Receiving an anal cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming – but you don’t have to face it alone. Our Peer-to-Peer Support Program connects anal cancer patients (that we call thrivers) and caregivers with trained volunteers who have traveled a similar journey and understand what you’re going through.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or adjusting to life after treatment, talking to someone who has “been there” can be a huge source of comfort and strength. This free, one-on-one support service is open to anyone affected by anal cancer, at any stage.
We match each support seeker with a trained volunteer who can share personal experience, listen without judgment and offer reassurance and guidance. Many of our volunteers describe the connection as equally healing for them, too.
What is the Peer-to-Peer Support Programme?
The Peer-to-Peer Support Program is a free service offered by the Anal Cancer Foundation. It matches thrivers and caregivers with volunteers who have had direct experience, either as a patient or as a caregiver, with anal cancer.
Matches are made based on your needs, preferences, and where possible, shared experiences. Volunteers provide emotional support, practical tips, and a listening ear through phone, video call, email, or other agreed-upon methods of communication.
The Foundation has provided me with the latest in news, treatments, and support. Participating in the Peer to Peer mentor program, has been a rewarding experience for me. Reaching out to other 'thrivers' to share our stories, expectations and just a friend to lean on, is such a heart-warming relief.
Sheri, Anal Cancer Thriver
I found valuable help and support at the Anal Cancer Foundation. I think each type of cancer has different effects on you and the Foundation has allowed me to learn about the physician resources and treatments available and access the Peer to Peer Program which allows me to communicate with other survivors, one on one, which has meant a lot to me.”
Tony
Stage IIIB
Connecting with someone who had been through it made such a difference. I didn’t feel so alone anymore. I could ask questions I was too scared to ask anyone else –and I knew they truly understood.”
Anonymous Peer Support Recipient
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for someone to get connected to an ACF Volunteer?
Anal Cancer Foundation ('ACF') recognizes there is an urgency for cancer patients (we call them 'thrivers') and cancer caregivers ('caregivers') seeking support. Our goal is to find and match thrivers and caregivers with an ACF volunteer within one week of completing registration.
What communication methods do Thrivers, Caregivers and ACF Volunteers use?
Together an ACF volunteer and thriver or caregiver decide the best method(s) of contact that works for both the support seeker and the volunteer. Communication with a volunteer is often a progression of comfort on both sides. Some examples include:
- Telephone
- Text Messaging
- Video Chat
- Social Media (with both parties ensuring the messages are private)
- In Person Face-to-Face
What issues do support seekers (Thrivers and Caregivers) discuss with Volunteers? What kind of help can Volunteers give?
The relationship between a support seeker and an ACF volunteer is a natural, friendly mentorship that is supportive in nature. ACF volunteers never dispense any medical advice or try to diagnose a medical problem. ACF volunteers listen, question and help thrivers through their cancer journey by sharing their own experiences. Conversation topics might include:
- What treatments and side effects feel like in the volunteer’s experience
- Tips on dealing with side effects
- Pain issues
- Stigma and social experiences relating to the diagnosis
- Experience navigating the medical system
- Support from family and friends
Do ACF Volunteers help people at any cancer stage and/or post-treatment?
Yes, connections are available for anyone at any point in their cancer experience. From newly diagnosed, to in treatment, to post-treatment, to post post-treatment, anal cancer thrivers and their caregivers are in need of support. We seek to provide support at any stage of your cancer journey.
Receiving an anal cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming – but you don’t have to face it alone. Our Peer-to-Peer Support Program connects anal cancer patients (that we call thrivers) and caregivers with trained volunteers who have traveled a similar journey and understand what you’re going through.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or adjusting to life after treatment, talking to someone who has “been there” can be a huge source of comfort and strength. This free, one-on-one support service is open to anyone affected by anal cancer, at any stage.
We match each support seeker with a trained volunteer who can share personal experience, listen without judgment and offer reassurance and guidance. Many of our volunteers describe the connection as equally healing for them, too.
What is the Peer-to-Peer Support Programme?
The Peer-to-Peer Support Program is a free service offered by the Anal Cancer Foundation. It matches thrivers and caregivers with volunteers who have had direct experience, either as a patient or as a caregiver, with anal cancer.
Matches are made based on your needs, preferences, and where possible, shared experiences. Volunteers provide emotional support, practical tips, and a listening ear through phone, video call, email, or other agreed-upon methods of communication.
The Foundation has provided me with the latest in news, treatments, and support. Participating in the Peer to Peer mentor program, has been a rewarding experience for me. Reaching out to other ‘thrivers’ to share our stories, expectations and just a friend to lean on, is such a heart-warming relief.
Sheri, Anal Cancer Thriver
Tony
Stage IIIB
Connecting with someone who had been through it made such a difference. I didn’t feel so alone anymore. I could ask questions I was too scared to ask anyone else –and I knew they truly understood.”
Anonymous Peer Support Recipient
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for someone to get connected to an ACF Volunteer?
Anal Cancer Foundation (‘ACF’) recognizes there is an urgency for cancer patients (we call them ‘thrivers’) and cancer caregivers (‘caregivers’) seeking support. Our goal is to find and match thrivers and caregivers with an ACF volunteer within one week of completing registration.
What communication methods do Thrivers, Caregivers and ACF Volunteers use?
Together an ACF volunteer and thriver or caregiver decide the best method(s) of contact that works for both the support seeker and the volunteer. Communication with a volunteer is often a progression of comfort on both sides. Some examples include:
- Telephone
- Text Messaging
- Video Chat
- Social Media (with both parties ensuring the messages are private)
- In Person Face-to-Face
What issues do support seekers (Thrivers and Caregivers) discuss with Volunteers? What kind of help can Volunteers give?
The relationship between a support seeker and an ACF volunteer is a natural, friendly mentorship that is supportive in nature. ACF volunteers never dispense any medical advice or try to diagnose a medical problem. ACF volunteers listen, question and help thrivers through their cancer journey by sharing their own experiences. Conversation topics might include:
- What treatments and side effects feel like in the volunteer’s experience
- Tips on dealing with side effects
- Pain issues
- Stigma and social experiences relating to the diagnosis
- Experience navigating the medical system
- Support from family and friends
Do ACF Volunteers help people at any cancer stage and/or post-treatment?
Yes, connections are available for anyone at any point in their cancer experience. From newly diagnosed, to in treatment, to post-treatment, to post post-treatment, anal cancer thrivers and their caregivers are in need of support. We seek to provide support at any stage of your cancer journey.
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