Cancer foundation – wiping out the disease!

A Cancer Foundation is a national public service, non-profit entity designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy, and support. A Foundation aims to

 Help patients and families in coping with the disease.
 Research new and better treatments for a cure.
 Prevention.
 Create awareness about causes of the disease

The work of a foundation is made possible by the commitment and generosity of many people. A foundation offers various services for the benefit of people and to help in the process of eradication. Some of the services are

Care Services:
The progress in their understanding of disease and the upcoming of various foundations in recent years has meant that many more people now have successful treatment following diagnosis. This means a substantial number of new cases each year need support, practical help and advice to cope with the implications of having the illness, as do their families.

The foundations usually have a dedicated team who offer a wide range of services in the following areas:

 Telephone Helpline They provide a free telephone and call in service where in accurate and easily understood information is available on all aspects of the illness. The service is provided by trained nurses with experience in this field.

 Resource and information
Information is available on all aspects of the disease for patients and their families with a wide selection of booklets and free access to the Internet. These are also guided by the Information Nurse on duty.

 Experienced Counseling
Professional Counseling is provided for patients and their families. To arrange an appointment you just register on the telephone.

 Patient support Groups
Many Foundations have formed various support groups that meet frequently.

 Patient to patient home and hospital visits
People who have experienced the illness themselves and been successfully treated, offer a unique understanding and practical support to those people who are facing the same difficult situation. Patient "Volunteers" are carefully selected as being both physically and emotionally well adjusted are made to provide this service.

Research
The most important part of a foundation is promoting and funding research activity. Various foundations form collaborative projects and work together at national or international level getting major breakthroughs in research.

Many forms of this disease can be prevented by healthy lifestyle and public policy. Foundations work to prevent cancer by spreading awareness among the masses. They develop public education and prevention programmes.

Raising Funds – you could lend a helping hand!

As mentioned earlier, these cancer foundations are independent and no-profit organizations. To provide service to patients, for research work and for maintaining a group of top doctors and nurses, they need funds. Most of these funds are raised through donations. You could become one of the donators. There are options of donating online also.

There are many other ways by which you can help these cancer foundations example by taking part in events or volunteering your time or expertise.

Whatever you can offer, please do since it will go for the welfare of the patients.

Also read our article about Cancer Detection