Connecting Patients to Care: The MOQC CancerHelp Resources Search Engine
Navigating a cancer diagnosis is challenging enough without the added burden of searching for trustworthy local support. Recognizing this challenge, the Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium (MOQC), in partnership with the Patient and Caregiver Oncology Quality Council (POQC), launched the CancerHelp Resources Search Engine in 2022 to close that gap. The tool was created to provide patients, caregivers, and providers with a single, reliable place to easily find the specific help they need.
A Resource Centered on the Patient and Caregiver Experience
From the outset, the database was designed with patients and caregivers at its core. Rather than compiling a generic list of links, MOQC and POQC worked to ensure that every listing reflects a genuine understanding of what people facing cancer actually experience, from managing treatment side effects and financial strain to finding emotional support, and navigating advance care planning and end-of-life care.
The result is a search engine that feels less like a directory and more like a guide built by a community of people who understand the challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Accessibility remains a guiding principle of the platform. The site is structured so that users can filter resources by topic area, user type, and organization name, making it easier to find relevant information. Someone in a stressful moment needs to find exactly what applies to their situation without wading through unnecessary information.
Vetted, Trustworthy Listings
Every resource included in the database undergoes a review process involving MOQC, POQC, and participating healthcare organizations. This layer of participation validation? ensures that patients and caregivers can trust that the information they find has been evaluated by people within the oncology community, not simply pulled from a broad web search. These listings span a wide range of needs, including clinical trials, financial assistance, nutrition, transportation, hospice and palliative care, culturally sensitive cancer care, and support specifically tailored for children, caregivers, and survivors.
Looking Ahead
The CancerHelp Resources Search Engine is a living resource and continues to evolve. MOQC and POQC are constantly adding new listings and expanding the database’s geographic reach, so that patients across a growing number of communities can find resources close to home. The ongoing leadership and lived experiences of POQC members will continue to drive this effort. These updates will continue, with a particular focus on adding resources tailored to different patient populations and specific types of cancer. By combining careful vetting, accessible design, and ongoing outreach, the CancerHelp Resources Search Engine embodies a straightforward goal: ensuring that no patient or caregiver has to face cancer without knowing where to turn for help.