Pain Resources

Adapted from the National Cancer Institute by ]]>EBSCO Publishing Editorial Staff]]>

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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

Source:

Adapted from National Cancer Institute, 2/00

Last reviewed February 2000 by ]]>EBSCO Publishing Editorial Staff]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.