About Us
Who we are
Indian American Cancer Network (IACAN) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to help people of South-Asian descent affected by cancer. IACAN offers various services to both patients and care givers through their network of liaisons.
Our mission
Our mission is to be a cancer resource network that educates and supports the South Asian community.
Our vision
Every South Asian reduces cancer risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and no South Asian travels the cancer journey alone.
Why IACAN
Indian Americans diagnosed with cancer face unique cultural and social issues. From linguistic barriers to dietary differences, they often feel alone in their journey. IACAN was established to assist them through the process.
The Indian American community represents the second largest Asian group in Houston and continues to grow. Cancer is a major health concern among Indian Americans, touching the lives of almost every one through either a spouse, relative, friend, or acquaintance. The diagnosis of cancer can be frightening, depressing, and devastating. Though there is help from relatives and friends, there is no organized central support system or resource network in the community. Given the uniqueness of our population, we have distinct psychological, social and practical needs. The Indian American Cancer Network is designed to provide a diverse network of resources that will address the psycho-social and cultural needs of the community.
Our goals
Promote awareness of prevention, diagnosis and treatment options
- Provide educational programs on cancer types, stages, and available treatments
- Provide resources on integrated medicine, including alternative and complimentary therapies such as Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda
- Provide dietary information and options to suit typical Indian eating habits
- Provide educational material on looking good and feeling better
Mobilize diverse community resources
- Develop and foster a partnership with clinical specialists and other interdisciplinary professionals
- Develop and maintain a “Buddy System” of survivors
- Develop a network of resources for counseling
- Improve ways to access services and programs available from the mainstream and other community organizations.
- Develop and foster linkages with diverse religious and spiritual organizations
- Provide language assistance
Provide training for caregivers, survivors, and volunteers
- Partner with mainstream cancer care organizations to promote and facilitate training for volunteers and facilitators of IACAN
- Promote formation of support groups including care givers, survivors and volunteers
Participate and interact with mainstream organizations
- Provide culture-specific information and resources to mainstream organizations
Address culture-specific grief, end of life/loss, and bereavement issues
- Provide education and information on hospice
- Identify funeral homes and crematoriums
- Develop a list of priests/ministers