How to Give Back to the Cancer Community As a Survivor

Cancer survivors can be a source of hope for others navigating life with cancer. Survivors include anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, no matter where they are in the course of the disease. For some survivors, giving back to the cancer community can offer a powerful sense of purpose.

“Many cancer survivors feel grateful for the support they received during treatment and want to help others in a similar way. Some have told me that giving back helps them regain energy and direction,” said Kathryn J. Ruddy, MD, MPH, FASCO, an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) expert and medical oncologist at the Mayo Clinic.

If you’re a cancer survivor looking to offer support to others in the community, here's some ways to get started.

Volunteer your time

Start local. Check for volunteer openings at the nearest hospital or cancer treatment center. Many centers offer positions just for cancer survivors.

Common volunteer activities include:

• Keeping patients company during treatment
• Handing out snacks and drinks to patients
• Assisting health care staff as needed

Nonprofit groups also look for help from volunteers. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has many ways to get involved:

• Become a driver for the Road to Recovery program. This program has a network of volunteers who provide free rides to appointments for people in cancer treatment.
• Help out at a Hope Lodge community. Hope Lodges offer a free place to stay for people receiving cancer treatment. Volunteers help with daily tasks like preparing meals, planning events and activities, and improving the facility and grounds.
• Connect with others through ACS CARES. Provide support to others going through experiences similar to your own.

Sometimes the best help you can give is to let people know they’re not alone.

“Cancer treatment can be so isolating and frightening. Connecting with other people who have been through a similar experience can be very reassuring. They often have tips for talking with friends and family, managing the side effects of treatment, and understanding the treatment plan,” said Dr. Ruddy.

You can also ask your local treatment center if they have a support group for survivors and patients. “Some survivors feel more comfortable connecting in a group setting than they do one-on-one,” said Dr. Ruddy.

Become a patient advocate

Many cancer centers have patient advocates who assist people with cancer. Some of these are paid positions, but many are volunteers. They help patients:

• Navigate the health care system
• Understand their treatment options
• Feel supported during treatment

“Survivors are often exceptional patient advocates because they have a firsthand understanding of what helped them as they went through treatment,” said Dr. Ruddy.

Another way patient advocates help people with cancer is by raising awareness about research and the need for research funding. “Survivors can support the cancer community by publicizing cancer research in their local communities, including through social media,” said Dr. Ruddy. “This helps patients know about clinical trials they might enroll in, which are critical to ongoing progress in cancer care.”

Advocates can also help promote the importance of cancer research at the local, state, and national levels. For instance, through the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), volunteers meet with government officials to advocate for research funding and other cancer-related issues. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN works with volunteers across the country to help make cancer a top priority for public officials.

Help raise money for cancer-related causes

Many cancer organizations rely on donations to support their missions to fund research or support patients. They might host walks, runs, golf tournaments, or other events to help raise money. Local schools, community groups, and individuals might also hold events to fundraise for various organizations. Often these events are planned and run by volunteers, including survivors.

ACS has several ways cancer survivors can help raise funds in their communities. You can join a Relay For Life event or Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. You can compete in a favorite sporting event. You might also staff a Discovery Shop or choose from many more options.

Dr. Ruddy is a member of ASCO’s Patient Information Advisory Committee.