Supporting the Fight: 9 Best Charities that Help Cancer Patients | Full List

Cancer is a cruel and unforgiving disease that can strike anyone at anytime. It doesn’t discriminate based on age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. While medical advances have improved the chances of survival, cancer remains a life-changing diagnosis for many individuals and families. Fortunately, there are charities dedicated to helping those impacted by cancer.

These charities provide a lifeline of support, resources, and hope during an incredibly difficult time. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of charities that help cancer patients, their impact on individuals and families, and how you can get involved. Get ready to be inspired by the incredible work being done to fight cancer and make a difference in the lives of those fighting for their own.

Here are 9 Incredible Charities that help Cancer Patients:

1. The American Cancer Society (ACS)

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is one of the oldest and most respected cancer charities in the United States. Founded in 1913, ACS has been at the forefront of the fight against cancer for over a century. Their mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. They offer various services and resources to cancer patients and their families, including information and support helplines, online communities, and local patient service centers.

ACS also funds cancer research and advocates for policies that support cancer patients and survivors. With an impressive 82% rating on Charity Navigator and a 3 out of 4-star rating, ACS is committed to reducing the incidence and mortality of cancer and improving the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

2. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world-renowned pediatric cancer treatment and research center in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded by actor and philanthropist Danny Thomas in 1962, St. Jude’s mission is to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. St. Jude provides cutting-edge medical care to children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, regardless of their ability to pay.

They have conducted groundbreaking research to develop new treatments for childhood cancers and share their findings with other medical institutions worldwide. With a perfect score of 100% on Charity Navigator, St. Jude is committed to ensuring that no child dies from cancer.

3. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and improving the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds research to find new treatments and cures for blood cancers provides education and support services to patients and their families, and advocates for policies that improve access to quality healthcare.

They also offer financial assistance to patients struggling with the cost of their treatment. LLS is committed to finding a cure for blood cancers and improving the lives of those affected by these diseases. With an impressive 96% rating on Charity Navigator and a 4 out of 4-star rating, LLS is a trusted and respected organization in the fight against cancer.

4. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is a dedicated organization that strives to improve the lives of patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer. Their mission is to fund research, provide patient support and advocacy, and raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. PanCAN funds research to find new treatments and a cure for pancreatic cancer provides information and resources to patients and their families, and advocates for policies that improve patient outcomes.

They also host community events and educational programs to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of early detection. With an impressive rating of 96% and a 4 out of 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, PanCAN is committed to fighting pancreatic cancer and improving the lives of those affected by this devastating disease.

5. The Livestrong Foundation

The Livestrong Foundation was founded in 1997 to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. They provide various resources and support services for cancer patients and survivors, including financial assistance, education, and advocacy. The organization also funds cancer research and raises awareness about the importance of cancer survivorship.

Livestrong is committed to helping people affected by cancer navigate the disease’s physical, emotional, and financial challenges and improve their overall quality of life. With an overall rating of 82% and 3 out of 4 gold stars on Charity Navigator, Livestrong is a trusted and respected organization in the fight against cancer.

6. The LUNGevity Foundation

The LUNGevity Foundation, founded in 2001, is dedicated to improving outcomes for people with lung cancer through research, education, and support. LUNGevity funds innovative research focused on finding new treatments and cures for lung cancer and provides a wide range of support services for patients and their families. The organization also raises awareness about the disease and advocates for policies that support lung cancer research and patient care.

They are committed to improving the lives of people affected by lung cancer and ultimately finding a cure. With an impressive rating of 95% and a perfect 4 out of 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, LUNGevity is a respected and trusted organization in the fight against lung cancer.

7. The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA)

The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) is a dedicated organization founded in 2001 to advocate for sarcoma patients and their families, support research for new treatments, and increase disease awareness. SFA provides education and resources for patients and their families, advocates for policies that improve patient outcomes, and funds research to find new treatments and a cure for sarcoma.

The organization also hosts community events to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of early detection. With an impressive rating of 97% and a perfect 4 out of 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, SFA is committed to fighting sarcoma and improving the lives of those affected by this rare and often deadly cancer.

8. The National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS)

The National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 to improve the lives of people affected by brain tumors through research, education, and advocacy. NBTS funds research to find new treatments and a cure for brain tumors provides support services and resources for patients and their families, and advocates for policies that improve patient outcomes.

NBTS is committed to fighting brain tumors and improving the quality of life for those affected by this devastating disease. With a solid score of 90% and a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, NBTS is a respected and trusted organization in the fight against brain tumors.

9. The V Foundation for Cancer Research

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and former college basketball coach Jim Valvano to find a cure for cancer. The foundation funds cutting-edge cancer research and provides resources and support for cancer patients and their families. The V Foundation has awarded more than $260 million in cancer research grants to leading institutions and researchers nationwide.

The organization also hosts community events and fundraisers to raise awareness about cancer research and the importance of early detection. With an overall rating of 91% and a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, the V Foundation is committed to finding a cure for cancer and improving the lives of those affected by this devastating disease.

How to Evaluate a Cancer Charity

When considering which cancer charity to support, ensuring that your contribution will be used effectively and responsibly is essential. To evaluate a cancer charity, several key factors must be considered, including transparency, financial efficiency, program impact, and effectiveness.

A. Transparency and accountability:

Trustworthy charities are open about their operations, goals, and decision-making processes. They should provide easy access to their financial statements, annual reports, and information about their leadership team.

Look for charities that have received recognition for their transparency, such as a Seal of Transparency from GuideStar or a high rating from Charity Navigator.

B. Financial efficiency:

Analyze how the charity allocates its funds. A well-run organization will use most of its resources to support its programs and services rather than administration or fundraising costs.

Generally, at least 70% of a charity’s total expenses should go towards its programs, while the remaining 30% should be allocated to administrative and fundraising costs.

C. Program impact and effectiveness:

Determine the extent to which the charity is making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families. This may include reviewing success stories, patient testimonials, and independent evaluations of the charity’s work.

Reputable organizations should be able to provide evidence of their impact, such as the number of patients they’ve helped, the amount of research funding they’ve provided, or the number of policy changes they’ve influenced.

D. Tools and resources for evaluation:

Several resources are available to help you assess the credibility and effectiveness of a cancer charity. Charity Navigator, for instance, is an independent nonprofit evaluator that provides ratings based on financial health, accountability, and transparency.

GuideStar is another valuable resource that offers comprehensive, up-to-date information on nonprofit organizations, including their financial reports, mission statements, and impact data. By using these tools and conducting thorough research, you can decide which cancer charity best aligns with your values and will make the most significant impact with your contribution.

Final Thoughts

As we end our discussion on charities that help cancer patients, it’s important to remember that cancer is a disease that affects us all. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or coworker, chances are we all know someone impacted by cancer. The organizations we’ve discussed today play a critical role in the fight against cancer by supporting, funding research, and advocating for policies that improve patient outcomes.

But the fight against cancer is far from over. Many challenges still need to be addressed, including access to quality healthcare, the rising cost of cancer treatments, and the need for more effective treatments and cures. As we continue supporting these organizations and their important work, we must also recognize the larger societal issues contributing to the cancer epidemic.

In conclusion, let us remember that cancer is not just a medical problem but a social problem that requires a collective effort to address. By supporting charities that help cancer patients and advocating for policies that improve patient outcomes, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this devastating disease. Together, let’s continue to fight for a world without cancer.