Resources, Support & Funding

Grants covering treatment-related costs including co-pays, transportation, and home care. Disease-specific funds with varying eligibility. Limited funds open periodically.

Premium and co-pay assistance for insured patients with cancer diagnoses. Funds available for breast, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and many other cancers. Income-based eligibility.

Financial assistance for insurance premiums, co-pays, and deductibles for underinsured patients. Multiple oncology disease funds with rolling enrollment.

All nonprofit hospitals are required by federal law to have financial assistance programs. Income-qualified patients may receive discounts of 50–100% of charges. Ask the billing office before any service.

Many cancer diagnoses qualify for expedited SSDI approval under the Compassionate Allowances program. Approval can also trigger Medicare enrollment after a 24-month waiting period.

Comprehensive database of manufacturer patient assistance programs, disease-specific assistance, and state programs. Search by drug name or diagnosis.

Plain-language versions of the same clinical guidelines your oncologist uses. Available for most cancer types. Updated as new evidence emerges. Free to download.

Comprehensive, evidence-based summaries for over 80 cancer types. Available in patient and health professional versions. Covers treatment options, prognosis, and clinical trials.

Disease-specific foundations provide diagnosis guides, treatment decision tools, and second opinion programs. Each links to the authoritative source for your cancer type.

Free rides to and from cancer treatment provided by trained volunteer drivers. Available in most states. Schedule through the ACS directly.

Free lodging for cancer patients traveling for treatment at major cancer centers. 31 locations nationwide. Reservations required; eligibility criteria apply.

Free professional counseling, support groups, and educational workshops led by oncology social workers. Available by phone, online, and in-person in select locations.

Resources specifically for cancer caregivers including respite care, support groups, financial assistance for caregivers, and burnout prevention resources.

Eligible employees at covered employers can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for cancer treatment. Continuous, intermittent, or reduced-schedule leave available.

Cancer is often considered a disability under the ADA. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations — modified schedules, remote work, reduced duties — unless undue hardship applies.

Under the ACA, you have the right to appeal insurance denials internally and externally. External reviews are conducted by independent reviewers. Free to request. Most denials are overturned on external review.