Free Cancer Support (Peer to Peer)
Getting the support needed after a cancer diagnosis is so very important. The listings below include free nationwide programs that offer one-to-one mentoring and support for anyone affected by cancer – including patients, families, and friends — by people who have similar life experiences.
Matches are customized based on similar diagnoses, treatment, as well as life circumstances, and values. Please know you are not alone; there are people who want to help. Sessions are available online and over the phone at your convenience.
There’s no two ways about it. Cancer is a difficult journey from the start. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, it can be so helpful to talk to someone else who’s been through the same thing. Please reach out to a program below and get the support you need today. ❤️
CRI ImmunoAdvocates Peer Support Program
Description:
CRI’s ImmunoAdvocates Peer Support Program connects cancer patients and caregivers in the USA with individuals who have firsthand experience with immunotherapy treatments. This program offers personalized support, shared experiences, and guidance through the cancer journey. To connect, visit the link above.
Hope for Two Peer Support Program
Description:
This program connects pregnant cancer patients with trained volunteer support women who have experienced similar cancer diagnoses during their pregnancies, providing emotional support and shared experiences. To request support, complete the form available at the link above.
Cancer Companions Peer Support Program
Description:
Cancer Companions is a nonprofit organization offering Christian-based support to individuals in the USA impacted by cancer, including patients, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones. Services include personalized cancer toolboxes, prayer partners, and virtual Bible study groups. To learn more and access these resources, visit the link above.
HopeWell Peer Support Programs
Description:
Free online peer support groups for all people with cancer in the USA, their families and loved ones via Zoom. Support groups are available for patients, cancers, caregivers, couples, families, as well as cancer-specific programs, too. Please complete this form on the HopeWell Cancer Support website to enroll in the next upcoming sessions.
Patients Like Me Online Peer Support
Description:
Online peer support program for cancer patients. Find personalized answers, offer advice, and get support from people who share a similar cancer diagnosis and can understand what you are going through. Patients Like Me invites you to “join over 850,000 members harnessing the power of their health insights through shared experience.” Visit this link to sign up for free.
Cancer Pathways Online Peer Support
Description:
Cancer Pathways is a national nonprofit organization that offers free support groups for cancer patients that are facilitated by licensed clinical social workers. Sessions last 30-120 minutes and are held virtually through Zoom. To connect with others, please complete the interest form on this page.
A Fresh Chapter Peer Support
Description:
A Fresh Chapter offers inspirational and engaging online programs with the support tools, resources, and community to help cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers reclaim their stories and define what’s next. Many different peer support programs are available. To view the current offerings, please visit this link.
CanCare Cancer Support
Phone: (888) 999-6959
Description:
Personalized one-on-one emotional support for cancer patients and loved ones Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Central. CanCare helps you connect with a volunteer survivor or caregiver to discuss healthcare issues and receive emotional support. Support volunteers are matched based on cancer type, treatments, desires, age, and gender. Review more about the program information and fill out the form for help here.
Cancer Hope Network
Phone: (877) 467-3638 (English and Spanish)
Email: info@cancerhopenetwork.org
Description:
Free one-on-one mentoring and support services for cancer patients and their families in both the U.S. and Canada. The Cancer Hope Network has hundreds of mentors who understand what you’re going through and want to help. To get matched to a volunteer mentor, please complete this online form.
Cancer Prayer Partners
Description:
Free faith-based peer support program for cancer patients in the USA. Connect with a matched volunteer weekly to receive compassion through prayer, scripture, and support. To apply for this no-cost program, please complete the form on this page of the Cancer Companions website.
I Had Cancer Peer Support Program
Description:
I Had Cancer is a free online peer support program for all cancer patients in the USA. Join a cancer support community where patients share firsthand experiences about treatment, side effects, long-term effects and more. The website includes an online forum that allows you to connect with survivors by cancer type, age and location. Visit this link to join.
Pickles Group
Description:
Free peer-to-peer support and resources to kids affected by their parent or guardian’s cancer. Program is available nationwide. The Pickles Group coordinates communities of kids supporting kids during and beyond their parents’ cancer journeys. Kids are provided opportunities to learn and have fun and support each other along the way. To find out more, visit this link for info and the enrollment form.
Cancer Survivors Network
Description:
Free space to create an online journal, share photos, and give and receive support from an online community that understands the cancer journey because they are living it, too. This peer support network is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and has very active forums and discussion groups for patients and caregivers alike. Sign up for free here.
MyLifeLine Support Community
Phone: (888) 234-2468
Email: support@mylifeline.org
Description:
Free online support community for cancer patients and caregivers in the USA. Connect with people who understand what you’re going through in a compassionate setting. Choose from various discussion boards that are tailored to your needs and interests, start a calendar of events, assign tasks, and more. To take a tour of the community features and sign up, please visit this link on the MyLifeLine website.
Cancer Support Community
Phone: (888) 793-9355 (M-F 9:00 am to 9:00 pm EST)
Email: help@cancersupportcommunity.org
Description:
Cancer Support Helpline offers a free online peer support group called the Living Room that’s facilitated by a licensed counselor. Services available include short-term counseling and emotional assistance for patients and families dealing with cancer. For more about the free online support group, please visit this page or call (888)793-9355 9AM-9PM M-F EST for immediate assistance.
Imerman Angels
Phone: (877) 274-5529
Email: info@Imerman-Angels.org
Description:
Free peer support for cancer patients and their families via telephone, email, video chat, and face-to-face options. Per the website, “These 1–on–1 relationships inspire hope and offer the chance to ask personal questions and receive support from someone who is uniquely familiar with the experience.” To find out more or request a mentor, please visit this link.
Friend for Life Cancer Support Network
Phone: (866) 374-3634 (English and Spanish)
Email: staff@friend4life.org
Description:
A network of cancer survivors who provide free one-on-one support to cancer patients and their families. Matches are customized based on similar diagnoses, treatment, as well as life circumstances, and values. To submit a request for help, call (866) 374-3634 or visit this page of the Friend for Life website and complete the online form for assistance.
CLIMB Group Free Peer Support Program
Description:
Free national online peer support program sponsored by the Children’s Treehouse Foundation for children aged 5-18 who have a parent, grandparent or loved one with cancer. Meeting online one night per week, this program helps demystify cancer, teaches coping skills, and provides a safe place for kids and teenagers to talk about difficult feelings. To view upcoming sessions and register, please visit this link.
4th Angel Mentoring Program
Phone: (866) 520-3197 (English)
Email: 4thangel@ccf.org
Description:
The 4th Angel Mentoring Program offers free telephone-based support from someone who has successfully made the same cancer journey you are about to begin – the journey towards recovery. To get matched with a mentor, call the number above.
You meet the most amazing people in groups like this. THANK YOU for these.
You are most welcome, Jenna. We are thrilled to share links to services that help support cancer patients, families, and caregivers.
Hello. I am the wife of a cancer patient. He is in the fourth stage of Prospate Cancer. We have been on a stressful journey in the past two to three years. What we are looking for is to take vacation and get away from all the other stresses of life! I to am a Cancer survivor!If you could help us to be connected to resources that would help us to go on a vacation! I would really appreciate that! Thank you!
Thank you for reaching out and we’re sorry to hear of your and your husband’s health struggles. Please see the listings for free vacations for cancer patients here: https://cancercarenews.com/more-cancer-freebies/vacations-day-trips/. All the best to you both.