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Cancer Explained

One-to-one peer mentors

Anyone who wants one person to talk to — matched by diagnosis or experience — rather than a whole group.

What help is available

Established matching programs run by nonprofits and hospitals. Mentors are volunteers with training; conversations happen by phone, video, or email.

Good to know

Peer mentors are not counselors, medical professionals, or crisis support. Matching can take time, and a close diagnosis match is not always possible.

A note about peer support

Peer support can provide understanding and practical encouragement, but group members may share personal experiences that do not apply to everyone. Do not change treatment, medication, or urgent-care decisions based only on advice from an online group.

How to evaluate an online cancer group →

7 listed resources

Most recent check: 2026-07-13

  • One-to-one peer matchingVerified active

    4th Angel Mentoring Program

    A free, national one-on-one mentoring program from Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute that pairs patients and caregivers with trained volunteer mentors.

    By phoneNationalFreeChecked 2026-07-12

  • One-to-one peer matchingVerified active

    BCAN Survivor to Survivor Program

    The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network connects bladder-cancer patients and caregivers with trained survivor volunteers for one-on-one phone conversations.

    By phoneNationalFreeChecked 2026-07-13

  • One-to-one peer matchingVerified active

    Blood Cancer United Peer-to-Peer Support (First Connection)

    The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program introduces patients and caregivers to a trained peer volunteer who has faced a similar blood-cancer experience.

    By phoneNationalFreeChecked 2026-07-12

  • One-to-one peer matchingVerified active

    Cancer Hope Network

    Matches adult cancer patients and their loved ones with trained volunteer survivors or caregivers for free, confidential one-on-one support.

    By phoneNationalFreeChecked 2026-07-13

  • One-to-one peer matchingVerified active

    Imerman Angels

    Free one-on-one peer support matching people with cancer, survivors, and caregivers to a 'Mentor Angel' who has been through a similar experience.

    By phoneInternationalFreeChecked 2026-07-13

  • One-to-one peer matchingVerified active

    LRF Lymphoma Support Network

    The Lymphoma Research Foundation's peer network connects lymphoma patients and caregivers with volunteers who have had similar experiences.

    By phoneNationalFreeChecked 2026-07-12

  • One-to-one peer matchingVerified active

    OCRA Woman to Woman Peer Mentoring

    The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance's Woman to Woman program pairs gynecologic-cancer patients with trained survivor mentors at participating hospital sites and virtually.

    Online & in personNationalFreeChecked 2026-07-13

Related guides

What this directory is — and isn’t

This is a free discovery tool. Listing an organization, program, or community here does not mean Cancer Explained medically endorses it, and we cannot guarantee assistance, availability, or eligibility. Details change — always confirm directly with the organization. This directory is not medical advice, triage, or an emergency service. How listings are checked →