Healthcare Communication Project

American Cancer Society · 1-800-ACS-2345 Information is provided for patients and their advocates, cancer survivors, healthcare professionals and people simply seeking knowledge about cancer. It also provides interactive help with exploring treatment options and making treatment decisions as well as helping individuals find resources in their own communities.

Breast Cancer Options · 845-339-HOPE (4673)
This organization provides information regarding breast cancer, breast cancer risk reduction and also offers an Advocacy/ Companions program for Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Greene and Sullivan Counties, NY residents who are diagnosed with this disease. It’s annual conferences and email newsletters provide information to people across the country.

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship · 301-650-9127
This site offers useful information and resources for making healthcare decisions and communicating with healthcare professionals. One such offering is the Cancer Survivor's Toolbox, a free CD that covers communicating, finding information, making decisions, solving problems, negotiating, standing up for your rights and more.

Oncology Nursing Society · No Phone Listed
This website is designed for patients and caregivers to provide information on learning about and managing common cancer treatment symptoms that include: anorexia, cognitive dysfunction, depression, dyspnea, fatigue, hormonal disturbances, neutropenia, pain, peripheral neuropathy, and sexual dysfunction.

Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups · No Phone Listed

This site offers information about clinical trials: what should be known about them, and how to find support for those participating in them. It has information specific to patients and their caregivers, patient advocates, and the medical community.

Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center · No Phone Listed
This site offers suggestions for getting through chemotherapy, as well as reports of survivors' experiences, message boards, information on complementary therapies, and resources.

More links may be found in the Medical Library Association's User Guide which recommends a number of web sites for cancer information and support as well as sites for general information.

The American Cancer Society is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to bring some free cancer screenings to eligible men and women who have no health insurance. The partnership, which is a national program, covers most follow-up appointments up to diagnosis. If someone is diagnosed with cancer they may be eligible to apply for a special type of Medicaid to cover treatment. Case management services may also be available for patients who have barriers to receiving care.

For Ulster County, NY residents, click here for eligibility and contact information.

Saint Francis and Vassar Brothers Hospitals are each offering free prostate cancer screenings on Thursday, September 23^rd

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the week of September 19^th is Prostate Cancer Awareness Week. The screening, in conjunction with Hudson Valley Urology, is for men at a higher risk of prostate cancer, including African Americans, men over 50 and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

The free screenings consist of a PSA blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE) and is open to men not currently being treated by a urologist or have not been screened within the past 12 months. Priority is given to men without health insurance. Registration for the free screening is required by both hospitals.

Time periods for screenings:
Vassar Brothers: 8:30a.m. - 12:30p.m. Call (845) 483-6861 to register.
St. Francis: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the hospital’s Eileen M. Hickey Cancer Center. Call (845) 483-5997 to register.