Last updated: August 2026
1. Who We Are
CancerSisters ("we," "us," or "our") is operated by CancerSisters Inc., a Florida nonprofit corporation. We operate the CancerSisters platform at cancersisters.org.
For questions about this policy: [email protected]
2. What Information We Collect
Information You Provide
- Account information: email address, username, password (hashed — we never store plaintext passwords)
- Profile information: location (country and state/province), optional profile details you choose to share
- Content: journal entries, discussion posts, replies, check-ins, and any other content you post on the platform
- Communications: messages you send to us via email or support channels
Information Collected Automatically
- Usage data: pages visited, features used, time spent on the platform
- Device and browser data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL
- Cookies and session data: we use session cookies to keep you logged in and remember your preferences
Information We Do Not Collect
- We do not collect payment information (we do not charge for the platform)
- We do not collect health records or medical history — though you may choose to share personal health experiences in your posts, this is entirely voluntary
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Operate, maintain, and improve the platform
- Create and manage your account
- Send transactional emails (account verification, password reset, notifications you have enabled)
- Respond to your support requests
- Monitor for and enforce compliance with our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines
- Analyze usage trends to improve the platform (in aggregate, not individually targeted)
- Comply with legal obligations
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We do not use your information for targeted advertising.
4. How We Share Your Information
We share your information only in the following circumstances:
- With service providers who help us operate the platform (e.g., hosting, email delivery, analytics) — these providers are contractually prohibited from using your data for their own purposes
- With law enforcement or regulators when required by law, court order, or to protect the safety of users or the public
- In connection with a merger or transfer of our organization — if this occurs, we will notify you and your rights under this policy will continue to apply
- With your consent — for example, if you choose to make your profile or posts public
Content you post publicly on CancerSisters (discussions, journal entries marked public, etc.) is visible to other members and, depending on your visibility settings, potentially the general public.
5. Your Privacy Controls
You have control over much of the information associated with your account:
- Visibility settings: You can set journal entries, discussions, and other content to public, members-only, connections-only, or private
- Account deletion: You can delete your account at any time from your account settings. When you delete your account, we will remove your personal information from our systems within a reasonable time, subject to legal retention requirements
- Email preferences: You can opt out of non-essential emails in your account notification settings
- Data export: Contact us at [email protected] to request a copy of your data
6. Data Retention
We retain your account information for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law or legitimate business purposes (such as abuse prevention records).
Public content you have posted may be retained in anonymized or aggregated form for research and community health purposes.
7. Children's Privacy
CancerSisters is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us information, contact us at [email protected].
8. Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), and access controls. However, no system is completely secure. We encourage you to use a strong, unique password and to contact us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.
9. Third-Party Links and Content
The platform may contain links to third-party websites or resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. This policy applies only to information collected through CancerSisters.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting a notice on the platform or sending an email to your registered address. The "last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.
Continued use of CancerSisters after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact
For privacy questions, data requests, or concerns:
Email: [email protected]