Guam Cancer Care is bringing back a critical lifeline for cancer patients on island. The non-profit organization announced the relaunch of their Financial Assistance Grant Program, thanks to a grant secured from the Guam Cancer Trust Fund.    

Financial relief is on the way for local cancer patients to access much needed care. Guam Cancer Care relaunched their Financial Assistance Grant Program, or the “Co-Pay Assistance Program” on New Year's Day.  Under the program, cancer patients can receive up to $1,200 per quarter or $4,800 annually to cover a myriad of direct support services. 

These include co-pay assistance, transportation, lodging and even pharmaceutical assistance.  This after the non-profit organization secured a $872,321 grant from the Guam Cancer Trust Fund. 

The funding will ensure the continuity of essential programs, including patient navigation and transportation, and even launch an aggressive cancer screening and education initiative. 

Of that grant, $270,000 has been earmarked specifically for the financial assistance grants, and another $147,000 will go toward vital patient supplies to include wheelchairs and walkers. 

Guam Cancer Care executive director Terry Cuabo emphasized the importance of the grant, saying, “Cancer treatment is not cheap and in most cases is unaffordable to the average person living on Guam.” He says this financial help “levels the playing field” and gives patients a fighting chance. 

The funding for the Guam Cancer Trust Fund comes from a portion of tobacco taxes, established by Public Law 30-80, dedicated to supporting Guam cancer patients. 

If you’re a cancer patient who needs support, you can reach out to your cancer clinic and assigned guam cancer care patient navigator for help.  Registered patients can coordinated with navigators to re-activate your Co-Pay Assistance Grant award. 

For more information on Guam Cancer Care’s programs, contact their office at (671)969-2223 or visit their website at guamcancercare.org.