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The Cancer Resource Network: A way to find help
You’ve just found out that you, or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. With this type of significant news comes a whirlwind of questions and life changing choices. Your doctor and health care provider are there to help you understand what you have, how it should be treated, and what choices you need to make. But what about all those other questions you have that they can’t always answer or explain?

Your American Cancer Society created the Cancer Resource Network (CRN) to help provide you with the help you need for every step of the way in your fight against cancer. At any time, you can get access to vital information for understanding your cancer condition, day-to-day assistance through treatment and recovery, and emotional support from individuals who will connect you with others who have been there or are going through the same ordeal.

The point of the CRN isn’t simply to shower you with information, but rather to let you know about the many ways that ACS can help. Our goal here at ACS is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors.

For example, the Health Insurance Assistance Service (HIAS) is a free resource that connects cancer patients with health insurance specialists who work to address their needs. HIAS is a joint effort between the Society and the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute and helps callers by explaining health insurance, coverage dynamics, and state programs. Callers also receive information about additional resources available to them, all specific to their needs.

There are three key ways that the CRN provides resources and assistance for those in need:

Information: ACS wants to support people by making available high-quality, timely, and understandable information, especially to newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers. You can call anytime and our experts will give you their full attention, and all the time you need. If they can’t answer your questions, they’ll find the answers and get back to you as soon as possible.

Day-to-Day: There are so many day-to-day issues that arise for cancer patients and their caregivers. ACS has programs that provide rides to treatment, lodging for those traveling for treatment, cosmetology consultants, wigs, and much more. They also answer questions about insurance, give financial and nutrition advice, and assist with plenty of other new daily issues that can come up unexpectedly.

Emotional Support: Having cancer isn’t easy. ACS aims to support you every step of the way. With much knowledge of what you are going through, we can put you in touch with others who can speak from experience and provide you with the hope and comfort you need.

Having cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn’t be. If you or someone you know needs information, resources, or support, please call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

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