As a matter of course, patients with cancer receive treatment for their tumor and palliation for side effects, but one aspect of cancer care is frequently missing: solutions to the financial and even legal challenges that can accompany a cancer diagnosis.

A national organization based in Los Angeles can help to fill this gap: the Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC), a joint program of the Disability Rights Legal Center and Loyola Law School Los Angeles. Besides the full-time staff, a professional panel of volunteer attorneys, insurance agents, and accountants are on call to help patients navigate this maze.

"We know that financial and legal issues cause patients a lot of unnecessary worry, confusion, and stress, and these can be overwhelming. When these issues are not addressed, patients may get through treatment but end up losing their home, job, or health insurance," said Joanna Morales, Esq, CLRC Director.

The CLRC provides free and confidential information on cancer-related financial and legal issues to cancer survivors, families, employers, health-care professionals, and others dealing with cancer. These issues range from insurance coverage and claims denials to workplace discrimination and estate planning. Staff can answer questions about laws relevant to the patient's situation (which can vary state by state) and can direct individuals to the appropriate resources.

'A Drop in the Bucket'

The CLRC recently fielded its 35,000th telephone call (1-866-THE-CLRC), according to Ms. Morales. "Unfortunately, there is a big need for our services," she said. "And we think this number is just a drop in the bucket."

Interested persons can also obtain detailed written information. But the CLRC is not just a resource for patients, she emphasized. "Ultimately, our goal is to train health-care professionals to identify cancer-related legal issues and legal barriers to health care. We can give them resources to help their patients navigate through these issues, which we believe will improve their quality of life," she said.

For the oncology team, webinars are held on a variety of topics, and a resource manual can be downloaded through a grant from LIVESTRONG.  The CLRC also hosts national Cancer Rights Conferences. In 2011, the Conferences will be held in Chicago and Washington, DC. These events are especially targeted to patients and caregivers, as well as nurses, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and attorneys. ■