The search for financial resources during cancer treatment can be overwhelming – especially with a less well-known diagnosis like anal cancer. This page lists a range of organizations offering support across several categories, including medical expenses, travel, housing, and non-medical assistance. Please check directly with each organization to confirm eligibility and application requirements.
If you’re aware of a helpful resource that isn’t listed here, we’d love to hear about it from you.
Tip: Many hospitals also have patient assistance funds or can connect you with local services. Speak with your hospital’s social worker or patient navigator to explore what support might be available to you.
Medical Expense Assistance
NCCN’s Virtual Reimbursement Resource Room
Helps patients access drug manufacturer payment assistance when insurance doesn’t cover costs. Includes resources for anal cancer drugs like Xeloda, Avastin, and Nivolumab. Call: 215-690-0280
Offers free help to resolve issues around treatment access, medical debt, and job retention. Case managers directly support patients and caregivers. Call: 800-532-5274
Cancer Financial Assistance Program
A searchable database of organizations providing financial support. You can search by cancer type and postcode. Visit the CFAC website.
Provides limited financial support for treatment-related costs such as travel, childcare, pain medication, or co-payments. Staffed by oncology social workers. Call: 800-813-4673
Supports people with rare or blood-related cancers (such as anal cancer), offering referral services and fundraising guidance. Call: 425-778-8660
Hill-Burton Free and Reduced Cost Health Care
Offers reduced-cost or free care for those under certain income thresholds. Managed by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Call: 800-638-0742
Resources to Raise Money for Medical Expenses
Platforms like GoFundMe allow patients to fundraise within their community to help cover medical costs. Ask your hospital team or a trusted supporter for help setting up and sharing your campaign.
Travel Assistance
National Patient Travel Center
Connects financially-needy patients to medical transport charities. Contact: info@nationalpatienttravelcenter.org
Offers free air travel on corporate jets for cancer patients travelling to treatment centres. Call: 914-328-1313
Run by the American Cancer Society, this program provides volunteer drivers for treatment appointments. Call: 800-227-2345
Provides free air transportation for patients and their families attending treatment far from home. Call: 631-694-7257
Looking for someone to talk to about your anal cancer diagnosis? We are here to help.
Housing Assistance
Free accommodation from the American Cancer Society for patients and caregivers undergoing treatment. 31 centers across the US. Call: 800-227-2345
Online directory of affordable accommodation options near cancer treatment centers. Call: 877-563-7468
National Association of Hospitality Houses
Directory of over 200 organizations offering lodging and support for people travelling for medical care. Call: 800-542-9730
Hospitality Homes (Boston area only)
Free short-term housing through host families for those travelling more than 50 miles for treatment. Call: 888-595-4678
Other Non-Medical Financial Assistance
Offers regional referrals for financial help with rent, transport, or utility bills. Also has a team for insurance questions. Call: 800-227-2345
Provides free house cleaning services for women undergoing cancer treatment. Call: 877-337-3348
Offers grants for non-medical expenses (e.g. rent, gas, groceries) for patients in active treatment in select US states. Referral must come via a hospital social worker. Call: 917-595-4169
Resource Search Engines
National Cancer Institute (800-4-CANCER)
The National Cancer Institute provides a search engine for support organizations. This can be used to search over 100 organizations worldwide that provide emotional, practical and financial support for people with cancer and their families. Their list includes camps for children who have parents with cancer, groups that assist with housekeeping, and many other programs.
Treatment information
Understanding your treatment options and rights is an important part of your journey. You may find these resources helpful:
- NCCN Patient Guide for Anal Cancer(Free; login required. You can create an account here https://www.nccn.org/Register)
- ACF Treatment Overview Page
- Talk to your care team about local resources, clinical trials, or questions to ask at appointments. Our Peer to Peer Support Program can also help you prepare.
A printable version of this list is available here:
Anal Cancer Foundation Financial Resources
The search for financial resources during cancer treatment can be overwhelming – especially with a less well-known diagnosis like anal cancer. This page lists a range of organisations offering support across several categories, including medical expenses, travel, housing, and non-medical assistance. Please check directly with each organisation to confirm eligibility and application requirements.
If you’re aware of a helpful resource that isn’t listed here, we’d love to hear about it from you.
Tip: Many hospitals also have patient assistance funds or can connect you with local services. Speak with your hospital’s social worker or patient navigator to explore what support might be available to you.
Financial Advice and Support for the Sick
The Citizens Advice Bureau offers a comprehensive list of benefits available to those that are sick including information about Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Cancer Research UK provides a list of government benefits you may be entitled to if you or a loved one is living with cancer.
Macmillan provides practical advice for people diagnosed with cancer, their families and friends. Financial issues can cause worry when someone becomes ill. Many people find that a diagnosis of cancer affects their finances.
Carers Allowance
Carers Direct provides details of support available for carers, including assessments, benefits, direct payments, individual budgets and time off. There is also information on how to access information about, and support from, health and social care services for the person being cared for. You can read the information on the site or contact Carers Direct via their helpline or by email.
Contact: Carers Direct Hotline
Telephone: 0808 802 0202
Self-Employed and Living with Cancer
This section of the Macmillan site aims to help if you have been diagnosed with cancer and are self-employed. You may also find this information helpful if you run a small business employing fewer than ten people.
Other Useful Resources
Macmillan has created a quick and easy tool that can provide you with useful tips and information whether you’re a person living with cancer, a carer or family member. Find guidance on:
- managing day-to-day spending and helping you to plan your bills and other expenses so you can work out how to make your outgoings match your income
- pensions and early retirement
- estate planning – from sorting out your affairs to managing your will
- a budget calculator to help you sort out your current and future needs
- borrowing and mortgages
- travel, life and payment protection insurance
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