Many cancer centers, medical centers, and hospitals have support groups for people with cancer and their families. To find a melanoma support group near you, check with your doctor or your local health care center for more information. Your local chapter of the American Cancer Society may also be of help. To find your local chapter, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Below are some supportive resources worth exploring:

• American Cancer Society (ACS) Supported Programs:
• Cancer Survivors Network
  This is both a telephone and Web-based service for cancer survivors and their families, caregivers, and friends. The telephone component (1–877–333–HOPE) provides survivors and families access to pre-recorded discussions. The Web-based component offers live online chat sessions, virtual support groups, pre-recorded talk shows, and personal stories.
• I Can Cope
  I Can Cope is a patient education program that is designed to help patients, families, and friends cope with the day-today issues of living with cancer. For more information or to locate an I Can Cope program in your area, call 1-800-ACS-2345.
• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) fact sheet. National Organizations That Offer Services to People With Cancer and Their Families lists many cancer-concerned organizations that can provide information about support groups. This fact sheet is available online at http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/8_1.htm, or can be ordered from the NCI Cancer Information Service at 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237).
• The Melanoma Patients' Information Page (MPIP) is a noncommercial site that provides support and information to melanoma patients and those who care for them. The site includes bulletin boards and chat rooms so patients can offer each other support and share experiences and resources.
• Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults provides support programs, education, and resources, free of charge, to benefit young adults and their families and friends who are affected by cancer, and to promote awareness and prevention of cancer.
• CancerCare is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to provide free professional help to people with all cancers through counseling, education, information and referral, and direct financial assistance. For information and support, visit the Web site or call 1-800-813-HOPE.