Community Resources

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) advocates for the advancement of myeloma research. The foundation provides research grants for scientists who study multiple myeloma and offers information on its website about the disease, treatment options and multiple myeloma clinical trials.

The National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) formed in 2008 through the merger of the National Brain Tumor Foundation and the Brain Tumor Society. NBTS provides patients and caregivers with brain tumor information and support. The society hosts special events around the country, including an annual gathering that brings together patients, families, health care professionals and scientists.

The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) aims to eradicate breast cancer by focusing government, research institutions and consumer advocates on breast cancer. The coalition informs, trains and directs patients and others in effective advocacy efforts. The NBCC’s goals include promoting breast cancer research; improving access to high-quality breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and care; and increasing the involvement and influence of breast cancer survivors and activists in the decision-making processes that impact the disease. The NBCC website provides a list of fact sheets, analyses and position papers related to breast cancer.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). An agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH is the medical research agency of the federal government. The NCI conducts and supports research, training, health-information dissemination and other programs that are related to the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer; rehabilitation from cancer; and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients. The NCI website offers extensive fact sheets on all types of cancer, a dictionary of cancer terms, a dictionary of drug names, information on coping with cancer, and research news. It provides information on cancer prevention, screening, clinical trials, research funding, statistics, and complementary and alternative medicine. The institute’s toll-free help-line provides smoking-cessation information and answers to questions about cancer.

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), a program of the American Sexual Health Association, is an organization of cervical cancer survivors, caregivers, family members, researchers, hospitals, pathologists and others who are dedicated to educating people about cervical cancer. The NCCC spreads information about the importance of early detection and advocates for quality patient care. The organization provides support for women with cervical cancer through its Phone and E-mail Pals Program, which matches patients with cervical cancer survivors. It also provides information about support for caregivers. The NCCC has chapters throughout the U.S. and abroad.

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) offers online resources for cancer patients, including information on clinical trials and financial advice. The NCCS also provides survivors with a Cancer Survival Toolbox, which is a free audio program designed to help cancer survivors and caregivers develop practical skills to deal with the challenges of cancer.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is an alliance of leading cancer centers. NCCN’s website provides information for researchers and patients, including information on treatment guidelines and supportive care, local clinical trials, and member centers that can assist people seeking physicians, pediatric cancer treatment, and genetic testing or screening.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is a part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The institute studies how environmental factors increase or decrease a person’s likelihood of getting various diseases, including cancer. At its website, NIEHS maintains a library of resources, including fact sheets, reports and the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives. NIEHS also holds a series of local town meeting’style events to educate people about the impact that environment can have on health. The institute runs a long-term study of women whose sisters had breast cancer, called the Sister Study, which aims to learn how environment and genes affect a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is the world’s largest medical library. It offers a free online searchable database, PubMed, which includes more than 15 million journal article references and abstracts. PubMed includes links to the full text of articles (which may require a fee) and other related resources. The NLM also offers a resource for the public called MedlinePlus, which includes links to self-help groups, NIH consumer-related organizations, health-related organizations and clinical trials.

The National Lymphedema Network Inc. refers people to lymphedema treatment centers, health care professionals and support groups. The organization also publishes informational materials, including a quarterly newsletter,LymphLink, with news about medical and scientific developments. It sponsors a national conference for health care professionals and an advocacy program for advocates, caregivers and those who have been affected by lymphedema.