Resources
- We hope this guide has helped you to understand treatments for pain
and that it has given you useful information for dealing with pain. It is
not intended to take the place of good communication between you and the
health professionals who are caring for you. Remember that there are many
ways to manage pain and that cancer pain can almost always be controlled.
- Additional patient education materials (including information about
diet and nutrition, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, emotional support,
and the symptoms and treatment of many types of cancer) are available from
both the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute. Addresses
and descriptions of the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer
Institute are listed below.
Sources Of Additional Information
- American Cancer Society, Inc.
- 1599 Clifton Road, N.E.
- Atlanta, GA 30329-4251
- 1-800-ACS-2345
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a national nonprofit organization
whose programs include research, education, and service. Local ACS Units
offer service programs for cancer patients and their families. They provide
information and guidance, referral to community health services and other
resources, equipment loans for care of the homebound patient, transportation
to and from treatment, and rehabilitation programs. Before contacting national
headquarters, check your local telephone directory for an ACS Unit in your
community.
- Two mutual support programs, which began as grassroots efforts, have
been designated as national programs of the American Cancer Society. Check
to see if they are available in your community.
CanSurmount
CanSurmount brings together the patient, the family, the CanSurmount volunteer,
and health professionals. On physician referral, a trained CanSurmount volunteer,
who is also a cancer patient, meets with the patient and family in the hospital
or home. The goal of the program is to improve mutual help and understanding
through continuing education and support for volunteers, patients, families,
health professionals, and the community.
I Can Cope
This program addresses the educational and psychological needs of people
with cancer and their families. It is a series of classes covering information
about cancer, types of treatments, communication with family, friends, and
physicians and how to find additional resources. Through lectures, group
discussions, and study assignments, the course helps people with cancer
regain a sense of control over their lives.
- For further information about CanSurmount and I Can Cope, contact your
local Unit of the American Cancer Society.
- National Cancer Institute
- Office of Cancer Communications
- Building 31, Room 10A24
- Bethesda, MD 20892
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the US government's main agency
for cancer research and information about cancer. Additional information
about pain control and other cancer-related topics is available from the
NCI-supported Cancer Information Service (CIS), a nationwide telephone service
that answers questions from cancer patients and their families, health care
professionals, and the public. Information specialists can provide information
and publications on all aspects of cancer.
- The toll-free number of the CIS is 1-800-4-CANCER.
- You will reach a CIS office serving your area where a trained staff
member can answer your questions and listen to your concerns. Spanish-speaking
staff members are available.
Pain Organizations
- American Academy of Pain Medicine
4700 West Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL 60025
(708) 966-9510
- American Pain Society
4700 West Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL 60025
(708) 966-5595
- American Society of Anesthesiologists
Pain Therapy Committee 5
520 Northwest
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(708) 825-5586
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
4891 East Grant Road
Tucson, AZ 85711
(602) 325-1044
- International Association for the Study of Pain
909 NE 43rd Street, Suite 306
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 547-6409
- National Chronic Pain Outreach Association
7979 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 100
Bethesda, MD 20814-2429
(301) 652-4948