Language and Culturally Specific Cancer Support

In 2019, AHSC launched Oregon’s first culturally and linguistically specific program, ACRSS for Asians facing cancer, thanks to generous support from regional foundations. Our Asian Cancer Resource and Support Service program aims to cover the entire cancer journey: from prevention and screening to treatment and survivorship support. We’re dedicated to enhancing access to care, improving treatment outcomes, and boosting the quality of life for Asian cancer patients, ensuring that no one faces cancer alone. 

Asian Cancer Resource & Support Services (ACRSS):

Asian Cancer Resource & Support Service (ACRSS) is our community-based cancer patient navigation service at Asian Health & Service Center that provides personalized support to cancer patients, survivors, and family caregivers. Our services encompass every stage of the cancer experience, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care.

All of our services are offered at no cost to our clients. Our trained staff and volunteer cancer patient navigators offer culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, education materials, care coordination, and emotional support. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please reach out without hesitation. All services are provided in five languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, and English.

Client Testimonials

“My father has been feeling burnout from taking care of my mother who has been house bound most of time due to cancer. Since he received counseling and support from the program, he was able to do better self-care and motivated to do more fun things with my mother. He has been making progress in communication with my mother and having more quality time with her. I really appreciate all your support and help.”

— Tiffany L.
October, 2020

“A volunteer called me and shared her own breast cancer experience. I realized I was not the only one who has been struggling with caregiving issues and cancer treatment. She was very supportive, and I was able to open up for on-going telephone counseling from Asian Cancer Support program.”

— Ying N.
December, 2021

“My husband and I cannot properly explain the deep gratitude and appreciation we have for everything the center has done. The emotional support and the words of encouragement helped me go through this hard time. Also, thank you for taking the time to research the cancer information in Chinese. It is really helpful to understand my treatment.”

— Hing Jun C.
April, 2021

“I am a cancer survivor and I’m volunteering at ACRSS for the last 3 years. I have a dream- I would like to share how I walk my tough cancer journey with a positive perspective, with other cancer patients, to serve & support them. Thanks to AHSC/ ACRSS to make my dream come true. I will continue to dedicate my life to serve & walk with the cancer patients through their difficult cancer journey.”

— Winnie.
2023

“I was a family caregiver. I found that ACRSS not only gives me the chance to serve our cancer patients, ACRSS also provides me with a strong sense of resilience by caring for people who are in need. I hope our patients can feel blessed through our services. I wish that they can also find faith, hope, and love in ACRSS.”

— Vivian.
2023

“Watching a loved one go through cancer as a caregiver was very difficult. We still deal with continued side effects every day. We love coming to the center for group activities. My spouse always reminds me about the cancer support group. We receive a lot of joy and support from ACRSS staff, volunteers and members.”

— Cheung,
August 2023

“Eternally grateful for all the support I have received. I was previously very ashamed and overwhelmed with my cancer diagnosis. I did not know how to navigate all my appointments and was too afraid to ask for help. I was luckily introduced to the ACRSS program where I have received continued assistance with appointments and compassionate emotional support. My wife and I now have a team of supporters that together feel like a family.””

— Zhen,
April, 2024

“Thank you to the staff at Asian Health and Service Center for their concern and guidance when they learned that I had breast cancer. They recommended the Asian Cancer Resource and Support Service program. With the warmhearted assistance from the cancer patient navigator, I was able to solve some problems and learn about the positive attitude that should be taken when you are sick. I would like to express my gratitude here.”

— Shen,
March, 2023