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.
Please reach out to a program below and get the support you need today.
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.
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: https://cancare.org/support/.
Cancer Survivors Network
Contact: Get in Touch
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: https://csn.cancer.org/user/register.
My Life Line Support Community
Phone: (888) 234-2468
Email: support@mylifeline.org
Description:
Free online support community for cancer patients and caregivers sponsored by the American Cancer Association. Connect with people who understand what you’re going through in a compassionate setting. To take a tour of the community features and sign up, visit this link https://www.mylifeline.org/getstarted on the American Cancer Society Support Community 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, visit, https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/cancer-support-helpline or call (888)793-9355 9AM-9PM M-F EST for immediate assistance.
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, complete this online form https://cancerhopenetwork.org/patient-and-caregiver-support/.
American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery
Phone: (800) 227-2345
Description:
The American Cancer Society coordinates the Reach to Recovery program which provides free support via phone or in-person services for anyone dealing with a possible breast cancer diagnosis, recurrence, or advanced-stage breast cancer. To locate a volunteer in your area, call toll-free (800) 227-2345 or visit https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/reach-to-recovery.html.
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 https://imermanangels.org/get-support/.
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 https://www.friend4life.org/get-matched/.
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.