Top Resources for People With Kidney Cancer
by Eileen Bailey Health Writer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, you may not know where to turn for help. Whether you need advice on symptoms, treatment, emotional support, or financial help, there are many organizations that are ready to provide assistance.
Kidney Cancer Association
The Kidney Cancer Association provides kidney cancer information online; you can also speak to a nurse by phone weekdays during working hours. There is an online patient and caregiver support community, and you can create an online community to help someone with kidney cancer get help with daily tasks and transportation. KCA also provides financial help to people with medical expenses related to kidney cancer. Contact KCA at www.kidneycancer.org or at 1-800-850-9132.
National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation operates NKF Cares, a patient information help line at 1-855-653-2273 and nkfcares@kidney.org. NKF Peers is a program that matches you with a trained peer mentor to share their experiences about dialysis, transplant, or living kidney donation, through a private, toll-free call. You can also email the Ask the Doctor blog with questions about kidney disease. Contact NKF at www.kidney.org by phone at 1-800-622-9010.
National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides detailed information on kidney cancer treatments, research, and clinical trials. You can find out more at www.cancer.gov/types/kidney, through online chat, by phone at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), or by email.
Smart Patients
Smart Patients is an online community for people with different types of cancer. Look for the Kidney Cancer Community and sign up to talk to other people living with kidney cancer and learn from one another.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials allow you to try new, experimental drugs. When you are involved in a clinical trial, your treatment, including medication and doctors’ visits, are often paid for through the trial. Check out the U.S. government’s database of ongoing and upcoming clinical trials.
CancerCare
CancerCare is a national organization that provides free support services and information for people living with cancer. Contact them through their website at www.cancercare.org or call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673).
Wish-fulfillment organizations
The Make-a-Wish Foundation is the most well-known, but there are a number of organizations that help fulfill the wishes of both children and adults with cancer. These can include family vacations, attending events, meeting someone special, or purchasing an item. Check out this list of wish fulfillment organizations.
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition
The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition is a group of national organizations that provide financial assistance to people living with cancer. Search one or more categories where you need help, such as co-pays, eyeglasses, housing, legal help, transportation, or housing for individuals or families while seeking treatment. Check out the CFAC database at www.cancerfac.org.
Cleaning for a Reason
Cleaning for a Reason is a non-profit organization that provides house cleaning services to people undergoing cancer treatment. Visit their website at cleaningforareason.org or call 1-877-337-3348.
