Find Your Approach and Help to Fight Cancer

You probably know someone who has or has had cancer. Maybe you know several such people. If you want to do something about cancer, there are a lot of avenues available to you. Cancer can seem an overwhelming issue, and sorting through the selection of charities that fight - or claim to fight - can also seem daunting.

There are many types of cancer. You may choose one because someone you love has been affected by it. You may also want to consider other factors including the prevalence of the cancer, the fatality rate, and the affected demographic.

There are many approaches to allocating funds to address cancer. Consider the pros and cons of each before choosing an organization, project or issue-fund to donate to.

Education about and screenings for cancer: Through these methods cancer is detected sooner, increasing the chances for a positive outcome. The advantages are clear: increase the likelihood that individuals with cancer will get the treatments currently available as soon as possible in hopes of saving their life. This approach does not offer long-term solutions to cancer in terms of cures or prevention.

Paying for individual treatments: Across the United States there are many people who do not have the access to healthcare that they need to adequately address their cancer. Donating money to these people can help them get the existing treatments that they need to have a fighting chance against cancer. This approach does not offer long-term solutions to cancer in terms of cures or prevention.

Supporting cancer patients and their families: offer help to those impacted by cancer. These resources range from educational scholarships for survivors to logistical support for families. This does not directly address the issue of cancer but it does assist those affected by cancer in their struggle.

Funding cancer cure and prevention research: By donating to research causes you can help pave the way to a future where cancer is no longer a significant health threat, but a treatable condition. Research is not a guarantee of outcome, but without it there can be no progress. This is a slow, long-term investment. Research conducted today may not help anyone for years to come, but this is the only longterm solution.

When you form your goals and carefully follow through on them, you become an impact giver. Check out these two timeless pieces on how to find your focus and implement your giving plan in cancer-related causes or any cause close to your heart:

Find Your Focus as a Donor: As a donor it is up to you to pick your top priority. This guide can help you find your philanthropic focus in order to do the most good with your donations.

Implement Your Giving Plan: Finding a reliable organization is key to ensuring your donation does the most good. Having a clear idea of the impact you want to have can help you determine which organization is most worthy of your support. Find organizations that put their money where their mission is and make sure that they are producing measurable results in pursuit of your goal. This guide can help you carry out the plan you have made to achieve your philanthropic goals.

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Original contribution by Clarissa Coburn.