Online Lung Cancer Support Groups

Cancer in general, and lung cancer in particular, can leave the patient and those close to him flat-footed, with many questions and needing support on many fronts. One of the huge benefits that the Internet offers is that it provides an instant community for those with almost any interests or needs, and lung cancer support is no exception. Here are some of the very best web sites to visit when you're looking for medical, emotional, or spiritual support in dealing with lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Support Community at the LUNGevity Foundation
The Lung Cancer Support Community (LCSC) was the first organization devoted solely to providing support to patients and loved ones dealing with lung cancer. Now under the auspices of the LUNGevity Foundation, the LCSC provides live chats, community forums, "ask the experts" opportunities, and resource link to help you. It is a great place to start your search for any type of lung cancer support.

Lung Cancer Alliance
The Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) provides in-depth information and support communities for lung cancer patients, as other organizations do, but the LCA also provides patient advocacy. In this capacity, the LCA represents the interests of lung cancer patients to the various organizations (e.g., Congress) that have decision-making powers to affect lung cancer research and other issues. The pertinent information can be accessed at the LCA web site.

Lung Cancer Online
Lung Cancer Online was established specifically as a directory of online information for lung cancer patients. Their voluminous offerings include help in finding the right doctors for you, listings of possible treatments, support service information, and links to other sites and organizations.

About.com Lung Cancer Site
About.com brings to bear experts in a wide variety of fields to create online communities dedicated to a particular topic. The Lung Cancer community at About seems especially strong, and is led by Dr. Lynn Eldridge, MD. this site provides timely lung cancer news updates, links to other communities and sites, and the chance to interact with a lung cancer expert as you seek advice and support.

Lung Cancer Support Group at DailyStrength.com
DailyStrength is a web site composed of several communities providing anonymous and free support groups for a huge variety of conditions (physical, emotional, spiritual). The lung cancer support area is one of the most vibrant lung cancer support communities on the web, and it allows you to interact with others in your shoes. As with other sites listed here, there are also links to research information, communities, and other resources.

National Cancer Institute
Although the National Cancer Institute (NCI) obviously has a wider focus than just lung cancer, their web site is nonetheless a good resource for those seeking all types of lung cancer support. The material that they provide is organized by cancer type, and lung cancer is well represented. Because they are a government agency, the NCI is able to expose you to studies and experts that aren't available elsewhere.

The web is replete with support for opportunities for those suffering from lung cancer and those who love them. The pages presented here give you a strong arsenal for starting your search. Best of luck.