (866) 927-7205
The Lance Armstrong Foundation focuses on prevention, access to screening and care, improvement of quality of life for cancer survivors, and investment in research. They have a wide variety of information available, including educational materials, clinical trials matching, one-on-one support, and links to organizations which provide financial assistance.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure (national)
(Spanish option available)
(877) 465-6636 (Spanish option available)
Susan G. Komen - Puget Sound (local affiliate)
(206) 633-0303 (local)
Komen for the Cure is a network of breast cancer survivors and activists with the goal of saving lives, empowering people, ensuring quality care, and working through science to find cures. Their website has a variety of information about breast cancer, including information about wigs and prostheses. They have a local affiliate in the Puget Sound area. Financial assistance programs are available.
CancerCare
(Spanish option available)
(800) 813-4673 (Spanish option available)
CancerCare 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. They provide counseling and support groups, education, financial assistance, and practical help. They have partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to create the Linking ARMS program which provides limited assistance to patients with breast cancer for some medications and supplies. They also partner with the AVONCares Program for medically underserved women with breast and cervical cancers. Services are free of charge.
Medication Assistance
Some pharmaceutical manufacturers offer patient assistance programs to help pay for medications. Talk with your doctor, medical social worker, pharmacist, or visit the manufacturer’s web site (most have a section called “Patient Assistance Programs”). See below for other resources. National cancer organizations may have programs too.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (Spanish option available)
(888) 477-2669
Co-Pay Relief Program (Spanish option available)
(866) 512-3861
Transportation
Car
American Cancer Society - Road To Recovery
(800) 227-2345
The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program provides transportation to and from treatment by volunteers who donate their time and use of their cars for people who have cancer and do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. This service is available in the Seattle area.
Flights
Many airlines offer special rates for travel, or free air transportation to visit sick friends or relatives or to receive medical care away from home. For more information, call the airline’s reservation phone line. See below for other resources.
Air Charity Network
(877) 621-7177
Mercy Medical Angels
(757) 318-9174
Angel Flight
(918) 749-8992
Lodging
Be sure to check with your treatment facility, as some have their own, low-cost lodging facilities or have contracted with local hotels for reduced rates. Often financial assistance is available.
American Cancer Society - Patient Lodging Programs
(800) 227-2345
The American Cancer Society Patient Lodging Program is a cooperative effort of the American Cancer Society and participating hotels to provide short term overnight accommodations to cancer patients who must travel for outpatient treatment but cannot afford a place to stay. Hotel accommodations may be requested for a cancer patient and an accompanying caregiver. All hotel accommodations are subject to availability and to restrictions imposed by the participating hotel. Requests for lodging are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Lodging must be requested through a medical provider, social worker, or patient navigator.
Home Cleaning
Cleaning For A Reason
(877) 337-3348
Hundreds of professional cleaning services in the U.S. and Canada are providing house cleaning to women who are undergoing treatment for cancer. Apply online to the foundation. Resources are limited so not all qualified applicants will receive assistance.
Grooming/Self-Esteem
Look Good…Feel Better
(800) 395-5665 (Spanish option available)
Free, non-medical, brand-neutral, national public service program created to help individuals with cancer look good, improve their self-esteem, and manage their treatment and recovery with greater confidence. Workshops are provided at locations in the Seattle area and other locations nationally. Spanish and translation available for other languages.
Smoking Cessation
Tobacco Quit Hotline
1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
1-877- 2NO-FUME (1-877-266-3863) (Spanish)
For other languages, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Your state has a toll-free telephone quitline. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to get one-on-one help quitting, including support and coping strategies, and referrals to resources and local cessation programs. Financial assistance may be available for prescription drugs prescribed for smoking cessation.
Other
Community voluntary agencies and service organizations such as the United Way of America, Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Social Services, and Catholic Charities may offer help.
Community resource information and referral can be obtained by calling 2-1-1 (may not be available in all areas) or by visiting the national web site 211.org .
Some churches and synagogues may provide financial help or services to their members.
This resource list was made possible by a grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LIVESTRONG).