History

Cancer Care Services has been providing cancer support services in Fort Worth, Texas, continuously since its beginning as the Fort Worth Cancer Society in the summer of 1946, when it was founded by Rice Tilley, Mayor Roscoe Carnrike, Cecil Morgan, Dr. May Owen, James R. Record and 24 other prominent individuals. It became the Tarrant County unit of the American Cancer Society in 1948 and joined the United Way in 1952. The Tarrant County unit ceased its affiliation with the American Cancer Society when ACS withdrew from the United Way on a nationwide basis in 1959. The Tarrant County unit reactivated itself as the Fort Worth Cancer Society. In 1962, the name was changed to include Tarrant County. 

In the early 1970s, the agency began the first breast and cervical cancer screening clinic for females in Tarrant County and paid the salary of the first oncology nurse at John Peter Smith Hospital in the mid 1970s. In 1989, after careful study and research, it was determined that a complete name change was warranted. This new name would identify the agency as the caregiver it is and relieve it of the continued misconception that it is associated with the American Cancer Society. 

In 1997, Cancer Care Services was opened.  This is a psychosocial support facility, with a living room atmosphere for counseling and support groups that includes a library and resource center including a computer with Internet access. Services were offered outside Tarrant County for the first time in April 1997 when Parker County patients were provided assistance with funds raised in Parker County. In September 1998, Hood County residents began receiving services, and in August 2003 Johnson County was added. CCS moved to its new facility in January 2003. This new location provides space to greatly expand the emotional and social support services that are offered at no charge. 

Financial assistance to cancer patients living in Johnson County was discontinued as of March 31, 2009 due to lack of funding. Cancer Care Services continues to provide emotional, spiritual and social programs, services and activities to Johnson County cancer patients, survivors, their families and caregivers at its Fort Worth location.

All funding to provide services is raised locally; there are no government contracts.