You just heard the word cancer. Start here.
The first weeks bring new words, new doctors and big decisions. Pathfinder lays out what usually happens next, the treatments available today, and where to find help, in plain language, one step at a time.
Which cancer were you diagnosed with?
Choose one to see a guide built for it. You can change it any time.
What you will find inside
Free, with no account and no sign-up. Anything you write stays on this device.
Don't see your diagnosis?
More cancer types are coming. Until then, the National Cancer Institute answers questions about any cancer at 1-800-422-6237 or cancer.gov.
Find clinical trials
A clinical trial tests a new treatment or a new way of using an existing one. Trials are an option at every stage, not only when other treatments stop working.
Before you call a trial site
- Have your pathology report, stage and list of past treatments ready.
- Ask what phase the trial is, what the standard-care comparison is, and how many visits it needs.
- Ask what the trial pays for and what goes to your insurance.
- You can leave a trial at any time.
You can also search by phone with the National Cancer Institute: 1-800-422-6237, or at cancer.gov.
In this prototype the search opens ClinicalTrials.gov in a new page. The full site will show matching trials here, sorted by distance.
Find someone to talk to
Fear, anger, numbness and trouble sleeping are all common after a diagnosis. Counselors who work with cancer patients every day can help, and several services are free.
CancerCare
Free counseling by phone from oncology social workers, plus support groups. Call 800-813-4673 or visit cancercare.org.
American Cancer Society helpline
Talk to a trained specialist any time, day or night. Call 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
At your cancer center
Ask your care team for the oncology social worker or the psycho-oncology service. Most cancer centers have one, and the visit is often covered.
Therapists near you
The Psychology Today directory lets you search by ZIP code and filter for therapists who list cancer or chronic illness as a specialty. The American Psychosocial Oncology Society at apos-society.org also offers a referral helpline.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is open 24 hours.
The full site will add a vetted, searchable list of oncology-trained therapists by ZIP code.
Journal and appointment notes
Write down what your doctor says while it is fresh, and keep a private record of how you are doing.
Questions to bring to your next visit
Your notes stay in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent anywhere. Clearing your browser data removes them, so use Copy all notes to keep a backup.