Cancer Support and Information Program

The Cancer Support and Information Program is now providing assistance to men and women affected by any type of cancer.

The program is a collaborative effort of Cayuga Medical Center, the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, and Hospicare and Palliative Care Services. Funding was provided through a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

We can help patients and their loved ones by:

Finding a support group, identifying potential sources of financial assistance, suggesting where wigs can be purchased, and other practical information.


Answering general questions about cancer and cancer treatment. For example, what’s the purpose of chemotherapy? Or, what’s the difference between a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist? (We can also track down cancer information in foreign languages.)


Listening in a non-judgmental and unhurried manner.

Who can use this service?

Men and women with any type of cancer, their family and friends, and the public at large.


Although based at Cayuga Medical Center, it’s a community service and available to everyone.


Free of charge.

Who coordinates the program?

Bob Riter is the coordinator. He’s a ten year survivor of breast cancer and has been the associate director of the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes since 2000. He’s based in the Department of Radiation Medicine at Cayuga Medical Center on Fridays (274-4060), and can be contacted at his IBCA office other days (277-0960). His email: bob@ibca.net.