What Is cancer.org and What Does the American Cancer Society Offer?
Updated
cancer.org is the website of the American Cancer Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people facing cancer and to advancing cancer research, early detection, treatment, and education. If you are a patient, caregiver, or someone looking for reliable cancer information and practical support, the site offers both educational content and direct patient services. The main phone line listed is 800.227.2345, and the site describes a 24/7 cancer helpline at 1-800-227-2345.
What the Site Covers
The site organizes its content around understanding cancer, reducing risk, and navigating diagnosis and treatment. Key sections include:
- Cancer types — overviews of common cancers such as breast, colon and rectal, lung, prostate, and skin cancer, plus a full list of all cancer types.
- Understanding cancer — what cancer is, a cancer glossary, and an anatomy gallery.
- Risk and prevention — genetics, tobacco, HPV, diet and physical activity, sun safety, and a cancer risk assessment.
- Screening and diagnosis — screening guidance, diagnostic tests, staging, and signs and symptoms.
- Cancer care — making treatment decisions, preparing for treatment, treatment types, side effects, daily life and supportive care, patient navigation, financial and insurance matters, and end-of-life care.
- Survivorship — life after treatment and follow-up resources.
Patient Services and Practical Help
Beyond information, the American Cancer Society lists several direct services for people in treatment:
- Road To Recovery — free rides to treatment.
- Free lodging during treatment — for patients who must travel for care.
- ACS CARES — support connecting patients with survivors and resources.
- Free smoking cessation support.
- Breast cancer support and survivor stories.
- 24/7 cancer helpline at 1-800-227-2345.
These services are described on the site as free; availability and eligibility for specific programs should be confirmed by calling the helpline.
Who the Resources Are For
The site segments resources by audience, which helps you find relevant material quickly:
| Audience | Relevant resources |
|---|---|
| Patients and newly diagnosed | Treatment decisions, side effects, financial and insurance matters, patient navigation |
| Caregivers and family | Support for families and caregivers, coping resources |
| Children and teens | Childhood cancer and adolescents and young adults sections |
| Veterans | Dedicated veterans resources |
| Health professionals | Professional resources and treatment information |
How to Use the Site
- Start with your situation. If you have a diagnosis, go to the cancer type section for your cancer, then to treatment and side effects. If you are concerned about risk, start with risk and prevention or the cancer risk assessment.
- Check screening guidance for your age and risk factors under screening and diagnosis.
- Call the helpline at 1-800-227-2345 if you need help navigating services such as rides, lodging, or emotional support.
- Use the resource search on the Programs & Services page to find services in your area.
The site is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and others, via the language selector.
What to Keep in Mind
The site is an educational and support resource, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Treatment decisions and screening schedules should be discussed with a qualified clinician. Program availability, such as free rides or lodging, depends on location and eligibility, so confirm details through the helpline before relying on a service.