As Black communities continue to face persistent disparities in cancer outcomes—from breast cancer in women to prostate cancer in men—we’ve rounded up organizations dedicated to providing the advocacy, support, and assistance patients and their families deserve. Why? No one should have to face cancer alone. But for many Black folks, finding culturally competent care, emotional support, and trusted resources can be just as challenging as the diagnosis itself. Between healthcare bias and the pressure to “stay strong,” the emotional burden on Black patients and caregivers is heavy.
Treating diagnosis trauma is as urgent as treating the disease. To close out Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, here’s how Black communities are building their own mental health support—and healing mind and body on their own terms. Check out these resources to help you navigate cancer without having to do it alone.
Unity in the Community: Chemo Divas Foundation
In some cases, folks just need community. If you’re looking for an organization that ensures you won’t go through your journey alone, Chemo Divas Foundation might be for you. Founded by Tatiana D. Tate, her focus is to: “Improve access to the information, lived experiences, and vital resources needed to advocate for comprehensive cancer care within our community.”
Patient Support: ZERO Prostate Cancer
One of the nation’s leading prostate cancer nonprofits, ZERO offers patient support, financial assistance, free screenings, educational resources, and advocacy. The organization also hosts support groups and awareness events across the country.
A Sisterhood for Survivors: Sisters Network, Inc.
Sisters Network is the nation’s largest Black breast cancer survivorship organization. It provides education, support groups, financial assistance, and advocacy while raising awareness about breast cancer in Black communities.
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Support for Young Adults: Stupid Cancer
We can’t forget our youth. Stupid Cancer is dedicated to adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer, helping them navigate challenges unique to their age group. The org offers them peer support, educational resources, and opportunities to connect with others facing similar experiences.
Championing Black Men’s Health: The Chris Draft Family Foundation
Former NFL linebacker Chris Draft founded this organization after losing his wife to cancer. Today, The Chris Draft Family Foundation has become a national leader in Black men’s health, particularly through its Team Draft initiative, which raises awareness about prostate cancer, encourages early screening, healthier lifestyles, and works to reduce disparities among Black men.
Financial Assistance: Patient Advocate Foundation
In many diagnoses, finances become a major issue. The Patient Advocate Foundation helps patients overcome costly barriers to care through copay assistance, case management, and insurance navigation. It also connects families with resources to reduce the financial burden of treatment.
Transportation & Lodging: American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society offers free rides to treatment through its Road To Recovery program and complimentary lodging through Hope Lodge for patients traveling far from home. These services help remove common barriers to accessing care.
Mental Health Support: Cancer Support Community
Cancer Support Community offers free emotional support, counseling, support groups, and wellness programs for cancer patients and caregivers. Many of its services are available both in person and online.
Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network
Us TOO connects men, survivors, caregivers, and families through peer-led support groups and educational programs. The organization focuses on helping people make informed treatment decisions while reducing the isolation that often comes with a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Hair Loss & Beauty: Look Good Feel Better
Look Good Feel Better offers free workshops and beauty resources to help people manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Those receive guidance on skincare, makeup, wigs, and head coverings to help restore confidence.
Preserving Your Fertility: Livestrong
Livestrong Fertility connects cancer patients with discounted fertility preservation services before treatment begins. The program also offers educational resources to help patients make informed decisions about their future family-building options.
Clinical Research Support: Lazarex Cancer Foundation
Lazarex Cancer Foundation helps eligible men and women access potentially lifesaving clinical trials by covering travel, lodging, and other related expenses. The organization also educates patients about clinical trial opportunities.
Overall Family Support: Family Reach
Family Reach helps families facing cancer meet everyday needs by providing financial assistance for housing, food, transportation, and utilities. The organization also offers educational tools to reduce the stress of managing household finances during treatment.
Overall Support: Cancer Care
CancerCare provides free counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and financial assistance to people affected by cancer. Its licensed oncology social workers also help patients and families navigate treatment, insurance, and emotional challenges.
Trigger Warning: End of Life Support, NACG
The National Alliance for Children’s Grief connects families with grief support programs designed specifically for children and teens. It also provides resources to help caregivers and communities support young people after the loss of a loved one.
