October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Statistics and Information

In 2017, it’s estimated that among U.S. women there will be:
*252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer
*40,610 breast cancer deaths

Over the last three decades, every major cancer breakthrough has been funded in part by
Susan G. Komen.  Throughout October, there are events and fundraisers held to raise funds and awareness for this worthy cause.

Breast Cancer Awareness Events

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there are countless events, so find one happening in your area and let’s fight for the cure — together.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Where: Newark, Ocean City, Parsippany, Point Pleasant Beach, Piscataway, Pennsauken, Jersey City, Ridgefield Park
When: Various dates
Price: Donations Accepted
Details: Each one of these charity walks helps to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s fight against breast cancer. Before and after the walks, breast cancer survivor speakers talk about their experiences and how to stay strong. There is also live entertainment.
More info: Visit American Cancer Society 

HEALING THRU HOPE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS CONCERT 

Where: New Jersey City University, 2039 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
When: October 14
Price: $30-50
Details: This annual Breast Cancer Awareness Concert at the Margaret Williams Theater at Hepburn Hall at New Jersey City University is held in support of those battling breast cancer as well as those who lost their lives to the disease. The VIP Package (at $50) includes light refreshments, celebrity meet & greet reception, a photo op, pre-admission and priority seating.
More info: Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healing-thru-hope-breast-cancer-awareness-concert-tickets-37475399930 or contact ssiegel@njcu.edu.

Kim’s Breast Friends “Pink Shirt Soirée”

Where: The Loft, 8 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
When: October 19
Price: $50
Details: Kim’s Breast Friends hosts an electrifying event featuring tons of food, great music, and nonstop dancing. The casual event also has a Tricky Tray for all in attendance, so the organizer suggests bringing some extra cash along, so you don’t miss out on any of the goodies. Just don’t forget to wear pink, or else you won’t be let in!
More info: Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kims-best-friends-pink-shirt-soiree-tickets-37757378335 or call 973-477-3359.

Think Pink: A Celebration of Life

Where: 306 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
When: October 26
Price: $20
Details: “Think Pink: A Celebration of Life,” held at Hoboken’s Union Hall, offers an evening filled with music, cocktails, food, and raffles to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. There will also be a variety of wine selections as well as excellent prizes, including tickets to sporting events.
More info: Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/think-pink-a-celebration-of-life-to-benefit-the-susan-g-komen-foundation-tickets-37860086538 or call 201-977-6658.

Breast Cancer Resources

There are various organizations that offer complimentary resources for those diagnosed with breast cancer and loved ones.  Susan G Komen has created a master list of resources (below)

Risk Factors and Risk Reduction – General information

BreastCancerTrials.org
Search for clinical trials on risk reduction for healthy women and women at high risk of breast cancer.
www.breastcancertrials.org/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Find information on risk factors for breast cancer.
www.cdc.gov

Calculate your body mass index (BMI).
www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/index.html 

Department of Agriculture – ChooseMyPlate.gov
Offers free, online tools to help plan and track weight and exercise goals for healthy living, including Supertracker.
www.choosemyplate.gov

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Find information on product safety (regarding breast cancer risk) and information on drugs used to lower the risk of breast cancer.
www.fda.gov/

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Find information on risk factors for breast cancer.
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/PDFs/index.php

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine – Breast Cancer and the Environment, a Life Course Approach
Find a report sponsored by Komen on the role of the environment in breast cancer.
www.national-academies.org/

National Cancer Institute – Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
Find information on breast cancer risk and the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool.
www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/

National Library of Medicine – Pubmed
Search for summaries of scientific journal articles.
www.pubmed.com/

National Toxicology Program
Find information on risk factors for breast cancer.
www.ntp.niehs.nih.gov/

Office of the Surgeon General – My Family Health Portrait
Create a chart of your family’s health history for discussions with your healthcare provider.
https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/FHH/html/index.html 

Resources for People at Higher Risk of Breast Cancer

American Cancer Society
Find guidelines for breast cancer screening for people at higher risk of breast cancer due to family history or inherited gene mutations.
www.cancer.org

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Find information on risk-lowering options for people at higher risk of breast cancer.
www.asco.org

BreastCancerTrials.org
Search for clinical trials recruiting people with BRCA1/2 or other gene mutations.
www.breastcancertrials.org

Bright Pink
Offers online social support for people considering BRCA1/2 genetic testing.
www.brightpink.org

Cancer Resource Foundation
Provides financial assistance for BRCA1/2 genetic testing for people who qualify.
www.cancer1source.org/genetic-testing-programs

Department of Health and Human Services – Affordable Care Act
Find information on health coverage for genetic testing and counseling under the Affordable Care Act.
www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/bystate/statebystate.html

Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)
Find information and online social support for people at higher risk of breast cancer due to family history or inherited gene mutations.
www.facingourrisk.org/

Myriad Financial Assistance Program
Provides financial assistance for BRCA1/2 genetic testing for people who qualify.
www.myriad.com/myriad-cares-2/financial-assistance-program/

National Cancer Institute – Genetics of Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Find information on genetic testing and genetic risk factors for breast cancer.
www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-ovarian-genetics-pdq

National Cancer Institute – Genetic Testing
Find information on genetic testing.
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Find information on risk-lowering options and breast cancer screening guidelines for people at higher risk of breast cancer.
www.nccn.org/

National Institutes of Health
Search for clinical trials recruiting people with BRCA1, BRCA2 or other gene mutations.
www.clinicaltrials.gov

National Society of Genetic Counselors
Find a genetic counselor or information on genetic counseling.
www.nsgc.org/

Office of the Surgeon General – My Family Health Portrait
Create a chart of your family’s health history for discussions with your healthcare provider.
https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/FHH/html/index.html

Sharsheret
Find information and online social support for people at higher risk of breast cancer due to family history or inherited gene mutations.
http://www.sharsheret.org/ 

Early Detection and Screening – General information

American Cancer Society
Find guidelines for breast cancer early detection and screening.
www.cancer.org

BreastCancerTrials.org – Early Detection and Screening
Search for clinical trials on breast cancer early detection and screening.
www.breastcancertrials.org

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Find a list of FDA-approved mammography centers.
www.fda.gov/

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Mammography Facility Adverse Event Report
Check for reports of poor quality for mammography centers and any corrective actions.
www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/MammographyQualityStandardsActandProgram

National Cancer Institute
Find information on breast cancer screening and the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool.
www.cancer.gov

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Find guidelines for breast cancer early detection and screening.
www.nccn.org/

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Find recommendations for breast cancer early detection and screening.
www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/

Early Detection and Screening – Breast cancer screening services

American Association on Health and Disability
Works to improve access to mammography screening for women with disabilities.
www.aahd.us/

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Find information on free and low-cost mammograms.
www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/

Planned Parenthood
Provides clinical breast exams and referrals for mammography.
www.plannedparenthood.org

Sisters Network Inc.
Provides financial assistance for mammograms.
www.sistersnetworkinc.org/programs.html

YWCA
Some local chapters provide breast cancer education and screening to women without access to health services.
www.ywca.org/  

Diagnosis

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Find clinical guidelines and information on diagnosis.
www.cancer.net/

College of American Pathologists
Find information on the contents of a pathology report.
www.mybiopsy.org

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Find information on inflammatory breast cancer diagnosis and care.
www.ibcresearch.org/

National Cancer Institute
Find information on different types of breast cancers as well as other types of cancer that can occur in the breast.
www.cancer.gov

National Cancer Institute – Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program
Find statistics on breast cancer in the U.S.
www.seer.cancer.gov/statistics/

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Find physician guidelines on breast cancer diagnosis. (Treatment guidelines for patients are also available.)
www.nccn.org/

Society of Nuclear Medicine
Find information on positron emission tomography (PET) scans and other types of nuclear medicine imaging of the breast (molecular breast imaging).
www.discovermi.org

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation
Find information on triple negative breast cancer.
www.tnbcfoundation.org/   

Treatment – Clinical trial information

BreastCancerTrials.org – Breast Cancer Treatment

Search for clinical trials on specific areas of breast cancer care.

• All breast cancer clinical trials
  www.breastcancertrials.org
• Breast reconstruction
  www.breastcancertrials.org
• Fertility preservation for younger women diagnosed with breast cancer
  www.breastcancertrials.org
• Hormone therapies for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
  www.breastcancertrials.org
• Inflammatory breast cancer
  www.breastcancertrials.org
• Metastatic breast cancer
  www.breastcancertrials.org
• Quality of life issues related to breast cancer
  www.breastcancertrials.org
• Triple-negative breast cancer treatment
  www.breastcancertrials.org
• Young breast cancer survivors
  www.breastcancertrials.org

CenterWatch
Find information on joining a clinical trial or search for a clinical trial.
www.centerwatch.com/

Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups
Provides information on finding and joining a clinical trial.
www.cancertrialshelp.org/

National Cancer Institute – Clinical Trials
Find information on joining a clinical trial.
www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/

National Institutes of Health – Clinical Center and Clinical Trials Information
Find information on current clinical trial research and joining a clinical trial.
www.cc.nih.gov/
www.clinicaltrials.gov/

Reagan-Udall Foundation and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Expanded Access Navigator
Find information, resources and an online tool to learn about expanded access (compassionate use) options.
http://navigator.reaganudall.org/

Treatment – Information on treatment options

American College of Radiology
Find information on current radiation therapy options.
www.acr.org/

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Find breast cancer treatment guidelines and information on treatment options.
www.cancer.net/

American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Find information on breast reconstruction.
www.plasticsurgery.org/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Find information on the seasonal flu shot for breast cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
www.cdc.gov/cancer/flu/

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Consumer Information on Breast Implants
Find information on breast implants.
www.fda.gov/

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Drug Safety
Find information on the safety of drugs used to treat breast cancer.
www.fda.gov/

International Consensus Conference for Advanced Breast Cancer
Works to improve outcomes for patients around the world with metastatic breast cancer. The International Consensus Conference for Advanced Breast Cancer is part of the Union for International Cancer Control.
www.abc-lisbon.org/

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Find the report “Delivering High-Quality Cancer Care: Charting a New Course for a System in Crisis” which recommends improvements to fix shortcomings in cancer care.
www.national-academies.org/

National Cancer Institute
Find breast cancer treatment guidelines and information on treatment options.
www.cancer.gov/ 

National Cancer Institute – Eating Hints Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
Find tips on ways to improve diet and loss of appetite during breast cancer treatment.
http://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/eating-hints

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
Find the “Cancer Survival Toolbox,” a program that helps people with cancer navigate diagnosis, treatment, and other care.
www.canceradvocacy.org/toolbox/

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Find breast cancer treatment guidelines.
www.nccn.com/

National Institutes of Health – Medline Plus
Find information on chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy drugs used to treat breast cancer.
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/

Treatment – Insurance and financial issues

See Financial Issues (includes information on health care assistance as well as transportation, lodging, child care and elder care assistance).

Treatment – Air travel information

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Find information on airline security screening for breast cancer survivors.
www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures  

Complementary and Integrative Therapies – General information

National Cancer Institute – Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM)
Find detailed information on integrative and complementary therapies for people living with cancer.
https://cam.cancer.gov/

National Institutes of Health – National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Find detailed information on integrative and complementary therapies.
www.nccam.nih.gov/

Natural Medicines
Find information on integrative and complementary therapies.
www.naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com

Complementary and Integrative Therapies – Safety information

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Cancer Treatment Scams
Find information on false cancer treatment claims.
www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0104-cancer-treatment-scams

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Check for safety alerts on integrative and complementary therapies.
www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Beware of Online Cancer Fraud
Find information on scam cancer treatments.
www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm048383.htm

National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements
Find information and safety alerts on dietary supplements.
www.ods.od.nih.gov

U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)
Check if a dietary supplement has been tested and USP verified for integrity, purity and safe manufacturing.
http://www.usp.org/dietary-supplements-herbal-medicines

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
www.naturopathic.org/

American Massage Therapy Association
www.amtamassage.org/

Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards
www.fclb.org/

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
www.ncbtmb.com/

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
www.nccaom.org/ 

Complementary and Integrative Therapies – Clinical trials

BreastCancerTrials.org
Search for clinical trials on integrative and complementary therapies.
www.breastcancertrials.org

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Find information and a list of clinical trials on integrative and complementary therapies.
https://nccih.nih.gov/research/clinicaltrials

See also Treatment-Clinical trials.  

Getting Good Care

Administrators in Medicine – Association of State Medical Board Executive Directors
Search for a licensed physician.
www.docboard.org/

American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
Verify a physician is board certified.
www.abms.org/

American Cancer Society – Talking with Your Doctor
Find tips on talking with your healthcare provider.
www.cancer.org

American Medical Association – DoctorFinder
Search for a licensed physician.
https://apps.ama-assn.org/doctorfinder/home.jsp

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Search for an oncologist.
www.cancer.net/

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Search for an FDA-approved mammography center.
www.fda.gov/

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Mammography Facility Adverse Event Report
Check for reports of poor quality for mammography centers and any corrective actions.
www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/MammographyQualityStandardsActandProgram

Joint Commission 
Find a healthcare organization that meets the Joint Commission’s safety and quality standards.
www.qualitycheck.org/consumer/searchQCR.aspx

Intercultural Cancer Council
Promotes programs and policies to remove racial and ethnic barriers to breast cancer care.
www.iccnetwork.org/

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Find the report “Delivering High-Quality Cancer Care: Charting a New Course for a System in Crisis” which recommends improvements to fix shortcomings in cancer care.
www.national-academies.org/

National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)
Works to improve quality of care in medical centers that offer multidisciplinary breast cancer care.
www.napbc-breast.org/

National Center for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Find the accreditation rating (based on quality standards) for a health management organization (HMO).
http://reportcard.ncqa.org/

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
Find the publication “Teamwork: The Cancer Patient’s Guide to Talking with Your Doctor.”
www.canceradvocacy.org

Office of the Surgeon General – My Family Health Portrait
Create a chart of your family’s health history for discussions with your health care provider.
https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action

Getting Good Care – Resources for co-survivors

American Cancer Society
Find a guide for families and caregivers on giving good cancer care at home.
www.cancer.org

Find information for caregivers.
www.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Find information on care for people living with cancer.
www.cancer.gov/   

Survivorship Topics – General health and other information

American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
Find a specialist trained in sexual health problems for people with cancer.
www.aasect.org/ 

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Find guidelines and information on medical care after treatment for breast cancer.
www.cancer.net/

Cancer and Careers
Find tips on going back to work after breast cancer treatment.
www.cancerandcareers.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Find information on the seasonal flu shot and other topics for breast cancer survivors.
www.cdc.gov/cancer/flu/

Department of Agriculture – ChooseMyPlate.gov
Offers free, online tools to help plan and track weight and exercise goals for healthy living, including Supertracker.
www.choosemyplate.gov

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Find information on hormone therapies to treat menopausal symptoms.
www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForWomen/ucm118624.htm

International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
Find a specialist trained in sexual health problems for people with cancer.
www.isswsh.org/

My Journey Forward
Find a tool to help make a plan for care after breast cancer treatment.
www.journeyforward.org/planning-tools/my-care-plan

National Cancer Institute – Office of Cancer Survivorship
Find resources and information on medical care and other issues after treatment for breast cancer.
www.cancercontrol.cancer.gov/ocs/

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Find guidelines on medical care after treatment for breast cancer.
www.nccn.com/

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Find information on weight control and physical activity.
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
Find the “Cancer Survival Toolbox,” a program that helps people with cancer navigate diagnosis, treatment, and other care.
www.canceradvocacy.org/toolbox/

Survivorship Topics – Fertility and other issues for younger survivors

LIVESTRONG Fertility (formerly known as Fertile Hope)
Provides financial aid to women with breast cancer whose insurance will not cover fertility treatment.
www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/fertility-services/

Young Survival Coalition
Find information and networking services for young breast cancer survivors.
www.youngsurvival.org/

Survivorship Topics – Lymphedema

CancerCare – Komen Treatment Assistance Fund
Provides financial assistance for lymphedema supplies.
www.cancercare.org/financial/information

Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Find information on lymphedema.
www.lbbc.org/

Lymphatic Education and Research Network 
Find a clinical trial and other information on lymphedema.
www.lymphaticnetwork.org/

Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)
Find a list of physical therapists who specialize in lymphedema treatment.
www.clt-lana.org/about.html

National Cancer Institute — Lymphedema
Find information on lymphedema.
www.cancer.gov

National Lymphedema Network
Find a lymphedema support group, physical therapist and financial assistance for garments as well as information on lymphedema.
www.lymphnet.org

Patient Advocate Foundation – Financial Aid Fund
Provides financial assistance for lymphedema care and supplies.
www.patientadvocate.org/resources

Survivorship Topics – Genetic testing

National Cancer Institute – Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Find information on genetic testing for inherited gene mutations related to breast cancer.
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/genetic-testing

Survivorship Topics – Clinical trials for breast cancer survivors

See Treatment – Clinical trials.

Survivorship Topics – Getting involved

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Learn about ways survivors can participate in activities to support the breast cancer cause at the state or local level.
www.cdc.gov/cancer/ncccp/

National Cancer Institute
Learn about ways survivors can participate in activities to support the breast cancer cause at the national level.
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/make-a-difference/page1

Survivorship Topics – Air travel information

See Treatment – Air travel information.

Survivorship Topics – Social support

See Social Support.

Social Support

4th Angel – Patient and Caregiver Mentoring Program
Offers telephone support programs for women living with breast cancer and their caregivers.
f www.4thangel.org/

Advanced Breast Cancer Community
Offers online support groups for women with metastatic (stage IV, advanced) breast cancer as well as information on metastatic breast cancer.
www.advancedbreastcancercommunity.org/

American Cancer Society – Cancer Survivors Network
An online community for women and men living with breast cancer and their co-survivors.
http://csn.cancer.org/

American Cancer Society – Reach to Recovery
Offers support programs (in-person and telephone) for women and men living with cancer.
www.cancer.org/

American Cancer Society – I Can Cope
Offers support programs (in-person, online and telephone) for women and men living with cancer and their co-survivors.
www.cancer.org/

Association of Cancer Online Resources
Find an online support group.
www.acor.org/

BreastCancerTrials.org – Clinical Trials on Quality of Life Issues
Search for clinical trials on quality of life issues related to breast cancer.
www.breastcancertrials.org

Camp Kesem
Offers summer camps for children with parents who have or have had cancer.
www.campkesem.org

Cancer and Careers
Find information for working women with cancer.
www.cancerandcareers.org/

Cancer Support Community (formerly Gilda’s Club Worldwide and The Wellness Community)
Offers support programs (in-person, online and telephone) for women and men living with cancer and their co-survivors.
www.cancersupportcommunity.org/

CancerCare
Find an online support group.
www.cancercare.org/

CancerConnect
Find an online support group (for patients, survivors, caregivers, and co-survivors).
www.cancerconnect.com

CaringBridge
Offers personal, protected sites with multiple privacy settings where people can stay connected during any health event. An online planner can help family and friends coordinate care and helpful tasks.
www.caringbridge.org

Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)
Offers online support for women at higher risk of breast cancer due to family history or inherited gene mutations.
www.facingourrisk.org/

Imerman Angels
Offers online support programs for women and men living with cancer and their caregivers.
www.imermanangels.org/

Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Find information on breast cancer support and care.
www.lbbc.org/

Mautner Project of Whitman-Walker Health
Offers support programs (online and telephone) for lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals living with cancer, and their partners.
www.whitman-walker.org/mautnerproject

Men Against Breast Cancer
Offers online support programs for men who are caregivers of women with breast cancer.
www.menagainstbreastcancer.org/

My Cancer Circle
Offers an online tool for co-survivors to coordinate support activities (such as preparing meals and giving rides to treatment).
www.mycancercircle.net

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
Find the publication “Teamwork: The Cancer Patient’s Guide to Talking with Your Doctor.”
www.canceradvocacy.org

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Find local hospice care.
www.nhpco.org/

Pink-Link
Offers online support groups.
www.pink-link.org

Sharsheret
Find information and online social support for people at higher risk of breast cancer due to family history or inherited gene mutations.
www.sharsheret.org/

Well Spouse Foundation
Provides support programs (in-person, online and telephone) to spouses and partners.
www.wellspouse.org/

Young Survival Coalition
Provides support programs (online and telephone) for young breast cancer survivors and a resource kit for young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
www.youngsurvival.org/  

Find a resource kit for young women living with metastatic breast cancer.
www.youngsurvival.org/metastatic-navigator

Financial Issues – General information

A.M. Best Company
Find insurance company ratings.
www.ambest.com/

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Provides information on choosing a health plan.
www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/

America’s Health Insurance Plans
National directory of health insurance plans and information on types of coverage.
ahip.org/

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Find detailed information on Medicare and other health insurance programs for people over 50.
www.aarp.org/health/

American Cancer Society – Taking Charge of Money Matters workshop
Offers a series of booklets on financial topics for people living with cancer.
www.cancer.org/

Department of Health and Human Services
Learn about the Affordable Care Act (health care reform).
www.healthcare.gov/

Medicare (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Find information on the Medicare health insurance program, including prescription drug plans.
www.medicare.gov

Medicaid
Find your state’s Medicaid toll-free hotline.
www.medicaid.gov

National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Find your state’s insurance commissioner.
www.naic.org/

National Cancer Legal Services Network (NCLSN)
Find a directory of organizations that provide free legal help for people and families affected by cancer.
www.nclsn.org

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Publishes the booklets “Working It Out: Your Employment Rights as a Cancer Survivor” and “What Cancer Survivors Need to Know About Health Insurance.”
www.canceradvocacy.org

Patient Advocate Foundation
Offers legal and advocacy help when disputing insurance claim denials and provides financial assistance information.
www.patientadvocate.org

Patient Advocate Foundation – National Underinsured Resource Directory
Offers an online tool and a smartphone app to help find local, state and national resources for people who are underinsured and looking for insurance coverage options or other types of financial assistance.
www.patientadvocate.org/help4u.php   

Financial issues – Health care assistance (medical care, prescription drugs, and other medical items)

Cancer Resource Foundation
Provides financial assistance for BRCA1/2 genetic testing for people who qualify.
www.cancer1source.org/genetic-testing-programs

CancerCare – Co-payment Assistance Foundation
Offers health insurance co-payment assistance to breast cancer patients undergoing some types of chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
www.cancercarecopay.org

CancerCare – Komen Treatment Assistance Fund
Provides limited financial assistance for some medications, medical equipment, and lymphedema supplies.
www.cancercare.org/financial/information

Medicare (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Find information on Medicare prescription drug plans.
www.medicare.gov

Myriad Financial Assistance Program
Provides financial assistance for BRCA1/2 genetic testing for people who qualify.
www.myriad.com/myriad-cares-2/financial-assistance-program/

NeedyMeds.com
Provides information on how to find pharmaceutical manufacturer assistance programs.
www.needymeds.com

Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
Provides financial assistance for prescription drug co-payments to people with metastatic breast cancer who qualify.
www.panfoundation.org/

Patient Advocate Foundation – Co-Pay Relief Program
Provides financial assistance for prescription drug co-payments to people who qualify.
www.copays.org

Patient Advocate Foundation – Financial Aid Fund
Provides limited financial help for medical equipment, lymphedema care, transportation to and from treatment, child care, and elder care during treatment, breast prosthesis and wigs. The Financial Aid Fund is a partnership between Susan G. Komen and the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF).
www.patientadvocate.org

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
Offers low-cost and free prescription drug programs for those with limited income.
www.pparx.org/

Sisters Network Inc.
Provides financial assistance for copays and breast prosthesis.
www.sistersnetworkinc.org/programs.html

Social Security Administration
Find your local social security office.
www.ssa.gov/

Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (U.S. Department of Labor)
Find information on federal laws requiring insurance coverage of breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
www.dol.gov/ebsa/publications/whcra.html   

Financial Issues – Transportation assistance

Local transportation

American Cancer Society – Road to Recovery
Provides local transportation to and from cancer treatments.
www.cancer.org

CancerCare – AVONCares Program
Provides limited financial assistance for transportation to and from cancer treatments.
www.cancercare.org

CancerCare – Komen Treatment Assistance Fund
Provides limited financial assistance for transportation to and from cancer treatments.
www.cancercare.org/financial/information

Patient Advocate Foundation – Financial Aid Fund
Provides financial assistance for transportation to and from treatment.
www.patientadvocate.org

Long-distance transportation

Air Charity Network
Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.
www.aircharitynetwork.org/

Corporate Angel Network
Uses empty seats on corporate aircraft to help cancer patients reach treatment centers.
www.corpangelnetwork.org/

Lifeline Pilots
Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.
www.lifelinepilots.org/

Mercy Medical Airlift
Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.
www.mercymedical.org/

National Patient Travel Center
Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.
www.patienttravel.org/

Raquel’s Wings for Life
Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.
www.raquelswingsforlife.com/

Financial Issues – Lodging assistance

American Cancer Society – Hope Lodge
Provides lodging for families during cancer treatments.
www.cancer.org/

Sisters Network Inc.
Provides lodging for patients during breast cancer treatments.
www.sistersnetworkinc.org/programs.html

Financial Issues – Child care and elder care assistance

CancerCare – AVONCares Program
Provides limited financial assistance for child care during treatment.
www.cancercare.org 

CancerCare – Komen Treatment Assistance Fund
Provides limited financial assistance for child care during treatment.
www.cancercare.org/financial/information

Patient Advocate Foundation – Financial Aid Fund
Provides financial assistance for child care and elder care during treatment.
www.patientadvocate.org     

International Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Find a list of cancer organizations outside the United States.
www.who.int/cancer/media/linksgeneral/en/index.html

A great tool is the Susan G Komen Screening Reminder Tool.  Sign up, and they will remind you when it is time to be tested!  More information can be found at Susan G Komen 

https://www.cancercare.org/diagnosis/breast_cancer