There are numerous cancer support and information groups in major cities, and at least one in many smaller cities. Many, such as the National Institute of Cancer and PAACT, serve people nationwide. You may want to begin by contacting one of the following organizations (particularly PAACT, which focuses solely on prostate cancer).

American Foundation for Urologic Disease

300 W. Pratt St., Suite 401
Baltimore, MD 21201
(800) 242-2383
Provides information on prostate and other urologic diseases, and acts as a clearinghouse for more than 200 prostate cancer support groups.

CancerFax(R)

(301) 402-5874
Provides cancer information from the National Cancer Institute's Physician Data Query (PDQ) system. Call the above number from a fax machine, and then key in the appropriate information when prompted to request information.

Cancer Information Service (CIS)

(800) 4-CANCER or (800) 422-6237
Provides up-to-date information on cancer to patients and their families, health professionals, and the general public. CIS is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.

National Cancer Institute

Office of Cancer Communication
Building 31, Room 10A24
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
(800) 4-CANCER

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)

(301) 650-9127
The largest network of individuals and independent organizations interested in cancer support, advocacy, and survivorship. The organization emphasizes maintaining a full life while dealing with cancer.

Patient Advocates for Advanced Cancer Treatments (PAACT)

1143 Parmelee NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-1477
The organization's sole interest is prostate cancer. It offers the latest information on treatment with drugs and surgery, and particularly combination hormonal therapy, via its newsletter, Cancer Communication, and through other books and pamphlets. Membership is inexpensive, and free to anyone with financial hardship.

US TOO

300 W. Pratt St., Suite 401
Baltimore, MD 21201
(800) 808-7866
(708) 323-1002
Offers information and counseling for prostate cancer survivors and their families. It also has more than 200 support groups in the U.S. and Canada.

The Wellness Community

2716 Ocean Park Blvd., Suite 1040
Santa Monica, CA 90405-5211
(310) 314-2555
The largest organization of its kind in the U.S., it offers free education and psychological support. Call the Santa Monica office to get the phone number of a branch near you.