BREAST CANCER SUPPORT SERVICES
Cancer Support In General
Provides free counseling for cancer patients and their families, financial assistance, information and referrals, community and professional education, teleconference programs, and ongoing telephone and in-person support groups.
Voice: 1-800-813-4673
Nonprofit that empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace, by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events. Its free services include a comprehensive website and library of publications in English and Spanish; legal and insurance information; career coaching; resume review, and much more.
Email:cancerandcareers@cew.org
Provides one-on-one support to cancer patients and their families undergoing cancer treatment from trained volunteers who have survived cancer themselves.
Voice: 1-877-467-3638
Provides support, education, and hope through a global network to people affected by cancer.
E-mail: help@cancersupportcommunity.org
Offers personal, protected websites that can be used during a health journey to share updates with family and friends.
Provide a safe and supportive care community consisting of multidisciplinary service providers, for people and their care-givers who are transitioning from active cancer treatment to every-day life
Offers free professional housecleaning and maid services to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer.
Voice: 1-877-337-3348
The Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance's (LBCA’) mission is to make all who are touched by ILC aware of its unique characteristics and the critical need for more ILC research; to be the go-to source for information on ILC studies, clinical trials and educational tools, and much more.
Helps cancer patients improve their appearance during treatment. Free workshops across the country.
Voice: 1-800-227-2345
Matches cancer patients with others who have had the exact same diagnosis for support.
Voice: 1-800-345-6324
Provides a special support organization for breast cancer survivors /supporters. They offer a unique survivorship program that uses recreational dragon boat paddling to manage side effects of treatment for breast cancer survivors and promotes a positive and healthy lifestyle.
Patient Advocate Foundation is a national non-profit charity that provides direct services to patients with chronic, life threatening and debilitating diseases to help access care and treatment recommended by their doctor. We offer free telephone-based case management services, educational materials, resource directories, financial aid funds, and have a co-pay relief program.
Voice: 1-800-532-5274
PEN is a nonprofit organization who’s mission is to fortify cancer patients and care partners with the knowledge and tools to boost their confidence, put them in control of their healthcare journey, and assist them in receiving the best, most personalized care available to ensure they have the best possible outcome. PEN helps enhance patient health literacy to enable shared decision-making and resources to empower patients and care partners at every step of their cancer journey
A membership based virtual wellness house for those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer and their loved ones.
Connects persons with cancer to home volunteers with same type of cancer. Provides free books about cancer.
Voice: 1-800-433-0464
The Skarlette collection; attractive post-surgical lingerie, designed by flat women, for flat women.
Email: hello@skarlette.co.uk
Provides meal planning service for caregivers, friends, and family.
Triage Cancer provides education on legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers. Through free in-person and online educational events, materials, animated videos, and state-specific resources, Triage Cancer provides expert content on issues related to work, insurance, disability benefits, finances, estate planning, medical decision-making, and more.
Twisted Pink
Twisted Pink is a non-profit organization headquartered in Louisville, KY with a mission to provide hope and connection to people living with metastatic breast cancer by funding bold breakthroughs in research and awareness of the disease. We offer support, research and hope to people of all stages of breast cancer through our monthly Lunch & Learn programs, our Box of Hope program and our annual advocacy scholarships. Find out more at www.twistedpink.org
Cancer Support in Specific
Asian Women for Health is a peer-led, community-based network dedicated to advancing Asian women’s health and wellness through education, advocacy, and support as well as through their 8-week Achieving Whole Health online wellness program. The goal is for Asian women to be well informed, have access to care that is of great quality and culturally appropriate so they are inspired to live happy, healthy lives.
The Bright Spot Network provides young cancer survivors who are parents of small children with a safe space for individual and familial healing, recovery, and reconnection
HIS Breast Cancer Awareness nonprofit organization was founded in honor of all men who are at risk of, diagnosed and surviving with the Disease of Breast Cancer and to those who have died because of it.
Our mission is to increase awareness and hence the early detection for all men and to help those who are at high risk due to genetics and other risk factors to gain access to regular screenings.
Email: hisbreastcancer@gmail.com
If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe, you may be eligible for health services within the Indian Health Service.
Our mission is to advocate for all men diagnosed with breast cancer to ensure they receive equal access to support and treatment; to serve as a source of support and resources for the men, their caregivers, and their families; to ensure that men are appropriately represented in research and clinical trials, and to recruit volunteer “ambassadors” to increase awareness of breast cancer in men on a global scale.
Men Against Breast Cancer
Offers educational materials, online videos, workshops, and one-on-one networking with other men whose loved one has breast cancer. Conducts National Male Caregivers Conference and regional training workshops.
Voice: 1-866-547-6222
Supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer.
Tigerlily Foundation’s mission is to educate, advocate for, empower, and support young women, before, during and after breast cancer. We envision a future where a breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t inspire fear, but ignites hope for a future. Through our programs, we seek to educate and empower women of all backgrounds, including those at heightened risk, those facing health disparities, and those with less access to care.
National Native American Cancer Survivors’ Support Network
An educational community-based research study created to help improve the quality of cancer care and the quality of life for all American Indian, Alaska Native, and First Nations cancer patients and their loved ones.
Voice: 1-800-537-8295
PEN - Digitally Empowered
The program is a completely free, on demand, ten-module course that walks participants through the basics of technology as they learn how it can be effectively utilized to navigate their cancer journey.
Pickles help support children affected by their parents or guardians cancer. Pickles Group creates thriving communities of kids supporting kids through and beyond their parent’s cancer journeys. Pickles kids strengthen resilience, have fun with friends who get them, and heal along the way.
Provides information and support for young women with breast cancer.
Discover information, inspiration and innovation for health equity in breast care.
More Life Magazine is a community-curated platform presented by The Missing Pink Breast Cancer Alliance. It is dedicated to sharing information, inspiration and innovation regarding efforts to advance health equity in breast care for communities of color.
INSURANCE ASSISTANCE
Find information on choosing a health insurance plan and the Affordable Care Act.
Find insurance company ratings.
Find detailed information on Medicare and other health insurance programs for people over 50.
888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277)
Find information on financial topics.
800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
The HealthWell Foundation is a national non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to insured Americans who struggle to meet their out-of-pocket costs for medical treatments.
Email: grants@healthwellfoundation.org
Phone: (800) 675-8416
Find your state's insurance commissioner.
Find a directory of organizations that offer free legal help for people diagnosed with cancer and their families.
Find the booklets “Understanding Your Health Insurance” and "Your Employment Rights."
877-NCCS-YES (877-622-7937)
Offers financial assistance information and legal and advocacy help if an insurance claim is denied.
800-532-5274
Find local, state and national resources for people who have insurance but struggle to pay out-of-pocket costs of care.
800-532-5274
The Catherine H. Tuck Foundation
Offers financial assistance for personal expenses including rent, utilities and food, and transportation to and from cancer treatments.
Offers legal and practical materials in English and Spanish to help understand and compare your insurance options, what to do when you lose your insurance and work, and appeal denials of coverage.
A health care provider, such as your physician, nurse or social worker may have information on financial resources. Most hospitals and treatment centers have financial counselors. They can help you with the details of your insurance paperwork and give you an estimate of the cost of your treatment.
Financial counselors can also help you work out a payment plan. If you are unable to pay, some places may be willing to reduce or waive some costs if you ask.
Hospital discharge planners, patient service offices, nurse navigators and patient navigators may also have information on resources and advice about financial matters.
Insurance questions
For questions about your insurance policy, state insurance agencies and insurance companies can be helpful.
Learn more about insurance.
No matter your income, you may qualify for financial aid from federal, state or local programs. A financial counselor at your hospital can help you learn about these programs.
Many organizations offer financial assistance and help with travel, lodging and medical items, including prescription drugs. Some are listed below.
Information on insurance and other financial issues
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Healthcare Assistance
Offers financial assistance for health insurance premiums.
Offers financial assistance for breast prosthesis, medical bras and compression arm sleeves.
Offers financial assistance for personal expenses including mortgage or rent, utilities, food and car payments.
Find your local social security office.
Find information on federal laws requiring insurance coverage of breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Prescription Drug Assistance
Offers health insurance co-payment assistance for chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs.
866-55-COPAY (866-552-6729)
Genetic testing
Myriad Financial Assistance Program
Offers financial assistance for genetic testing.
Offers financial assistance for personal expenses including mortgage or rent, utilities, food and car payments.
Find an online directory of drug company assistance programs.
Offers low-cost and free prescription drug programs for people with limited income.
888-4PPA-NOW (888-477-2669)
Offers financial assistance for prescription drug co-payments.
866-512-3861
Offers financial assistance for genetic testing.
888-4PPA-NOW (888-477-2669)
Find an online directory of prescription drug assistance programs.
Offers financial assistance for prescription drugs co-payments.
Since September 2010, the Affordable Care Act has required all new health insurance plans to cover yearly mammograms with no co-payment (co-insurance) for women ages 40 and older.
In many parts of the U.S., low-cost or free mammograms are also offered through national programs and community organizations.
Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many imaging centers offer mammograms at reduced rates. To find a certified mammography center in your area, visit the FDA website.
Provides access to breast cancer screening to low-income, uninsured and underinsured women.
Offers clinical breast exams and referrals for mammography (and any follow-up testing, such as breast ultrasound).
Komen Affiliates fund breast cancer education and screening projects in their communities for those who need it most. Find an Affiliate in your area to learn what resources are available.
Komen also offers transportation services to and from cancer treatments, financial assistance for child care and elder care during treatment, and financial assistance for some medications , medical equipment, and lymphedema supplies.
Call the Komen Breast Care Helpline
at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636)
Monday through Friday
from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET and
from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT
to help find low-cost options in your area.
Offers lodging for families during cancer treatment.
800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
Find an online directory of free and discounted lodging for cancer patients and their families.
LODGING ASSISTANCE
If your hospital or treatment center is far from home, there may be times when you and your family need to find a place to stay overnight. Many hospitals and treatment centers can arrange a discount rate at a nearby hotel or motel. The American Cancer Society can also help.
Child Care and Elder Care Assistance
If children or elderly family members rely on you to take care of them, it can be hard to get to treatment. Family and friends may be able to help. (They often want to help, but don’t know how. This is one way they can help you.) The programs below also offer help.
Offers financial assistance for child care during treatment.
800-813-HOPE (800-813-4673)
Offers local transportation to and from cancer treatments.
800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
Offers financial assistance for transportation to and from cancer treatments.
800-813-HOPE (800-813-4673)
Uses empty seats on corporate planes to help cancer patients reach treatment centers. (Travel for caregivers is not covered.)
866-328-1313
Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.
800-822-7972
Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.
877-621-7177
Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.
800-296-1217
Offers free or discounted air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.
800-296-1217
TRANSPORTATION ASISISTANCE
The social work and care coordination departments at your hospital may have information on local transportation programs. Some cancer organizations also have programs that can help.
City, county and state agencies can arrange for low-cost or free local transportation for people with disabilities. For more information on these services, contact your city, county or state transportation department.