Cancer Support Resources in Minnesota
Minnesota’s reputation for excellent healthcare is earned — but it applies unevenly. The Twin Cities metro and major regional hubs like Rochester, Duluth, and St. Cloud have access to genuinely world-class cancer care, including two NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers. For much of the rest of the state, the story is more complicated.
The Iron Range in northeastern Minnesota has a particular relationship with cancer. Decades of open-pit iron ore mining and taconite processing have left communities in places like Hibbing, Virginia, and Eveleth with elevated rates of mesothelioma and lung cancer tied to occupational mineral dust exposure. These are predominantly working-class communities with an aging population and limited local healthcare resources. Workers and retirees from the taconite industry who developed cancer linked to occupational exposure may have specific legal and financial options available to them — and several organizations in this directory can help navigate those pathways.
American Indian communities in Minnesota face disproportionate cancer burdens. The state’s tribal nations — including Ojibwe and Dakota communities — see higher rates of certain cancers, compounded by geographic isolation from major medical centers, historical and ongoing distrust of the healthcare system, economic hardship, and a shortage of culturally competent oncology care. Several programs in this directory specifically serve Indigenous Minnesotans and offer culturally responsive navigation and support.
Greater Minnesota — everything outside the Twin Cities and a handful of regional centers — covers a wide range of communities with varying levels of cancer support access. Patients in the prairie counties of the west, the dairy farming communities of the southeast, or small towns throughout the south-central region regularly travel two or more hours to reach specialized oncology care. During active treatment, when fatigue and side effects are daily realities, that travel becomes difficult to sustain. Transportation assistance and lodging programs near the major cancer centers are among the most-used resources for patients outside the metro.
The Twin Cities metro is well-resourced. Mayo Clinic in Rochester — about 90 minutes south of Minneapolis — is one of the most recognized cancer destinations in the world. The University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center offers advanced treatment and clinical trials in Minneapolis. M Health Fairview, Allina Health, and Regions Hospital operate cancer programs across the metro. The challenge in the cities tends to be navigating the system — understanding what’s available, who qualifies, and how to connect with programs ranging from hospital-based financial counseling to grassroots peer support organizations.
Minnesota’s older population, particularly in rural and small-town communities, represents a growing share of cancer patients. Many live alone, have limited mobility, and manage cancer alongside other chronic conditions. Caregiver support programs are especially important for elderly patients who lack family nearby or whose family members are themselves aging and managing their own health challenges.
This directory is organized starting with statewide programs, then by regional section — Twin Cities metro, Rochester and Southeast Minnesota, Greater Minnesota, and more. Whether you are on the Iron Range, in a small town on the prairie, or navigating care from a city address — use the filters or search bar to find resources by type, and scroll into the regional sections to find what’s available near you.
Filter by resource type or search by name, city, or keyword. New to a diagnosis? Start with Minnesota 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1) — navigators can connect you with local support in multiple languages.
Showing all 65 resources
Statewide Minnesota Resources
Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
📍 Rochester, MN — Statewide & National
One of the world’s leading NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, offering advanced diagnosis, individualized treatment plans, clinical trials, and comprehensive patient support. The integrated patient support team includes social workers, financial counselors, chaplains, and navigators for patients statewide and nationwide.
Who: Cancer patients statewide and nationally
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Phone: 507-284-2511
University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center
📍 Minneapolis, MN — Statewide
Minnesota’s other NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, leading cancer research and providing advanced care including bone marrow transplant, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Patient support services, social work, and financial counseling available to all patients.
Who: Cancer patients across Minnesota
Cost: Varies; financial counseling available
American Cancer Society – Minnesota
📍 Statewide — Multiple locations
Provides 24/7 helpline, free lodging at Hope Lodge (Minneapolis), transportation assistance, free wigs and prosthetics, and patient navigation services. Support groups, online communities, and educational programs serve Minnesotans throughout the cancer journey.
Who: All cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in Minnesota
Cost: Free; call 1-800-227-2345
Phone: 1-800-227-2345
Minnesota CancerLegal Services
📍 Statewide — Minneapolis, MN
Provides free legal consultations and services to Minnesota cancer patients facing insurance denials, disability claims, employment discrimination, estate planning, and other legal needs arising from cancer diagnosis. Volunteer attorneys serve patients regardless of income.
Who: Minnesota cancer patients with legal issues
Cost: Free
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Minnesota Chapter
📍 Statewide — Minneapolis, MN
Offers financial assistance, co-pay support, travel stipends, and patient education for blood cancer patients in Minnesota. Disease-specific support groups, clinical trial information, and patient education specialists connect Minnesotans with the latest in blood cancer care.
Who: Blood cancer patients and families in Minnesota
Cost: Free assistance programs
Phone: 1-800-955-4572
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
📍 Statewide — St. Paul, MN
Helps Minnesota veterans access VA healthcare, disability compensation for service-related cancers, and state veterans benefits. County veterans service officers provide free assistance navigating cancer-related VA claims and benefits statewide.
Who: Minnesota veterans with cancer
Cost: Free for eligible veterans
Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition
📍 Statewide — Minneapolis, MN
Advocates for improved breast cancer research funding, better treatments, and patient access to care statewide. Connects Minnesota breast cancer patients with financial assistance programs, support groups, and educational resources throughout treatment and survivorship.
Who: Minnesota women with breast cancer and those at risk
Cost: Free
Phone: (617) 376-6222
Cancer Support Community – Minnesota
📍 Statewide — Virtual & In-person
Provides free support groups, educational workshops, and wellness programs for Minnesota cancer patients and caregivers. Online programming extends services to Greater Minnesota residents unable to attend Twin Cities in-person programs.
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in Minnesota
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-888-793-9355
Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center
📍 Statewide — Minneapolis, MN
Provides culturally grounded health navigation and support services for American Indian women facing cancer. Addresses the elevated cancer disparities in Minnesota’s Native American communities through culturally responsive programs, patient advocacy, and connection to Indian Health Service resources.
Who: American Indian women with cancer and their families in Minnesota
Cost: Free
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
📍 Statewide — Minneapolis, MN
Provides free civil legal services to low-income Minnesotans including those facing legal issues related to cancer such as insurance denials, debt collection, housing instability, and disability benefits. Offers services in multiple languages to serve diverse Minnesota communities.
Who: Low-income Minnesota cancer patients with legal issues
Cost: Free for eligible clients
Minnesota Cancer Alliance
📍 Statewide — St. Paul, MN
Coordinates statewide cancer control initiatives and connects Minnesotans with cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment resources. The alliance’s data and advocacy work helps direct resources to communities with the greatest cancer burden across the state.
Who: All Minnesotans affected by cancer; advocates and providers
Cost: Free referral and navigation services
Minneapolis & Hennepin County
Allina Health Cancer Institute
📍 Minneapolis, MN & Suburbs
Provides cancer care across 12 Twin Cities hospitals and clinics with services including medical oncology, radiation, surgical oncology, and integrative medicine. Patient navigators, social workers, and financial counselors support patients across the metro cancer journey.
Who: Cancer patients in the Minneapolis metro area
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Phone: 1-888-425-5462
Penny George Institute for Health and Healing
📍 Minneapolis, MN (Abbott Northwestern Hospital)
Provides integrative oncology services for cancer patients at Abbott Northwestern including acupuncture, massage, mind-body therapies, and nutrition counseling. These evidence-based complementary therapies reduce treatment side effects and improve quality of life for cancer patients.
Who: Cancer patients at Abbott Northwestern and Allina facilities
Cost: Varies; some covered by insurance
Phone: 1-888-425-5462
Gilda’s Club Twin Cities
📍 Minneapolis, MN
A free community gathering place for anyone affected by cancer — patients, survivors, families, and friends. Offers support groups, educational workshops, networking events, and a welcoming environment where people share the experience of cancer in a non-clinical setting.
Who: Anyone affected by cancer in the Twin Cities
Cost: Free
HealthPartners Cancer Care
📍 Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro
Integrated cancer care across HealthPartners clinics and Regions Hospital in the Twin Cities, offering oncology, radiation, surgery, and palliative care. Financial counselors, social workers, and patient navigators help patients access treatment and community support resources.
Who: Cancer patients in the Twin Cities metro
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Metro Transit – Metro Mobility Paratransit
📍 Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro
Provides bus, rail, and Metro Mobility paratransit services throughout the Twin Cities metro. Metro Mobility offers door-to-door transportation for cancer patients with disabilities, and reduced fares are available for riders on medical assistance.
Who: Twin Cities metro cancer patients needing public transit
Cost: Reduced fares; free for some Medicaid recipients
Second Harvest Heartland
📍 Brooklyn Park, MN — Twin Cities Metro
One of the nation’s largest food banks, serving the Twin Cities metro and beyond through 1,000+ partner agencies. Cancer patients facing food insecurity during treatment can access food pantries, mobile distributions, and home delivery through Second Harvest’s vast network.
Who: Cancer patients and families experiencing food insecurity in the metro
Cost: Free
Phone: (651) 484-5117
Children’s Minnesota Cancer and Blood Disorders
📍 Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota’s largest pediatric cancer and blood disorder program, treating the most children with cancer in the state. Offers the latest treatments including CAR-T therapy, bone marrow transplant, and clinical trials, alongside comprehensive family support services and survivorship programs.
Who: Children with cancer and their families in Minnesota
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Minneapolis VA Health Care System
📍 Minneapolis, MN
Provides comprehensive oncology care to eligible veterans in the Twin Cities metro including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and palliative care. The PACT Act expanded cancer coverage for veterans exposed to toxic substances; patient advocates help veterans navigate cancer-related VA benefits.
Who: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare in the Twin Cities
Cost: Free or low-cost for eligible veterans
Phone: 1-877-222-8387
St. Paul & Ramsey County
Regions Hospital Cancer Care
📍 St. Paul, MN
St. Paul’s primary cancer care hospital offering medical oncology, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, and palliative care. Patient navigation, social work, and financial assistance services help Ramsey County patients manage the full scope of cancer care needs.
Who: Cancer patients in St. Paul and Ramsey County
Cost: Varies; financial counseling available
Face to Face Health and Counseling
📍 St. Paul, MN
Provides low-cost mental health counseling and crisis support for Ramsey County residents including cancer patients and caregivers dealing with anxiety, depression, and adjustment to serious illness. Sliding scale fees ensure access for patients regardless of insurance status.
Who: Cancer patients and caregivers in St. Paul and Ramsey County
Cost: Sliding scale; some free services available
Emergency Foodshelf Network – Ramsey County
📍 St. Paul, MN
Coordinates emergency food resources across 30+ member organizations in Ramsey County. Cancer patients experiencing food insecurity during treatment can access neighborhood food shelves, hot meal programs, and home-delivered groceries throughout St. Paul.
Who: Cancer patients and families facing food insecurity in Ramsey County
Cost: Free
ACS Hope Lodge – Minneapolis
📍 Minneapolis, MN (serves Twin Cities)
Provides free temporary housing for out-of-town cancer patients and their caregivers receiving treatment at Twin Cities facilities. Both Minneapolis and St. Paul patients traveling for treatment can access this vital resource, eliminating the financial burden of hotel costs during extended treatment stays.
Who: Cancer patients traveling to Twin Cities for treatment
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-800-227-2345
Rochester & Southeast Minnesota
Mayo Clinic Patient Services – Rochester
📍 Rochester, MN
Comprehensive patient support at Mayo Clinic Rochester including financial counseling, social work, oncology navigation, chaplain services, and a full range of integrative medicine options. International Patient Services and interpreter services ensure access for all patients regardless of language or origin.
Who: Cancer patients at Mayo Clinic Rochester
Cost: Many support services free; clinical care varies
Phone: 507-284-2511
Gift of Life Transplant House – Rochester
📍 Rochester, MN
Provides affordable transitional housing for bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant patients receiving treatment at Mayo Clinic. Offers a supportive community environment for patients and families during extended treatment stays in Rochester.
Who: Transplant and cancer patients at Mayo Clinic needing housing
Cost: Low-cost; financial assistance available
Olmsted County Cancer Support Group
📍 Rochester, MN
Community-based cancer support group meeting regularly in Rochester for patients not currently in active Mayo Clinic treatment programs. Provides peer connection, emotional support, and practical resource sharing for cancer survivors and families in southeast Minnesota.
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in Olmsted County
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-800-227-2345
Rochester Area Food Bank
📍 Rochester, MN
Provides emergency food assistance to Olmsted County and surrounding communities through a network of partner agencies. Cancer patients and their families can access food shelf programs, hot meals, and home-delivered groceries when treatment creates financial and logistical challenges.
Who: Cancer patients experiencing food insecurity in southeast Minnesota
Cost: Free
Duluth & Iron Range
Essentia Health Cancer Center – Duluth
📍 Duluth, MN
Northern Minnesota’s leading cancer center, serving patients from Duluth to the Iron Range and beyond. Offers medical oncology, radiation therapy, clinical trials, and comprehensive support services including patient navigation, social work, and financial counseling for northern Minnesota cancer patients.
Who: Cancer patients in Duluth and northern Minnesota
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Phone: (218) 786-8376
St. Luke’s Cancer Care – Duluth
📍 Duluth, MN
Provides comprehensive cancer care at St. Luke’s Hospital including medical oncology, infusion, radiation, and palliative care. The cancer team includes navigators and social workers who help patients in the Lake Superior region access treatment and support throughout the cancer journey.
Who: Cancer patients in Duluth and the Lake Superior region
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Iron Range Cancer Support Network
📍 Hibbing / Virginia, MN — Iron Range
Community support network for cancer patients in the mining communities of northern Minnesota’s Iron Range, where elevated mesothelioma and lung cancer rates reflect decades of mining and industrial exposure. Provides peer support, resource navigation, and advocacy for Iron Range cancer patients.
Who: Cancer patients in Iron Range communities
Cost: Free
Phone: (218) 786-8376
Arrowhead Transit
📍 Duluth / Northeast MN Region
Provides public transit and Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation across northeastern Minnesota including St. Louis, Lake, Cook, and Koochiching counties. Cancer patients in rural northern Minnesota can access rides to Duluth cancer centers through Arrowhead’s regional transit network.
Who: Cancer patients needing transportation in northeast Minnesota
Cost: Reduced fares; Medicaid transport may be free
Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank
📍 Duluth, MN — Northeast MN Region
Distributes food to partner agencies across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Cancer patients facing food insecurity in Duluth, the Iron Range, and surrounding northern communities can access food shelves, mobile distributions, and backpack programs through this regional food bank.
Who: Cancer patients experiencing food insecurity in northeast Minnesota
Cost: Free
St. Cloud & Central Minnesota
CentraCare Cancer Center – St. Cloud
📍 St. Cloud, MN
Central Minnesota’s primary cancer treatment center, providing oncology, radiation therapy, infusion, and palliative care. Patient navigators, financial counselors, and social workers support patients across the St. Cloud region throughout the entire cancer care continuum.
Who: Cancer patients in St. Cloud and central Minnesota
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Central Minnesota Cancer Support Group
📍 St. Cloud, MN
Peer support group for cancer patients and survivors in the St. Cloud area meeting regularly at CentraCare facilities. Trained facilitators guide discussion on managing cancer treatment challenges, emotional wellness, and community resource navigation in central Minnesota.
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in the St. Cloud area
Cost: Free
St. Cloud Metro Bus
📍 St. Cloud, MN
Provides bus and dial-a-ride paratransit services in the St. Cloud metro area. Cancer patients needing transportation to treatment at CentraCare and other medical facilities can use MetroBus fixed routes or dial-a-ride services with reduced fares for qualifying riders.
Who: Cancer patients needing transportation in the St. Cloud area
Cost: Reduced fares available
Mankato & Southern Minnesota
Mayo Clinic Health System – Mankato
📍 Mankato, MN
Delivers Mayo Clinic-quality cancer care to south-central Minnesota with medical oncology, infusion, and radiation therapy. Patient navigators and financial counselors help patients in Blue Earth County and surrounding communities access care and financial resources throughout treatment.
Who: Cancer patients in Mankato and south-central Minnesota
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Blue Earth County Cancer Support Group
📍 Mankato, MN
Community peer support group for cancer patients and caregivers in Blue Earth County and surrounding southern Minnesota communities. Regular meetings provide emotional support, resource sharing, and connection for those navigating cancer treatment in the Mankato area.
Who: Cancer patients and caregivers in south-central Minnesota
Cost: Free
Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Minnesota
📍 Mankato, MN
Distributes emergency food to agencies across 27 counties in southern Minnesota. Cancer patients facing nutrition challenges during treatment in the Mankato area and surrounding counties can access food pantries, community kitchens, and mobile food distributions.
Who: Cancer patients experiencing food insecurity in southern Minnesota
Cost: Free
Phone: (651) 484-5117
Moorhead & Western Minnesota
Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center
📍 Fargo, ND (serves Moorhead, MN & western MN)
The premier cancer center for the Fargo-Moorhead metro and western Minnesota, offering comprehensive oncology, clinical trials, radiation therapy, and extensive patient support services. Minnesota patients from Moorhead and Clay County receive care at this nationally recognized regional cancer center.
Who: Cancer patients in Moorhead, Clay County, and western Minnesota
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Essentia Health – Moorhead
📍 Moorhead, MN
Provides cancer care in Moorhead and the Clay County region with connections to Essentia’s broader oncology network. Patient navigation and financial counseling help western Minnesota cancer patients access the full range of cancer treatment and support services in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
Who: Cancer patients in Moorhead and Clay County
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Phone: (218) 786-8376
Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership
📍 Moorhead, MN — West Central MN
Provides a wide range of support services to low-income residents in west-central Minnesota including transportation, emergency food, energy assistance, and financial counseling. Cancer patients can access multiple forms of practical support to maintain stability during treatment.
Who: Low-income cancer patients in west-central Minnesota
Cost: Free for eligible residents
Rural & Northern Minnesota
Minnesota Rural Health Association
📍 Statewide — Rural Minnesota
Advocates for improved healthcare access for rural Minnesotans and connects rural cancer patients with telehealth services, transportation assistance, and local health resources. Works with critical access hospitals to strengthen cancer navigation programs in underserved outstate counties.
Who: Rural Minnesota cancer patients and families
Cost: Free referral services
Indian Health Board of Minneapolis
📍 Minneapolis, MN — Statewide Tribal Nations
Provides culturally responsive healthcare including cancer navigation and support for Urban American Indians and tribal community members statewide. Connects Native Minnesotans with Indian Health Service, tribal health programs on reservations, and mainstream cancer care in culturally safe ways.
Who: American Indian cancer patients and families in Minnesota
Cost: Free for eligible patients
Minnesota Community Action Partnership
📍 Statewide — Rural Minnesota
Coordinates community action agencies across rural Minnesota counties providing transportation assistance, emergency financial aid, energy assistance, and food programs. Cancer patients in small towns and rural areas can access multiple support services through local county agencies.
Who: Low-income rural Minnesota cancer patients
Cost: Free for eligible residents
Greater Minnesota Transportation Services
📍 Rural Minnesota — Statewide
Coordinates volunteer driver programs and regional transit connections for rural Minnesotans traveling to cancer treatment centers. Several regional nonprofits and county transportation programs provide rides to the Twin Cities, Rochester, Duluth, and other major cancer centers for outstate patients.
Who: Rural Minnesota cancer patients needing long-distance transportation
Cost: Free or low-cost
Brainerd Lakes Area Cancer Support
📍 Brainerd, MN
Provides cancer support services and resource connections for patients and families in the Brainerd Lakes region of north-central Minnesota. Connects patients receiving care at Essentia Health Brainerd and St. Joseph’s Medical Center with financial assistance and community support resources.
Who: Cancer patients in the Brainerd Lakes area
Cost: Free
Phone: (218) 786-8376
Minnesota Telehealth Cancer Support
📍 Rural Minnesota — Statewide
Connects rural Minnesota cancer patients with oncology specialists, mental health counselors, palliative care providers, and support group facilitators via telehealth. Particularly valuable for patients in border communities and small towns far from comprehensive cancer centers.
Who: Rural Minnesota cancer patients needing remote specialty care
Cost: Varies by provider; many covered by insurance
Disclaimer: This directory is provided for informational purposes only. The Cancer Education Foundation does not endorse any specific organization and cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or current availability of the resources listed. Contact each organization directly to confirm eligibility, services, and availability. This is not medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.