Cancer impacts people every day and we're thankful that there are more organizations than ever before helping in their own unique ways. Whether it's to further research efforts or to help support those fighting the disease, there are a lot of charities that are going the distance — and making a real difference.
Explore this list, which we hand-picked for you, and see many of the great organizations working to help manage, cure, and support people with cancer. You might just find one you are interested in helping. Whether it's through volunteering, making a donation, or showing support in another way, we can all join in the fight.
List of Cancer Charities Working Nationwide
With so many different nonprofit cancer organizations focused on fighting cancer and supporting the people who are affected by it, it would be difficult (if not impossible) to create a truly comprehensive list of these types of organizations. That said, we love these groups and the work they're doing. These are some of the most well-known and active cancer charities and nonprofits.
American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society is a nationwide organization based in Atlanta, GA and has more than 3,000 offices in communities throughout the United States. The organization is committed to research and development related to cancer prevention and treatment and to providing assistance and to support to individuals living with the disease.
CancerCare.org
CancerCare.org is a national charitable organization dedicated to assisting those impacted by cancer. They get involved in lots of practical and helpful ways, including providing various types of support services to patients, family members, and caregivers at no cost.
Cancer Research Institute
Specializing in new ways to treat cancer, Cancer Research Institute is a well-respected nonprofit. This is the only one of the many organizations on the list of cancer charities dedicated to finding immune-based treatments for cancer as well as prevention and control of the disease.
Children's Cancer Research Fund
Children's Cancer Research Fund is a cancer research charity that raises money used to support research efforts at the University of Minnesota focused on finding a cure and improved treatments and prevention techniques for childhood cancer. The organization also provides support services for children affected by cancer and their families, as well as public education and outreach services.
LIVESTRONG Foundation
Founded by cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG Foundation is dedicated to providing education and support to individuals living with cancer, as well as to their loved ones and those charged with their care. It's a good cancer nonprofit for helping all those affected (including family members).
Lungevity Foundation
If you want to support lung cancer research, a great option is Lungevity Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to providing funding for scientific research specific to lung cancer, as well as to providing support for those who are living with or who are survivors of lung cancer.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Susan G. Komen for the Cure was started by Nancy G. Brinker after the death of her sister, Susan G. Komen. This organization is a worldwide leader in the fight against breast cancer. The organization hosts a number of events, including Walk for the Cure and Marathon for the Cure, designed to increase awareness of breast cancer issues and to raise money to fund research and various assistance programs.
Locks of Love
Locks of Love is a wonderful nonprofit that allows people to get involved in a number of ways. This organization accepts hair donations in order to make wigs for disadvantaged children suffering from cancer. You can also donate financially.
With so many great charities helping people with cancer, it can be hard to choose which one to support. Many of us choose by thinking about the people we know who have fought cancer and picking a charity that matches their struggle. There's no wrong way to do it, though.
Find More Cancer Charities Locally
Not all nonprofit cancer organizations are widely known. There are small groups working locally to make a difference too. For example, JZips is a cancer charity that makes zip-open shirts for kids getting chemo so they don't have to change into hospital gowns for every treatment.
To find a local charity or a smaller nonprofit you want to support, check with your local hospital or look it up on CancerIndex.org. This can be a helpful tool for locating additional nonprofit organizations focused on cancer research or working with cancer patients.
Make a Difference for Those With Cancer
Cancer affects so many people, and chances are, you know someone who has been affected. We can all pull together as a larger community to help support those going through a tough time. Donating to cancer charities is a great way to make a difference.
