Support Groups/Organizations for Breast Cancer Patients and Caregivers
In the USA
African-American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) www.geocities.com/aabcainc (1-800-ACS-2345)
This organization provides education to African-American women on breast health, early detection, and breast cancer support groups. For more information and to see if there is an alliance in your area, call the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345.
AMC Cancer Research Center’s Cancer Information Line (1-800-525-3777)
Professional cancer counselors provide answers to questions about cancer, support and information on
free publications. Equipped for deaf and hearing-impaired callers.
American Cancer Society (ACS) www.cancer.org (1-800- 227-2345)
Provides free, written information on breast cancer, support group information and referral to Reach to Recovery program
The ACS Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major public health problem through voter education and issue campaigns aimed at influencing politicians to support laws and policies that will help people fight cancer.
Association of Cancer Online Resources www.acor.org
Online cancer information system that archives online support groups, information on treatments and clinical trials, links to other cancer education and advocacy groups on the Internet.
BreastCancer.org www.breastcancer.org
Breast cancer education site including articles, news, newsletter, and chats.
CancerCare,Inc. www.cancercare.org (1-800-813-4673)
Offers free assistance to cancer patients through counseling, education, referral and direct financial assistance. It offers free telephone and online support groups for people living with cancer and their loved ones. Cancer Care also provides educational materials for patients.
Cancerindex.org www.cancerindex.org
Online index of cancer resources and Web sites providing information and support. Provides a collection of media clips on various breast cancers. To access media clips, choose “Breast Cancer” on the list on the main screen, and then click on “Multimedia Breast Cancer Resources.”
Gilda’s Club www.gildasclub.org (1-888-445-3248)
Provides meeting places where men, women and children living with cancer, along with their families and friends, can join with others to build a personal network of social and emotional support as an integral part of cancer treatment.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure www.komen.org (1-800-IM-AWARE ) (1-800-462-9273)
Offers information on all areas of breast cancer treatment and support. Breast health and breast cancer materials, including pamphlets, brochures, booklets, posters, videos, CD-ROMs, fact sheets, and community outreach materials are available.
Living beyond Breast Cancer www.lbbc.org (Helpline: 1-888-753-5222)
Offers free telephone and online support groups for people living with cancer and caregivers. Also offers free breast cancer teleconferences for patients, advocates and health care professionals.
MEDLINEplus: Breast Cancer www.nlm.nih.gov
Breast cancer news, general information, clinical trials and information available in Spanish.
National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organization (NABCO) www.nabco.org
Maintains telephone communication (hotlines) for patients and have excellent newsletters targeted at directly helping the breast cancer patient during the acute and recovery phases of her breast cancer experience.
National Asian Women’s Health Organization (NAWHO) www.nawho.org (1-888-629-4618)
The site explains the organization’s program, Communicating Across Boundaries: The Asian American Women’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, and offers a free download on related cultural competency training.
National Breast Cancer Coalition www.natlbcc.org (1-800-622-2838)
A grassroots advocacy movement of more than 300 member organizations and thousands of individuals working through a National Action Network, dedicated to the eradication of breast cancer through action, policy and advocacy.
National Breast Cancer Coalition and its sister organization, National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund (NBCCF) provide educational materials to breast cancer patients to ensure quality care.
NBCCF developed educational booklets: “Guide to Quality Breast Cancer Care” & “How to Get Good
Care for Breast Cancer”.
National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov (1-800-422-6237)
Facing Forward Series: Life After Cancer Treatment (www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/life-after-treatment) covers post-treatment issues such as follow-up medical care, physical and emotional changes, changes in social relationship and workplace issues
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) www.canceradvocacy.org (1-877-622-7937)
Provides survivorship information and support, Cancer Survival Toolbox, a CD of Survival Skills, (free of charge, available in Spanish)
Patient Advocacy Foundation (Employment Issues) www.patientadvocate.org (1-800-532-5274)
Seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability.
People Living With Cancer www.plwc.org (1-703-797-1914)
Helps patients and families make informed health care decisions. Provides information on more than 50 types of cancer, clinical trials, coping, side effects, finding an oncologist detabase, message boards, patient support organizations and more.
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization www.y-me.org
(1-800-221-2141: 24 Hour Hotline-English), (1-800-986-9505: 24 Hour Hotline-Spanish)
Provides support and counseling through a 24-hour hotline. Trained volunteers, all of whom have had breast cancer, are matched by background and experience to callers whenever possible. Referrals for major cancer treatment centers available
Young Survival Coalition www.youngsurvival.org (1-212-206-6610)
An advocacy and awareness organization for young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. The group offers support, information and education.
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Source:
Kneece, Judy C. Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook 6th ed. 2005. (To order: EduCare, 5150 Ashley Phosphate Rd., Ste. 101, N. Charleston, S.C. 29418, USA (1-800-849-9271)
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Grand Rapids Affiliate, Wings of Hope: Breast Cancer Resource Guide. 2006. (Address: 118 Commerce Ave. SW Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA)