Cancer treatments prolong and save lives, a modern miracle that benefits millions in America. But for those in precarious situations with their jobs, financial situation, or with health insurance issues, these added burdens can add uncertainty and stress during a particularly vulnerable time. Your Cancer Center has team of specialists who can help navigate options for relief.

Help comes from all quarters: For example, pharmaceutical companies have special programs to donate therapy drugs to qualified applicants, and there are a variety of private and public programs to assist patients and their families secure quality care and protect their rights in the workplace.

The National Cancer Institute has a listing of many of these organizations, including government and non-profit resources. Disease-specific foundations, such as the Komen Foundation, (which provides Patient Navigation Services for those diagnosed with breast cancer) are also a valuable resource because advocacy and community outreach are important components of their missions. One of their current programs is a disaster-relief fund for breast cancer patients affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Patients and cancer survivors who have difficulties in the workplace because of lost time due to therapy or discrimination because of their diagnosis (even after they have been declared cancer-free) can seek out support to protect their rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act. The National Patient Advocate Foundation lists resources state by state - as in these resources for New York. In California, Los-Angles based, The Disability Rights Center, is one of many around the nation who help families navigate protections set up for their benefit.

For these and other resources, plus additional reading material check out Your Rights in the PRC.