Resources for Basal Cell Carcinoma

The following are resources that you may find helpful as you navigate your basal cell carcinoma journey.

 

GENERAL RESOURCES

American Cancer Society

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer.html

The mission of American Cancer Society (ACS) is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

 

American Academy of Dermatology

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/scc

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is a professional society of physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails. It advocates for high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology and promotes quality patient care through its 20,000-plus member physicians.

 

CancerCare

cancercare.org

For more than 75 years, CancerCare has focused on helping patients with advanced cancer receive emotional support and assistance with practical needs. Its network of social workers offers free psychosocial support services, hosts nearly 200 support groups, provides financial assistance, conducts  educational workshops, and issues publications on cancer-related issues. Its Online Helping Hand is a comprehensive database of national and regional organizations that deal with the impact of advanced cancer.

 

Cancer Support Community

cancersupportcommunity.org

The Cancer Support Community (CSC) is dedicated to ensuring that all who are impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Affiliated with the CSC global network of cancer support are the Gilda’s Club centers and various healthcare partnerships. CSC also maintains a toll-free helpline and advocates at all levels of government for those dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

 

Cancer.Net

cancer.net

A website affiliated with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), a professional organization of cancer physicians and oncology professionals, Cancer.net provides trusted, compassionate information for people with cancer and their families and caregivers. Featured on the site are aids to finding a cancer doctor, information on types of cancer, patient education materials, the latest treatment options, and advice on caring for a cancer patient.

 

Gorlin Syndrome Alliance

https://gorlinsyndrome.org/

The Gorlin Syndrome Alliance serves people with Gorlin syndrome and their families with disease information, support, and research.

 

Look Good Feel Better

https://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/

Look Good Feel Better is a nonmedical, brand-neutral public service program for women diagnosed with cancer. The Look Good Feel Better program is made possible through a collaboration of the Look Good Feel Better Foundation (the charitable arm of the trade group representing the cosmetics and beauty industry)  and the Professional Beauty Association, the largest organization of salon professionals with members representing salons/spas, distributors, manufacturers, and beauty professionals. It conducts group workshops as well as virtual workshops online for those unable to attend group settings.

 

National Comprehensive Cancer Network Patient Resources 

Available at https://www.nccn.org/patientresources

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, through its Foundation, has produced a thorough sourcebook that encompasses the latest information on the disease, treatment options, and post-treatment advice. The many Illustrations and graphics help clarify the text, which is written for the lay audience.

 

Save Your Skin Foundation

https://saveyourskin.ca/

Save Your Skin Foundation (SYS) is dedicated to providing support to all Canadians who are living with skin cancer. The foundation offers both financial assistance and emotional support to patients, promotes education and awareness of skin cancer to the general public, and advocates for research on behalf of skin cancer patients throughout Canada.

 

XP Family Support Group

https://xpfamilysupport.org/

The Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) Family Support Group exists to improve the quality of life for people with XP and other diagnosed UV light conditions. The Xeroderma Pigmentosum Family Support Group strives to create awareness and educate the public about XP, as well as to raise funds to promote research, create collaborations with international XP partner organizations, and provide family grants for UV protective equipment and travel assistance for attending the annual XP national convention.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Manufacturer’s Resources

GENENTECH ACCESS SOLUTIONS
Provides coverage and reimbursement support, patient assistance, and information resources.
https://www.genentech-access.com/patient.html
Phone: (866) 422-2377 or (866) 4 ACCESS
GENENTECH PATIENT FOUNDATION
For eligible patients who are uninsured or who have been rendered uninsured because they have been denied coverage by their insurance company.
Phone: (888) 941-3331

SUN PHARMA
ODOMZO Patient Access Program
Phone: 1-844-5-ODOMZO (1-844-563-6696)
Fax: 1-877-872-6575
https://www.odomzo.com/savings

Other Financial Resources

FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
Entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla

GROWING FAMILY BENEFITS
This organization provides guidance on getting cancer treatment without health insurance.
https://www.growingfamilybenefits.com/cancerwithout-insurance/

PAN FOUNDATION
This organization helps federally and commercially insured people living with life threatening, chronic and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications.
http://www.panfoundation.org/

BCC REFERENCES

American Academy of Dermatology. Skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/bcc/treatment. Accessed March 2, 2020.

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2020. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2020.

Bonanno A, Esmaeli B, Fingeret MC, Nelson DV, Weber RS. Social challenges of cancer patients with orbitofacial disfigurement. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;26:18-22.

Genentech USA, Inc. Erivedge® (vismodegib) (prescribing information). South San Francisco, CA: 2019.

Gupta AK, Bharadwaj M, Mehrotra R. Skin cancer concerns in people of color: risk factors and prevention. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2016;17:5257-5264.

Hogue L, Harvey VM. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and cutaneous melanoma in skin of color patients. Dermatol Clin. 2019;37:519-526.

Leiter U, Eigentler T, Garbe C. Epidemiology of skin cancer. In: Reichrath J, ed. Sunlight, Vitamin D and Skin Cancer. 2nd ed. Austin, TX: Landes Bioscience and Springer Science+Business Media; 2014:120-140.

Marçon CR, Maia M. Albinism: epidemiology, genetics, cutaneous characterization, psychosocial factors. An Bras Dermatol. 2019;94:503-520.

Muzic JG, Schmitt AR, Wright AC, et al. Incidence and trends of basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 2000 to 2010. Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92:890-898.

National Cancer Institute. Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)—Health Professional Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/hp/skin-treatment-pdq#_331. Updated December 17, 2019.

Piva de Freitas P, Senna CG, Tabai M, Chone CT, Altemani A. Metastatic basal cell carcinoma: a rare manifestation of a common disease. Case Rep Med. 2017;2017:8929745. doi:10.1155/2017/8929745

Răducu L, Avino A, Purnichescu Purtan R, et al. Quality of life in patients with surgically removed skin tumors. Medicina. 2020;56:E66. doi: 10.3390/medicina56020066

Rogers HW, Weinstock MA, Feldman SR, Coldiron BM. Incidence estimate of nonmelanoma skin cancer (keratinocyte carcinomas) in the U.S. population, 2012. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151:1081-1086.

Stern RS. Prevalence of a history of skin cancer in 2007: results of an incidence-based model. Arch Dermatol. 2010;146:279-282.

Sun Pharma Global FZE. Odomzo® sonidegib (prescribing information). Cranbury, NJ: 2019.

Tay E Y-X, Teoh Y-L, Yeo M S-W. Hedgehog pathway inhibitors and their utility in basal cell carcinoma: a comprehensive review of current evidence. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9:33-49.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General; 2014.

Work Group: Bichakjian C, Armstrong A, Baum C, et al. (Work Group); Invited Reviewers, Kim JYS, Kozlow JH, Mittal B, Moyer J, Olencki T, Rodgers P. Guidelines of care for the management of basal cell carcinoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;78:540-559.