1
T
he
Cancer Resources Guide
is designed for newly diagnosed cancer
patients and those who care for them, including family, friends, physi-
cians, nurses, social workers and other healthcare professionals.
The resources included in this Guide are varied, ranging from the telephone
number listings of support groups in Northeastern Pennsylvania to websites of
national organizations dedicated to providing information about a specific
type of cancer. The information included in the Guide is diverse to meet the
unique needs of cancer patients.
Most importantly, we hope that this Guide makes it easier for you to learn as
much about cancer and cancer services as you would like to know because
information and education can help you make better decisions about the
course of your care.
Being diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming. However, many studies
have shown that open communication among cancer patients and their
healthcare providers can have positive benefits. The more people understand
about their illness, the less stress and anxiety they are likely to experience.
Research shows that people who are involved in decisions about their health-
care feel better and have enhanced self-esteem as they deal with medical
treatment.
We hope that this directory of resources will help you find the information
you need quickly and easily. To help you get the most out of this Guide, sec-
tions are arranged according to subject heading and listed alphabetically in
the Table of Contents (p. VII). There is also a Glossary of Organizations (p. 111)
where you will find descriptions of the organizations listed and the page num-
bers where they can be found throughout the Guide.
How to Use THis Guide
The Internet
C
ancer patients, their family, friends and caregivers, as well as healthcare
professionals, can now access a wealth of general and medical
information about cancer on the Internet.
However, not all of this information is accurate. You must be careful and
critical of where the information is coming from (i.e. a credible organization
such as the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute vs. an individual business
person who claims to have the cure for cancer). We have compiled many
credible online resources that provide a wealth of information on cancer issues.
These websites are listed throughout the Guide.
