It is amazing what vision, hard work and compassion can accomplish! 

In 2019, Cancer action celebrated 60 years of serving those living with, through and beyond cancer in Kansas City.  A local and independent nonprofit, Cancer Action opened in 1959 to serve the tangible needs of people living with cancer in the Greater Kansas City area.  

We were established as an independent, non-profit originally called "The Cancer Association of Wyandotte County.  We began in a garage with an army of volunteers, under the leadership of the first Executive Secretary, Selma Calene, who was also a volunteer.  With a passion to help families who were struggling with this difficult illness, the group made hand-made comfort items and collected medical supplies that were given to families to help care for their loved ones.
Eventually, our name was changed to Cancer Action! While our name changed, our strong commitment to community is still at the heart and mission of the organization today. 

Over the years, our scope has evolved to empower cancer patients and their families by helping to meet the financial, physical and emotional needs throughout their cancer journey.  Cancer care has changed tremendously in the past 60 years. Thankfully, advances in treatment and early detection has led to millions of cancer survivors and others living longer with cancer. 

Cancer Action programs and services have grown and changed to meet the continuing needs of cancer patients in our community.  Today, we provide a vast array of programs and services including financial assistance programs, practical and direct services, educational and emotional support, and wellness and survivorship programs. ​