Federal Grants for Cancer Patients

Cancer is an expensive disease to treat, with direct yearly costs for patients exceeding $93 billion in 2008 alone, according to information from the American Cancer Society. Although financing a cancer treatment regimen might seem an insurmountable obstacle at times, assistance can occasionally be found through applying for government-sponsored grants. While not everyone who applies will be eligible for consideration, you have little to lose and everything to gain by making the effort.

Cancer Grants

• Federal grants for cancer patients are lump sums of money that you need not pay back. This money is earmarked for use for both direct and indirect costs of cancer, including surgeries, hospital stays, drugs, related travel expenses, and compensation for time missed from work.

Applying for Grants

• Applying for grants is done online or through your local hospital or doctor's office. The application process itself will be similar to applying for a loan--the organization will attempt to ascertain information about your current situation and financial status, then will weigh your need against the needs of others similarly situated to determine if you qualify.

Types

• There are a number of private and federal institutions that work together as part of a government-sponsored effort to provide financial aid to cancer patients. Some participating organizations include the Air Charity Network (providing air travel and expense costs to patients), the American Cancer Society (providing costs related to treatment) and Road to Recovery (assisting with rent and food costs during the course of treatment).

Warnings

• Although it might seem tempting, do not understate your current financial situation in an attempt to derive additional grant money. Lying on an application for cancer grants can have serious repercussions, including but not limited to automatic disqualification and the possibility of criminal prosecution.

Considerations

• So long as you are honest and forthright, there is no harm in applying for as many different cancer grants as you are able. Consult with the financial aid department at the hospital or follow the link below to begin your research efforts. Starting the application process as soon as possible means that you have the potential to receive the funds that much sooner, so do not delay in your effort to drum up extra money to help fight cancer.