Many cancer patients and their caretakers have found their computers to be a very useful resource. Online, you can access a wide variety of information, connect to others in your situation, and find recommendations for support groups or informative meetings in your area. A few organizations that may be worth checking out include:
- Cancer Care: This is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance, education, and private or family counseling to cancer patients and their loved ones. You can speak with a counselor over the phone or visit one of their New York City clinics.
- The American Cancer Society: This is a national organization dedicated to providing detailed information and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. If you would like to meet mesothelioma survivors, fellow patients, or counselors in person, click “In My Community” on the front page of their Web site.
- Cancer Focus: A website offering numerous articles and online forums for people struggling with cancer. Swap ideas, research, advice, and support with other people in your situation.
- American Lung Association: The American Lung Association aims to improve lung health and prevent lung disease through education, advocacy, and research. The site details the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the asbestos related disease – mesothelioma.
- Lung Cancer Alliance: A leading organization for patient support. This website describes the unique programs offered including an information line, mentoring programs, clinical trial matching service, on online support community as well as nation-wide education forums. Join their mailing list for frequent updates on a wide range of topics of interest to those affected by lung cancer.
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: This is a world renowned cancer treatment center located in the heart of New York City, specializing in the treatment of mesothelioma. The mesothelioma section of their site describes the Sloan Kettering approach to treatment including profiles of their mesothelioma specialists and listings of their clinical trials. The site also provides information on the disease from a medical perspective, without resorting to technical language.
- International Mesothelioma Program: Based in Boston, MA, the International Mesothelioma Program boasts the largest institution of its kind with an extensive clinical arm, as well as research and support programs. Their website offers information on their services, with a section devoted to patients, as well as information on their many achievements in mesothelioma research.
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization: The ADAO is commited to advocacy on behalf of all those affected by asbestos related disease, whether ensuring fair compensation for asbestos victims, supporting research or urging the government to implement bans on the use of asbestos. Their website offers the means by which to get involved in advocacy, connect with a larger community of asbestos victims, as well as explore their library of asbestos resources.
- National Cancer Institute: This is one of the federal government’s National Institutes of Health and is dedicated to cancer research and training. It’s website provides valuable information regarding mesothelioma treatment, causes, research and statistics as well as providing a comprehensive list of current clinical trials concerning mesothelioma.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency: The EPA’s mission is to protect human health and the environment on which it depends. The site provides information concerning various air pollutants, including asbestos. The health and safety risks associated with asbestos in the air we breathe are clearly outlined.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The CDC are committed to reducing the impact of leading causes of death and disability on public health. The site provides information regarding the health risks posed by exposure to asbestos as well as tips for avoiding exposure. It also covers various asbestos related diseases, their diagnosis and treatment.
- U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety Administration: The OSHA provides for the protection of employees from workplace exposure to health hazards. This website describes OSHA standards for employee protection from asbestos exposure, and provides instructions for filing a complaint should these standards not be met. It also describes the controls preventing asbestos exposure as well as the means by which exposure is evaluated.
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: Encouraging patients of mesothelioma and their families to “believe in a cure,” MARF places their hope in mesothelioma research, funding various projects and advocating for further government funding of research. The site offers information concerning current and past projects, volunteer opportunities and fundraising. Features include a tribute wall as well as an interactive discussion board with topics such as treatment and recent scientific developments.
- International Agency for Research on Cancer: This is an organization working to coordinate and conduct international research on topics concerning cancer, its causes, and the means by which to prevent and control it. The organization’s work includes organizing meetings and courses, funding fellowships, as well as publishing important research. Much of this research and written work is available on the site along with further information on topics concerning cancer.
- World Health Organization: The World Health Organization is the body charged with the directorship of health programs in the United Nations system whether they involve monitoring health trends around the world, setting standards for health care, or providing technical support to health care providers worldwide. The site provides information on WHO efforts to eliminate asbestos related disease.