Improving the Quality of Life for Cancer Patients and Their Families

For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit their website www.cancer.org.

The growing number of patients surviving cancer reflects the benefits of early diagnosis and more successful treatment. As this trend continues, improving patient quality of life is an important focus of the American Cancer Society's mission.

Many cancer patients find themselves overwhelmed by their diagnosis and the amount of information they must sort through. The American Cancer Society helps guide cancer patients and their loved ones through the cancer experience so they can focus on what's most important - getting well.

In many communities, the American Cancer Society offers patient support programs that help patients and their caregivers cope with a cancer diagnosis. Programs like Reach to Recovery and Man to Man motivate current patients by utilizing cancer survivors who have "been there" and can answer questions and provide inspiration that there is life after cancer. Other programs like Look Good...Feel Better help female cancer patients overcome the physical side effects of cancer treatment to enhance their appearance and self-esteem.

In addition, trained American Cancer Society volunteers and staff work with existing cancer resources and help create new ones to ease the cancer burden of patients and their loved ones. These volunteers and staff work with local health care providers, organizations and businesses to connect patients and their families with these needed resources.