Cancer causes adverse changes in the functioning of the patient, usually changes his/her image of own body, and symptoms and their treatment necessitate the patient’s adoption to the changed biopsychosocial functions of the body.

Detection of cancer is associated with the increased psychosocial stress which contributes to the escalation of the situation difficult for the patient and his/her family. In these difficult circumstances, the patient needs social support in every dimension.

This article describes social and welfare problems of cancer patients and presents the scope and types of support available for the patient, including medical supplies, forms of assistance from ZUS (Social Insurance Company), KRUS (Farmers’ Social Security Fund), social assistance benefits. It also presents a list of the selected foundations for cancer patients and their families along with defining the scope of their activities.