The American Cancer Society knows that dealing with cancer can be difficult for patients and their families.  

With that said, the society is urging a program to help people with cancer and those close to them learn more about their diagnosis, which can sometimes be a difficult process.  

The "I Can Cope" program, which is available online at cancer.org, is a series of classes that provide cancer patients, their families, and caregivers with practical help in coping with some of the emotional and physical challenges of cancer, according to Brooke Cary, an American Cancer Society community representative based in Somerset who also oversees the society in Russell County.

The American Cancer Society's "I Can Cope" program provides relevant knowledge and enhanced skills on various aspects of a cancer diagnosis, according to the society.  

"Offering an online cancer coping program helps us meet the needs of cancer patients who may be too sick to attend a support group or other education program," Cary said. "Patients and their families can view the information at their own pace in the comfort of their homes. It's very user-friendly."

Cary said that offering online help is vitally important, given the increasing number of people using the   Internet to search for medical facts.

She pointed out that according to a recent Pew/Internet and American Life Project survey, eight in 10  Web users go online for health information rather than consult physicians.  

The study also estimates that on a typical day, eight million American adults are seeking the same type of information, she said.  

"I Can Cope" topics and classes can also help dispel cancer myths by presenting straightforward information and answers to cancer-related questions about diagnosis and treatment, side effects of treatment, self-esteem and intimacy, communicating concerns and feelings, community resources, financial concerns, pain management, nutrition and physical activity, cancer-related fatigue and keeping well in mind, body and spirit.

During the online cancer program at www.cancer.org/onlineclasses, you set the pace, whenever and wherever is most convenient for you, according to the society.

One can stop when they need to, come back later, and pick up where they left off with the information. "Run through basic information quickly or go slowly, stop to watch videos, or follow links to more detailed information when you like," states the society's Web site. "You can even skip around to the sections you are most interested in."

No registration is required. Just click on any title from the following list and sign in as a guest.

At the end of each class, the American Cancer Society will ask a few voluntary questions which help the program focus on what needs the most attention.

The program is also free of charge. For more information about "I Can Cope," call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org

Contributing nearly $3.4 billion, the American Cancer Society is the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research.