LEWISTON — There’s a new statewide resource for cancer patients and their caregivers. The Maine Cancer Resource Connection assists cancer patients and their caregivers, from all areas of Maine, with their questions about financial resources, available support services and other cancer-related concerns.

Through a staffed, toll-free number and easy-to-access webform, the Maine Cancer Resource Connection provides information and resources five days a week and works to answer the many questions that come up during the cancer journey.

“There are so many issues that arise in all stages of the cancer experience, from diagnosis into survivorship,” said Karen Page, LSW and the program’s Cancer Resource Coordinator. “I know how difficult and confusing this process can be, because I’ve been through it recently with a close family member. I’m honored to help fellow Mainers, especially those in underserved parts of the state, navigate their questions about cancer-related resources.”

Tara Hill of the Maine Cancer Foundation added, “We are very pleased to provide financial support for this effort. Cancer patients in Maine face a ‘perfect storm’ of economic, demographic and geographic challenges. It is essential we connect the dots between needs and resources.”

The Maine Cancer Resource Connection is a collaboration between The Dempsey Center in Lewiston, the Cancer Community Center in South Portland and the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center in Ellsworth and is funded by the Maine Cancer Foundation.

In the four months since its inception, the Maine Cancer Resource Connection has served Mainers from half the counties in the state, including some of the most rural areas. In the coming months, Page says she expects to reach even broader swaths of the state, as individuals and families continue to look for hope, guidance and answers. Mainers should feel free to visit mainecancerresourceconnection.org or call 1-866-446-4865 with any questions.