Breast Cancer Advocacy, Education, and Support Groups

The following organizations provide a variety of programs, educational materials, and other forms of support for people with breast cancer, their family members, caregivers, and friends. However, remember that this is not an endorsement of these organizations and the information they provide. You should always discuss any questions or concerns you have with your health care provider.

http://www.cancer.org

1-800-ACS-2345 (toll-free information line)

1-866-228-4327 for TTY

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a national organization working to eradicate cancer through research, advocacy, and service.  Among its many services, the ACS has a call center that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer questions about cancer and link callers with resources in their communities. 

Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund

http://www.avonbreastcare.org

The Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund provides outreach to medically underserved women by helping fund community-based breast cancer treatment and screening services.  The website includes discussion forums and a list of funded programs. 

Bosom Buddies

http://www.bosombuddies.org

1-877-245-1300

Founded by breast cancer survivors, Bosom Buddies aims to help ease the fear and anxiety of a breast cancer diagnosis. It produces videotapes to help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their families. These videotapes are sold through the website.

CancerCare

http://www.cancercare.org

Telephone: 1-800-813-4673

E-mail: info@cancercare.org

CancerCare, founded in 1944, is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs–including counseling, education, financial assistance, and practical help–are provided by trained oncology social workers and are completely free. 

Expedition Inspiration

http://www.expeditioninspiration.org

The Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research raises awareness and monies for breast cancer research. It also promotes the physical and mental well-being of breast cancer survivors through organized and sponsored outdoor activities.  The website includes information about EI’s "Take-a-Hike" and other programs for breast cancer survivors, their families, and friends.

FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered

http://www.facingourrisk.org

1-866-824-7475 (helpline), voicemail line 1-866-288-7475

FORCE is a non-profit organization for women with increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer because of family history and genetic factors, and for members of families in which there may be a BRCA mutation. The website includes information about cancer, risk management, and finding health care. 

Her2 Support Group

http://www.her2support.org

Her2Support.org is an online support group for women whose breast tumors are HER2 positive. The website includes message boards, patient stories, and information about the Her2 gene. 

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation

http://www.ibcresearch.org

1-877-786-7422

IBCRF is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting research and finding a cure for inflammatory breast cancer. The website includes IBC news, educational materials, and resources for newly diagnosed patients and caregivers.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Support

http://www.ibcsupport.org

IBC Support provides information and an email support group for those with inflammatory breast cancer and their caregivers.  The website provides treatment information and patient stories.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer

http://www.lbbc.org

1-888-753-5222

LBBC’s mission is to encourage all women with breast cancer to live long and high quality lives.  The website offers breast cancer news and information about LBBC’s programs and services. The services include online publications, conferences and teleconferences, and the Survivors' Telephone Helpline, where patients can speak with breast cancer survivors.   

Livingwithit.org

http://www.livingwithit.org

This is a sanofi-aventis Group sponsored support program for people with breast cancer.  The website includes breast cancer information, diet and exercise information, and financial information. 

National Action Plan on Breast Cancer

http://www.4woman.gov/napbc/

1-800-994-9662

This is a federal source for women with breast cancer and includes information about clinical trials, worldwide breast cancer events, and frequently asked questions about breast cancer.

National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations

http://www.nabco.org/

This website includes links for several breast cancer topics, including metastatic breast cancer, breast cancer pictures, and breast cancer treatments. 

National Breast Cancer Coalition

http://www.natlbcc.org

1-800-622-2838

NBCC is a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to fighting breast cancer. The website includes breast cancer information, news, and information about grassroots advocacy.

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org

The National Breast Cancer Foundation and website provide information about topics such as early detection and cancer myths.  The foundation also helps provide mammograms for people in need. 

National Cancer Institute

http://www.cancer.gov

1-800-422-6237

TTY: 1-800-332-8615

The NCI is a federal organization and a component of the National Institute of Health. The NCI’s National Cancer Program supports and conducts research and distributes cancer information.  The website includes information about various cancer topics, research information, and cancer statistics. The website also includes a description of the NCI's initiative to eliminate cancer death and suffering by the year 2015.

Oncolink

http://www.oncolink.org

Cancer specialists from the University of Pennsylvania founded Oncolink to provide cancer information to cancer patients, health care professionals, and the general public.  The website includes information about various cancer topics, coping information, and an “Ask the Experts” section.  

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

http://www.komen.org

1-800-462-9273 (1-800-I’M-AWARE)

The Komen Foundation is a global forerunner in the fight against breast cancer through its support of research and community programs. The website includes breast cancer information, fundraising event information, and breast cancer and Komen Foundation news.

Women’s Cancer Network

http://www.wcn.org

WCN informs women about cancers specific to them.  The website includes cancer information, survivor stories, and a doctor locator tool

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization

http://www.y-me.org

1-800-221-2141

Y-ME provides information and support to those with breast cancer and their families.  The organization also offers a 24/7 call center operated by breast cancer survivors.  The website includes breast cancer and quality of life information as well as information about the call center. 

Young Survival Coalition

http://www.youngsurvival.org

The YSC provides education, support, and advocacy for women with breast cancer who are under the age of 40.  The website includes program information and an online newsletter. Programs and events include conferences, teleconferences, and exercise and wellbeing classes for women with breast cancer.