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Clinical trials for breast cancer research allow patients to receive innovative treatment methods while opening up healing possibilities for future patients. Transforming Your Breast Cancer Care Clinical Trials are an excellent option. Watch Now Listen on the Breast Cancer Conversations podcast Meet the People Behind the Amelia Study! Clinical Trials 101 Breast cancer clinical trials offer hope to many women and men diagnosed with the disease. They provide access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet available to the general public. Explore 1. Our Specialties You get a tailored curated list of clinical trials from experts who are doing cutting edge research and have partnered with SBC to bring these trials to you! 2. Featured Projects Relationships are key for any cancer care. We have taken the time to meet with the scientists, the researchers and the principle investigators engaging in the research and trials we bring to you, our SBC community members! 3. Resources We are not just highlighting trials, we are providing you with an in-depth look at the trial through interviews with the researchers, expert blogs and fireside chats with the scientists, and access to reliable opportunities. 4. The Latest Clinical trials provide you with access to the lastest resources and access to some of the best people in the world who are dedicating their lives to ending cancer. You don't just get the standard of care, you get above and beyond the standard! ARETHA-1 Study for Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer A Phase II Study of Evexomostat plus Eribulin for People with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Phase 2 Randomized Control Trial of Evexomostat (SDX-7320) in Combination with Eribulin for Patients with Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Metabolic Dysfunction: The ARETHA Study This study is being conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Learn More Amelia 1 for HR+ (estrogen or progesterone), Her2-, metastatic breast cancer with a PIK3CA gene mutation and previously treated with a CDK 4/6 inhibitor (e.g., Ibrance®) in1st line setting The Amelia 1 clinical study is testing a new, experimental cancer treatment called Evexomostat to see if it prolongs patient treatment when combined with Piqray® and Faslodex® and if it helps control blood glucose spikes. Learn More PROTECT-BC (PROton Therapy to Eliminate Cardiac Toxicity for Breast Cancer) A study to assess the safety and effectiveness of a condensed course of radiation delivered daily over approximately 1-2 weeks instead of 5-6 weeks. Learn More Get In Touch Our Clinical Trial Partners Food for Thought Study of Food and Brain Health in women being treated for Triple Negative breast cancer A research team at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH, is recruiting participants for a remote study of diet and cognition among breast cancer patients. You might be eligible for this study if you:  Are female  Were recently diagnosed with stage II-III triple-negative breast cancer  Have just started, or soon will start systemic therapy (e.g. chemotherapy, targeted or endocrine therapies)  Are 40-65 years old Enrolled participants will be randomized to receive a personalized 12-week nutrition intervention for cognitive health with a registered dietitian-nutritionist or a 12-week general healthy lifestyle program, and will complete all study visits remotely. Participants will be contacted 6 months after the intervention for data collection. If you are interested in this study and would like to find out if you are eligible to participate, please complete a brief screening survey and someone from the research team will contact you directly. Complete the Screening Survey Sexual Health And REhabilitation Online (SHAREonline): A Research Study for Young Female Cancer Survivors Facing Changes in Sexual Health & Sexual Function Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are conducting a research study: “Sexual Health and Rehabilitation Online” (SHAREonline), for women age 19-49 who are experiencing changes in sexual functioning after cancer treatment. For more information visit sharesurvivorship.com or email share@dfci.harvard.edu . Learn More Get In Touch Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Cancer Survivors with Insomnia Up to 30–50% of cancer survivors experience chronic, often untreated insomnia. This study is evaluating a virtual cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) program designed specifically for cancer survivors. Delivered online by a trained clinician, the Survivorship Sleep Program aims to address cancer-related barriers to sleep using an evidence-based approach. By expanding access to CBT-I across survivorship stages, this research seeks to better understand how targeted, virtual care can improve sleep and overall quality of life after cancer. Learn more SURGE Study: Virtual Exercise Program for Cancer Survivors The Survivors Uniting for Remote Guided Exercise (SURGE) Study is exploring how online exercise programs can support individuals living with and beyond cancer. This fully virtual study compares live, group-based exercise classes with recorded exercise sessions to understand how they impact physical activity levels, physical fitness, quality of life, and loneliness. All study activities are completed 100% online, including virtual exercise sessions, brief surveys, fitness assessments, and the use of a physical activity monitor during the study. Learn more Who We Work With Are you designing a clinical trial and looking for a patient advocacy organization to partner with? Let’s connect! When patient advocates are given a seat at the table, everyone benefits. Get In Touch

Explore volunteer opportunities to support breast cancer initiatives. Your time and professional expertise are appreciated in spreading awareness and support. There are so many ways you can help someone diagnosed with breast cancer. Your Actions Give Hope Donate Now Volunteer Start A Fundraiser Education Request Brochures Request brochures to distribute in your local community, in the schools, at health fairs, or at your doctor's offices. Spread the Word Contact Us Too many people are diagnosed with breast cancer year over year. No one needs to suffer alone. Help spread the word about our community, programs and free services and how you can start an SBC chapter in your area. Attend A Health Fair Let's Chat Volunteer to represent SBC at an upcoming health fair in your area! Become a Peer Advocate Contact Us Join our volunteer team of breast cancer advocates. Advocates provide necessary peer to peer support to SBC members who are newly diagnosed. Volunteer or Intern with SBC If you are a College or Graduate student, you may be eligible to earn credit for your internship with SBC. When applying to a role, please be sure to mention you are interested in earning credit and we'll set up time to speak with you about the process! Volunteer Your experience becomes someone else's guidebook! Pay it forward. Share your experience. Help to develop local resources in your area for the SBC community! Contact Us Become a local SBC ambassador You Are An Expert Of Your Own Experience

Breast cancer fundraising supports patients & survivors with vital programs and services. Help us provide free support for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Fundraise for SurvivingBreastCancer.org (SBC) Let us help you make the most of your fundraising campaign Contact Us To Get Started Raise Money. Earn Money. We rely on fundraising and value the time and effort you put into supporting the breast cancer community. Contact us to get started SurvivingBreastCancer.org provides hundreds of programs and services to the breast cancer community absolutely free and at no charge to those diagnosed with breast cancer. From weekly educational webinars, support groups, mental health programs, wellness programs, and more. Our Impact 2025 Impact Report Make A Gift Donate Today Host A Fundraiser Hosting a fundraiser is a fun and impactful way to show your support for breast cancer patients and survivors. At Surviving Breast Cancer, we rely on volunteers and the generosity of people like you to help us raise awareness and funds so that we can continue to provide programs, education, and community to support those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. There are endless ideas. If you enjoy baking, hiking, yoga, or dinner parties, combine your passion with purpose by raising funds for SurvivingBreastCancer.org. Welcome to the team! Fundraising Ideas DYI ideas include: Host a dinner party with raffle prizes. Run or Walk a 5K/10K/Half Marathon/or Full Marathon while raising funds for SBC . Host a High Tea get-together. Host a silent auction in person or online. Ask your boss if the department can donate $10 to Survivingbreastcancer.org in exchange for wearing PJ's to work one day. Out with the old. Host a yard sell and raise donations! Connect with about your networks and Community: K-12 students are always looking for volunteer and service projects. Fundraising for Survivingbreastcancer.org is a great way to combine academics with cause. Around Town: Ask local shops and places you love to choose a date and donate a percentage of proceeds for survivingbreastcancer.org Book clubs, mom groups, kids sports teams. The list goes on. Finally, don't forget to ask your employer about their Employer Match Program! At SBC, when you make a donation , you can easily check to see if your employer will match your contribution. A super easy way to make your dollars go further! Brook hosted a fundraiser at Applebee's an raised $600 for SBC in one day! How SurvivingBreastCancer.Org supports you in your fundraiser Survivingbreastcancer.org takes pride in partnering with groups and individuals who believe in our mission and who want to provide awareness & support for breast cancer. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to live out our mission. When you host a fundraiser for Survivingbreastcancer.org you will receive the support from our team: One-On-One complimentary consultation with our Executive Team about your event. We will send you brochures and Survivingbreastcancer.org awareness bracelets for your event. A media template for you to customize to help you gain media coverage for your event. A letter for you to customize confirming our registered 501(c)(3) status and EIN number to help you gather prizes for your event. Ability to use our logo on your event’s promotion materials. We will highlight your event on our events section of website and in our newsletters to help raise awareness and promote your fundraiser. An option to track RSVP's and ticket sales through our events management platform Upon request, we may be able to arrange for a Survivingbreastcancer.org ambassador to speak at your event. Fundraise on Social Media Is it your Birthday? Is it a special occasion? Do you want to give back and do good? It's easy to start a fundraiser on social media! Below are tutorials on how to set up your fundraiser on Facebook and Instagram and raise donations for survivingbreastcancer.org

Recognizing breast cancer symptoms early can save your life, and it starts with checking for irregularities. Schedule regular screenings to protect yourself. Breast Cancer Symptoms Understanding the Signs. Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel is an important part of breast health. Finding breast cancer as early as possible gives you a better chance of successful treatment. But knowing what to look for does not take the place of having regular mammograms and other Screening tests. Screening tests can help find breast cancer in its early stages, before any symptoms appear. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be tender, soft, or rounded. They can even be painful. For this reason, it is important to have any new breast mass, lump, or breast change checked by a health care professional experienced in diagnosing breast diseases. Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include: Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include: Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt) Skin irritation or dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel) Breast or nipple pain Nipple retraction (turning inward) Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin Nipple discharge (other than breast milk) Sometimes a breast cancer can spread to lymph nodes under the arm or around the collar bone and cause a lump or swelling there, even before the original tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt. Swollen lymph nodes should also be checked by a health care provider. Although any of these symptoms can be caused by things other than breast cancer, if you have them, they should be reported to a health care professional so that the cause can be found. Because mammograms do not find every breast cancer, it is important for you to be aware of changes in your breasts and to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. >

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Metastatic Breast Cancer Financial Assistance Program Short-term, high-impact financial support during the most vulnerable phases of treatment. Apply Aplicar Grounded in Dignity. Designed for Impact. Our financial assistance model is built on three core principles: Short-Term, High-Impact Support Whole-Person, Wrap-Around Care Equity-Centered, Dignified Access While metastatic breast cancer is lifelong, this program provides short-term relief during high-intensity treatment periods — ensuring responsible stewardship while delivering meaningful, timely support. Health outcomes are shaped not only by clinical care, but also by transportation, nutrition, housing stability, mental health, and caregiving support. SBC’s model addresses these interconnected needs. Eligibility is not based on income alone. SBC recognizes that treatment-related financial toxicity affects individuals regardless of income levels. Apply Donate Financial Assistance Categories Applicants may request support in one or more of the following areas: Transportation & Access to Care Food & Nutrition Assistance Daily Living & Caregiving Support Rent/Mortgage & Utility Stabilization To ensure responsible allocation of funds, this program does not cover medical co-pays, medication costs, health insurance premiums or deductibles. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Be diagnosed with metastatic (Stage IV) breast cancer Be receiving oncology care within Mass General Brigham Be experiencing a high-need treatment period such as: Treatment initiation or change Disease progression Radiation therapy Severe or cumulative side effects Recent hospitalization related to treatment Apply Aplicar Apply Application & Review Process • Applications are accepted year-round • Review time: approximately 2–3 weeks • Reviewed by SBC staff based on treatment phase, support category, and available funds. Funds are primarily distributed via gift cards, with SBC retaining discretion over disbursement method. Apply Financial Toxicity Is Real. Metastatic breast cancer is not just a medical diagnosis — it is a long-term economic burden. Frequent appointments. Ongoing therapies. Lost wages. Increased caregiving costs. Transportation challenges. Your support helps reduce stress, improve access to care, and preserve dignity during the most vulnerable phases of treatment. Provide Support Today

Our breast cancer programs support patients and survivors in their lives after a diagnosis. Your fight is not alone, and our community is ready to support you. About Our Organization SurvivingBreastCancer.org is a supportive community dedicated to offering guidance, comfort, and resources for individuals navigating the challenges of breast cancer. Our platform provides a safe space for sharing experiences, seeking advice, connecting with programs, and finding solace in a community of understanding individuals. Join us in the fight against breast cancer today. Join Support Groups & Programs Family Support Our one-on-one support provides individualized guidance and emotional assistance. Family support encourages involvement and understanding. Online forums foster a sense of community. Local meetups offer face-to-face connections. Workshops and events provide education and empowerment. Discover Online Forums With a focus on individual needs, our support groups aim to create a supportive environment. Personalized assistance, family involvement, online connections, local community meetups, and educational workshops form the core of our support services. Engage Local Meetups We emphasize the importance of tailored support for each member. From one-on-one sessions to family involvement, online resources, local gatherings, and educational events, we strive to address the diverse needs of our community. Participate Workshops & Events Join our various support groups to connect, share, and learn. From personalized assistance to family engagement, online interactions, local meetups, and informative events, our platform offers a holistic approach to support. Join Now Educational Resources Access our range of educational resources designed to inform and empower. From articles and videos to expert advice and toolkits, we provide valuable information to aid in your breast cancer journey. Learn Videos Share your feature information here to attract new clients. Provide a brief summary to help visitors understand the context and background, and add details about what makes this feature significant. Expert Advice Share your feature information here to attract new clients. Provide a brief summary to help visitors understand the context and background, and add details about what makes this feature significant. Toolkits Share your feature information here to attract new clients. Provide a brief summary to help visitors understand the context and background, and add details about what makes this feature significant. Guides Share your feature information here to attract new clients. Provide a brief summary to help visitors understand the context and background, and add details about what makes this feature significant. Community Events Local Workshops Stay informed about our upcoming gatherings and participate in local workshops aimed at providing support and education. Join our educational seminars to enhance your knowledge and engage in our awareness campaigns and fundraising events. Join Educational Seminars Engage with our community through local workshops, educational seminars, awareness initiatives, and fundraising events. Stay connected, learn, and contribute to the fight against breast cancer by participating in our diverse range of activities. Participate Awareness Campaigns Participate in our local workshops, educational seminars, awareness events, and fundraising activities to connect with others, gain knowledge, and support our cause. Join us in our mission to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer support. Engage Fundraising Events Discover a range of community events that offer support, education, and advocacy opportunities. From local workshops to educational seminars, awareness initiatives, and fundraising endeavors, engage with us in meaningful activities. Support

Free resources for your cancer paitents. SurvivingBreastCancer.org provides weekly support groups, art therapy classes, movement classes and so much more. Free Programs in English Download the Brochures From Art Therapy and Expressive Writing, to Yoga & Meditation SBC provides the complementary care your patients deserve. Free Programs offered in English & Spanish Download the Flyer From virtual meet-ups to art therapy and webinars, our programs provide proven emotional support to assist your patients undergoing breast cancer treatment Free Educational Webinars Download the Flyer Offered in both English & Spanish, SBC provides educatoinal content through our livestreaming webinar series. Breast Self-Exam Tips Monthly breast checks are critical to detecting changes. Learn how to perform a breast self-exam with our tips! Download now Classes, Webinars, LiveStreams, and More! Order Materials For Your Office Looking for bulk flyers and brochures to put in patient packets or distribute at upcoming health fairs? We have you covered. You can shop at our store and we kindly ask for a donation to help support the cost of printing and shipping. Order Now What Sets Us Apart Our Story Download Flyers for your Office, Clinics, and Patient Packets Empowering Resources for your patients! Refer a Patient Download Brochures Building Strong Connections Through Online Support Groups All Stages. All Subtypes Download Flyers Join Our Medical Professionals Mailing List First name* Last name* Email* Company name Address Submit Refer Your Patients Let us bring hope and joy to the patients you serve. Looking to have a patient join one of our free online support groups, have them attend a workshop, or request a care package before your patient starts chemo or has surgery? SurvivingBreastCancer.org is here for you! Submit the Patient Referral Form below and we'll take it from there! Learn More Join Join Our Medical Professionals Mailing List Thanks for subscribing!

Breast Health Understanding Your Breast Health is the first step in being breast-aware and knowing your body so that you can proactively advocate for yourself when you sense that something is not quite right. Despite how well we eat, exercise, and maintain a healthy life-style, it is still possible to develop breast cancer. This information serves as strategies to empower you and reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. If you develop breast caner, know that it is not your fault. The founder of Surviving Breast Cancer was a vegetarian since the age of 16 later to become a vegan. Out of the blue she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 34. We don't have all of the answers nor know why some people get breast cancer while others do not. What we do know are tools we can use to be breast aware, get screened, and understand our family history. >

Support patients, survivors, and yourself with breast cancer merchandise from our shop! All proceeds go directly to supporting our programs and services. Filter by Category All SBC Clothing SBC Hats SBC Home & Living You May Also Like Stickers Spanish Merch Price $4 $69 Color Aqua Triblend Berry Berry Triblend Black Black Heather Black/ White Black/ White/ Black Blue Triblend Charcoal Heather Clay Triblend Dark Grey Dark Grey Heather Dark Heather Dark Heather Grey Dark Heather Grey/ Black Dark Heather Grey/ Navy Dusty Blue Dusty Rose Fireside Brown Forest Green Gold Graphite Grey Triblend Heather Blue Lagoon Heather Deep Teal Heather Grey Heather Marmalade Heather Mauve Heather Prism Lilac Heather Red Indigo Blue Irish Green Leaf Light Blue Maroon Mauve Mauve Triblend Military Green Navy Navy Blazer Navy/ White Navy/ White/ Navy Oatmeal Triblend Olive Green Camo Olive Triblend Pink Candy Poppy Purple Triblend Red Oak Red Triblend Royal Blue Safety Green Scarlet Solid Black Triblend Solid White Triblend Sport Grey Tan Triblend Teal Triblend Team Royal True Royal White White Fleck Triblend Size 10×10 11oz 12×12 15oz 18×18 20×12 22×22 2XL 3x3 3XL 4x4 5.5x5.5 L M S XL XS Sort by Quick View Things I need to remember Bullet Journal Notebook Price $25.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View SBC Collective Unisex Hoodie Price $50.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View SBC Pink Ribbon Thriver Women's Relaxed T-Shirt Price $32.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View SBC Thriver stickers Price $4.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View SBC MBC Ribbon Thriver Women's Relaxed T-Shirt Price $32.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View SBC Embroidered Champion Packable Jacket Price $65.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View SBC Embroidered Champion Packable Jacket Price $65.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View SBC Premium sherpa blanket Price $65.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Faith Love Hope Sherpa blanket Price $65.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View SBC Unisex pique polo shirt Price $32.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Unisex DDuD pique polo shirt Price $32.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View SBC Unisex pique polo shirt Price $32.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View SBC Bullet Journal Spiral notebook Price $20.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Survivor Spanish Branded fleece sweatpants Price $39.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Survivor SBC Branded fleece sweatpants Price $39.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Survivor Pom-Pom Beanie Price $26.50 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Survivor Spanish Cuffed Beanie Price $26.50 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Warrior fleece sweatpants Price $39.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Cupcake Short sleeve t-shirt Price $32.50 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Coffee Cures Cancer Short sleeve t-shirt Price $32.50 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Warrior Pom-Pom Beanie Price $26.50 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Warrior Cuffed Beanie Price $26.50 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Stickers Cupcake Price $5.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Stickers Coffee Cures Cancer Price $5.99 Excluding Sales Tax Show Your Support with Breast Cancer Merch Our shop products are designed with you in mind. All Proceeds from our sales go directly back into SBC to support our programs and services. Thank you for shopping for a cause!

Meet the Team Laura Carfang, M.A., Ed.D. William Laferriere, MBA Meghann Sweeney, J.D. Tony Carfang, MBA Board of Directors Laura Carfang, M.A., Ed.D. Chief Executive Officer, Founder, Board Member Laura@survivingbreastcancer.org William Laferriere, MBA Chief Visionary Officer & VP Business Development Founder, Board Member William@survivingbreastcancer.org Nancy Gaulin Psy.D. Board Member Tony Carfang, MBA Board Member Brad Carver Board Member SurvivingBreastCancer.org . Medical Advisory Board Dr. Amy Commander, MD Medical Director, Mass General Cancer Center-Waltham Director, Breast Oncology Program at Newton-Wellesley Hospital Director, Lifestyle Medicine Dr. Rachel Jimenez, MD Dr. Rachel Jimenz,, MD Associate Program Director, Harvard Radiation Oncology Residency Program Dr. Jandie Posner Jandie Posner, DO FACS. board-certified surgeon Jefferson Health Our Incredible Administration The hands on the ground making the dream work! Laura Carfang Chief Executive Officer, Founder, Board Member Laura@survivingbreastcancer.org Meghan McCallum Excecutive Assistant meghan@survivingbreastcancer.org Elisa Herrera Director of Programs and Events & Hispanic Outreach elisa@survivingbreastcancer.org Itzel Herrera Social Media Coordinator @survivingbreastcancer.org Spanish Leadership Team Brenda Coronado Despues de un Diagnóstico brenda@survivingbreastcancer.org Lourdes Heras Despues de un Diagnóstico lourdes@survivingbreastcancer.org Our Instructors The hands and hearts creating space for healing. Our Early Stage volunteer Leadership Team Pooja Jain Julie Cottril l Meghan Staskal-Bradt Carol Collins Denise Whittaker Our MBC Volunteer Leadership Team Amy Russell-Parliman Kathleen Friel Hillary Stackpole Jo Lynn Collins Kacie Flaherty Elena Hatzakos Donna Charlevoix Kadesha Ferguson

Your generosity gives hope. Donate to make a real difference in the breast cancer community, including through DAF and stock-based giving options. Lifestyle & Wellness Resources Programs Content Library Podcast Download the App Subscribe Make a Gift All Stages More Community Our support groups provide a virtual community setting to allow those diagnosed to share personal experiences, ask questions, and foster connection. Our programs are tailored to early-stage breast cancer, those living with metastatic breast cancer, as well as inflammatory breast cancer which impacts less than 5% of those diagnosed. Your donation also enables us to provide complementary programs to help breast cancer survivors make sense of the trauma a breast cancer diagnosis brings through professionally led programs. Donate now Podcast, webinars & more! Knowledge is Power! Support accurate and trustworthy educational content in the form of blogs, articles, and research, to weekly podcast episodes and webinars where we interview the experts. Help us ensure that we are getting the information into the hands (eyes and ears) of those diagnosed who need it most! Donate now Trustworthy Information A breast cancer diagnosis at any stage is emotionally overwhelming, and it also comes with a lot of new information to absorb. At SurvivingBreastCancer.org, we've gathered resources to help new cancer patients and their families navigate this sea of information. We stay up to date with the latest clinical trials and curate content from trusted partners and providers so our community members can make informed decisions based on reputable sources. Donate now Hearing From The Experts Our travel grant program enables breast cancer patient advocates to attend important conferences and events such as the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and may others. Your generosity helps off set the cost of travel, registration, hotels, and meals so those diagnosed with breast can attend conferences, gain valuable information, and connect with survivors, thrivers, and patient advocates! Donate now In-Person Support Your contribution to our in-person breast cancer retreats provides those diagnosed with breast cancer to experience a much-deserved and needed respite for a long weekend. Participants on our SBC Retreats receive an all-inclusive weekend get-a-way to connect with others diagnosed with breast cancer, customized programming, delicious and nutritious meals, and opportunities to be in nature and make lasting connections. Donate now Donate to SurvivingBreastCancer.org At SurvivingBreastCancer.org (SBC), we believe everyone deserves free, compassionate support from the moment of diagnosis and beyond. Every day, people log on to connect with our global community of patients, survivors, thrivers, and caregivers who understand what it means to live with breast cancer. Your gift ensures this vital support is always within reach. Because of donors like you, SBC offers more than 400 free virtual programs every year to support mental, emotional, and physical health, from weekly meditation sessions to support group meet-ups and educational webinars. Our on-demand library of 600+ videos, podcasts, and resources empowers survivors and caregivers to find strength, information, and hope at any time, from anywhere. Donor-Advised Funds (DAF) Giving SurvivingBreastCancer.org now supports DAF contributions through Funraise! If you'd like to donate stock through your DAF account, the process is simpler than ever. Just click the DAFpay button to get started. We appreciate all types of contributions helping to support the breast cancer community! Securities & Stocks Donor Advisor Fund (DAF) Direct Donation By Check or Venmo Donate to Programs Your generosity funds life-saving support programs, innovative research, and empowers survivors to thrive beyond breast cancer. You can: Donate to the program of your choice Automate monthly, quarterly or yearly donations Let us know who you are honoring with your donation Donate Now Donate by Check Survivingbreastcancer.org 5 Cedar Street, Suite 1Roxbury, MA 02119 Checks can be made out to "Survivingbreastcancer.org" Donate by Venmo @Survivingbreastcancerorg Make a one-time or schedule a recurring donation to SurvivingBreastCancer.Org whether it is a personal donation or on behalf of a company. Donate Now Donate Stock or other Securities Legacy Donations or Endowments Public Traded Securities Asset-based Donations Donor-Advised Funds Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We are happy to partner with you! Contact us Donor Advisor Fund (DAF) A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is one of the most flexible and tax-efficient ways to support SurvivingBreastCancer.org. How to Make a DAF Gift Contact your DAF provider and recommend a grant to: SurvivingBreastCancer.org EIN: 82-2953427 Address: 5 Cedar Street Unit 1, Roxbury MA, 02119 Use our legal name: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. Notify us so we can thank you and ensure your gift supports the programs you care about most. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We are happy to partner with you! Your Tax-Deductible Donation Makes a Difference! By donating, you’re ensuring we can continue to offer life-changing programs and services. All contributions are tax-deductible, and every dollar goes directly toward our cause! Community Education Resources Travel Grants Retreats Support Groups Our support groups provide a virtual community setting to allow those diagnosed to share personal experiences, ask questions, and foster connection. Our programs are tailored to early-stage breast cancer, those living with metastatic breast cancer, as well as inflammatory breast cancer which impacts less than 5% of those diagnosed. Your generous donation also enables us to provide essential complementary programs to help breast cancer survivors make sense of the trauma a breast cancer diagnosis brings through professionally led programs in art therapy and expressive writing. These modalities foster healing beyond just the physical. They touch upon the mental and emotional well-being of breast cancer survivors. Donate Now Podcasts, webinars & more! Knowledge is Power! Support accurate and trustworthy educational content in the form of blogs, articles, and research, to weekly podcast episodes and webinars where we interview the experts. Help us ensure that we are getting the information into the hands (eyes and ears) of those diagnosed who need it most! Donate now Trustworthy information A breast cancer diagnosis at any stage is emotionally overwhelming, and it also comes with a lot of new information to absorb. At SurvivingBreastCancer.org, we've gathered resources to help new cancer patients and their families navigate this sea of information. We stay up to date with the latest clinical trials and curate content from trusted partners and providers so our community members can make informed decisions based on reputable sources Donate Now Hearing From The Experts Our travel grant program enables breast cancer patient advocates to attend important conferences and events such as the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and may others. Your generosity helps off set the cost of travel, registration, hotels, and meals so those diagnosed with breast can attend conferences, gain valuable information, and connect with survivors, thrivers, and patient advocates! Donate Now In-Person Support Your contribution to our in-person breast cancer retreats provides those diagnosed with breast cancer to experience a much-deserved and needed respite for a long weekend. Participants on our SBC Retreats receive an all-inclusive weekend get-a-way to connect with others diagnosed with breast cancer, customized programming, delicious and nutritious meals, and opportunities to be in nature and make lasting connections. Consider giving a life-changing experience to those in our breast cancer community. Donate Now Like Meet our Founders Meet our Founders Meet our Founders Meet our Founders DONATE TODAY DONATE TODAY DONATE TODAY Testimonials Testimonials Testimonials Testimonials Help us provide crucial resources and support for breast cancer survivors, thrivers and their families. Every donation makes a difference. Donate Today Breast cancer is a significant health issue, impacting the lives of millions. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime, which translates to an estimated 297,790 new cases expected in 2024 alone . Your generosity funds life-saving support programs, innovative research, and empowers survivors to thrive beyond breast cancer. You can: Donate to the program of your choice Automate monthly, quarterly or yearly donations Let us know who you are honoring with your donation Get started Mental & Emotional Support Your generous donation enables us to provide essential complementary programs to help breast cancer survivors make sense of the trauma a breast cancer diagnosis brings through professionally led programs in art therapy and expressive writing. These modalities foster healing beyond just the physical. They touch upon the mental and emotional well-being of breast cancer survivors. Donate Now Donate $50 Donate $100 Donate $250 Support Groups Our support groups provide a virtual community setting to allow those diagnosed to share personal experiences, ask questions, and foster connection. Our programs are tailored to early-stage breast cancer, those living with metastatic breast cancer, as well as inflammatory breast cancer which impacts less than 5% of those diagnosed. Now those diagnosed with Inflammatory breast cancer finally have a community they can call their own! The online experience enables us to reach rural communities, health centers, and patients who may not have access to support programs otherwise. Your contribution makes our weekly support groups truly THRIVE! Donate Now Donate $50 Donate $100 Donate $250 Wellness Programs Give the gift of wellness. SBC offers many wellness programs tailored for those diagnosed with breast cancer. We offer weekly online classes such as Yoga, Meditation, Qi Gong, Pilates, Mindfulness, Movement Classes, and more! Donate Now Donate $50 Donate $100 Donate $250 Educational Content to Empower Knowledge is Power! Support accurate and trustworthy educational content in the form of blogs, articles, and research, to weekly podcast episodes and ask the experts webinars. Help us ensure that we are getting the information into the hands (eyes and ears) of those diagnosed who need it most! Donate Now Donate $50 Donate $100 Donate $250 Educational Travel Grants Our travel grant program enables breast cancer patient advocates to attend important conferences and events such as the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and may others. Your generosity helps off set the cost of travel, registration, hotels, and meals so those diagnosed with breast can attend conferences, gain valuable information, and connect with survivors, thrivers, and patient advocates! Donate Now Donate $50 Donate $100 Donate $250 SBC RETREATS Bringing People Together to Share Connection, Forge Friendships, and Create Lasting Memories $100 $50 $250 More Ways to Give Your Tax-Deductible Donation Makes a Difference! By donating, you’re ensuring we can continue to offer life-changing programs and services. All contributions are tax-deductible, and every dollar goes directly toward our cause! Donate by Check Survivingbreastcancer.org 5 Cedar Street, Suite 1Roxbury, MA 02119 Checks can be made out to "Survivingbreastcancer.org" Donate by Venmo @Survivingbreastcancerorg To: Donate Stock or other Securities Legacy Donations or Endowments Public Traded Securities Asset-based Donations Donor-Advised Funds Please contact us schedule an appointment . We are happy to partner with you!

Learn about what breast cancer is and its risk factors, symptoms, stages, and types to better understand your diagnosis or support those you love. What is Breast Cancer? What is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop. Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumor. A tumor can be benign (not dangerous to health) or malignant (has the potential to be dangerous). Benign tumors are not considered cancerous: their cells are close to normal in appearance, they grow slowly, and they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Left unchecked, malignant cells eventually can spread beyond the original tumor to other parts of the body. The term “breast cancer” refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast. Breast Anatomy. A breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) surrounds and holds everything together. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body. The breast cancer’s stage refers to how far the cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor (see the Stages of breast cancer below for more information). Breast cancer is always caused by a genetic abnormality (a “mistake” in the genetic material). However, only 5-10% of cancers are due to an abnormality inherited from your mother or father. Instead, 85-90% of breast cancers are due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and the “wear and tear” of life in general. There are steps every person can take to help the body stay as healthy as possible, such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly (learn what you can do to manage breast cancer risk factors ). While these may have some impact on your risk of getting breast cancer, they cannot eliminate the risk. Developing breast cancer is not your or anyone's fault. Feeling guilty, or telling yourself that breast cancer happened because of something you or anyone else did, is not productive. Stages of Breast Cancer Staging is a standard term used across the medical profession to communicate how widespread or advanced the cancer is in the breast tissue and possibly other parts of your body. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, doctors and pathologists will examine biopsy and imaging results to determine the stage — also known as the progression — of the disease. The process is complicated but necessary to determine the best treatment plan for your particular type of cancer. The most common staging system is the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis - more on this below), which focuses on tumor size, lymph node involvement and metastatic spread of the cancer. It also factors in details related to hormone receptors, the protein HER2 and growth rate of the cells. The staging of your tumor is utilized by doctors to explain the breadth and scope of the cancer and helps them determine how to move forward with treatment, including surgery, if needed. Doctors use diagnostic tests to find out the cancer's stage, so staging may not be complete until all the tests are finished. The stage of a breast cancer is determined by the cancer’s characteristics, such as how large it is and whether or not it has hormone receptors. The stage of the cancer helps you and your doctor: • figure out your prognosis, the likely outcome of the disease • decide on the best treatment options for you • determine if certain clinical trials may be a good option for you Breast cancer stage is usually expressed as a number on a scale of 0 through IV — with stage 0 describing non-invasive cancers that remain within their original location and stage IV describing invasive cancers that have spread outside the breast to other parts of the body. Clinical vs. Pathological Staging Clinical staging is based on the results of tests done prior to surgery. If your biopsy comes back positive, your doctor may order additional tests to garner a better understanding if and where the cancerous cells have spread. This data gathering period may include physical examinations, mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI scans. In some cases your doctor may also order a bone or CT scans. Pathologic staging is based on what is found during surgery to remove breast tissue and lymph nodes. While a lot of the aforementioned tests can provide your oncological team with lots of information and data points, it is not until surgery is performed whereby the surgeons can remove the tumor and possible lymph nodes in order to confirm the size of the tumor, the number of lymph node involvement, and whether or not the cancer has metastasized. Early Stage Breast Cancer Early stage breast cancer refers to stages 0-III. Stage 0 Stage 0 cancers are called “carcinoma in situ.” Carcinoma means cancer and “in situ” means “in the original place.” Types of “in situ carcinoma” include • DCIS – Ductal carcinoma in situ • LCIS – Lobular carcinoma in situ • Paget disease of the nipple Stage I Stage I can be divided into Stage IA and Stage IB. The difference is determined by the size of the tumor and the lymph nodes with evidence of cancer. Stage II Stage II means the breast cancer is growing, but it is still contained in the breast or growth has only extended to nearby lymph nodes. This stage is divided into groups: Stage IIA and Stage IIB. The difference is determined by the size of the tumor and whether the breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Stage III Stage III cancer means the breast cancer has extended beyond the immediate region of the tumor and may have invaded nearby lymph nodes and muscles, but has not spread to distant organs. This stage is divided into three groups: Stage IIIA, Stage IIIB, and Stage IIIC. The difference is determined by the size of the tumor and whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and surrounding tissue. Stage IV In Stage IV, the cancer has spread to other organs and parts of the body beyond the breast. This stage is often referred to as metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and is more difficult to treat due to the impact on other organs. Stage IV cancer symptoms include visible swelling in the breast and armpit; dry, flaky skin; red, dimpled skin; nipple discharge; breast pain; fatigue; insomnia; loss of appetite; weight loss; shortness of breath and other symptoms related to the specific organs involved. Although Stage IV breast cancer is not curable, it is treatable to a certain extent and current advances in research and medical technology mean that more and more women are living longer by managing the disease as a chronic illness with a focus on quality of life as a primary goal. With excellent care and support, as well as personal motivation, Stage IV breast cancer may respond to a number of treatment options that can extend one’s life for several years. TNM Staging System Doctors use the TNM system to ensure that medical professionals are using the same language and system to describe the tumor. T refers to the size of the tumor measured in centimeters and where it is located. N refers to the number of lymph nodes which were positive for cancer. If no lymph nodes were involved, the pathology report would state N(0). M refers to whether or not the cancer has traveled to distant part of the body such as the bones or organs. If it has spread, it will state where and how much. As an example, stage IIB may read something like this: (T3, N0, M0) meaning the tumor is greater than 55mm and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Updated Staging Guidelines The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) established the way cancer is communicated. Clinicians and the surveillance community count on the AJCC for the most comprehensive anatomic staging data available, I.e., the Cancer Staging Manual and Cancer Staging Atlas. In 2018 the AJCC updated the breast cancer staging guidelines to add other cancer characteristics to the T, N, M system to determine a cancer’s stage. In addition to knowing the stage of your cancer, breast cancer is also classified according to other characteristics. These include how sensitive it is to the hormones estrogen and progesterone as well as to the level of certain proteins that play a role in breast cancer growth, such as HER2. It is also classified by the cancer’s genetic makeup. • Tumor Grade: a measurement of how much the cancer cells look like normal cells • Estrogen- & Progesterone-Receptor Status: do the cancer cells have receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone? • HER2 status: are the cancer cells making too much of the HER2 protein? • Oncotype DX score, if the cancer is estrogen-receptor-positive, HER2-negative, and there is no cancer in the lymph nodes. The above amended guidelines have helped to create and reinforce ontological/surgical treatment advances. As you can imagine Staging is a complex undertaking and these latest AJCC guidelines allow for a more cohesive and universal diagnosis and treatment options. References and additional information on staging can be found on the resource links below: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer/stages https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/staging https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-stage-3 Breast Cancer Stages Early Stage Breast Early stage breast cancer refers to stages 0-III Late Stage or Advanced Stage Breast Cancer Late stage breast cancer refers to stage IV, or Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Types of Breast Cancer Breast cancer is not just one disease — it can be classified into different types depending on how the cells in the breast look under a microscope. Different types of breast cancer include: 1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): DCIS is considered a non-invasive form of breast cancer, meaning it has not spread beyond the milk ducts into any surrounding normal tissue. Check out Jennifer's story being diagnosed with DCIS after a clear mammogram. 2. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of breast cancer, where cancer cells have invaded the surrounding tissue. 3. Inflammatory Breast Cancer: This type of breast cancer is considered aggressive and can often be hard to diagnose because it does not always form a lump. 4. Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): LCIS is not considered a true cancer but rather a marker of increased risk for developing invasive breast cancer in either breast in the future. It occurs when abnormal cells are found in the lobules (milk-producing glands) of the breast but have not spread to surrounding tissue. LCIS is non-invasive and typically does not form a lump or cause symptoms. 5. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): ILC is the second most common type of invasive breast cancer. It begins in the lobules and, unlike LCIS, has spread (invaded) into the surrounding breast tissue. ILC can be more difficult to detect on imaging due to its growth pattern and may require additional imaging or diagnostic techniques. 6. Mucinous Carcinoma: This type of breast cancer is slow growing and therefore often less aggressive. It starts in the main cells of mucus, called mucin. Although this type of cancer can develop anywhere, it's most common in your breast. 7. Metaplastic Breast Cancer: MpBC is an aggressive and invasive type of cancer, meaning that it multiplies quickly and can spread throughout the body. MpBC tends to spread or metastasize more than other breast cancers. 8. Angiosarcoma: This type of cancer is very rare and can occur in any part of the body, but it is most commonly found in the breast tissue. 9. Phyllodes Tumor: This type of tumor is not considered cancer, but it can still be dangerous if not treated promptly. 10. Paget's Disease: This is a rare form of breast cancer that starts in the nipple and can spread to other parts of the breast if left untreated. > Questions to Ask Your Surgeorn Download PDF Understanding the Different Types of Breast Cancer Read On Connect with Others during our Weekly Virtual Meet-Up Learn More

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Art Therapy and Expresive Writing are excellent modalities for coping with a breast cancer diagnosis. Attend our free programs and events, meet those on a similar journey, and take a deep dive into managing breast cancer through the arts. 1 2 3 4 5 Healing Through The Arts A cancer diagnosis can ignite our deepest fears, and while navigating this life-altering experience, we often lose touch with the present moment. Through art, writing, and other creative modalities, we hold the power to manage our stress, make sense of our now, and relax into moments of stillness. Express yourself, get it out, connect with others, and find your breath again. Upcoming Events Multiple Dates Artistic Expression: Emotional Wellness & Self-Discovery Mon, Oct 05 Online Event More info RSVP Multiple Dates Virtual Mystery Crochet-Along for Breast Cancer Support | 6-Part Creative Wellness Program Wed, Oct 14 Online Event More info RSVP Upcoming Events Multiple Dates Reflective Writing for Metastatic Breast Cancer Fri, Oct 09 Online Event More info RSVP Multiple Dates Expressive Writing with Thomas Dooley Mon, Oct 12 Online Event More info RSVP Expressive Art: Unveiling my self Express your feelings, release tension, and explore your healing process without fear of judgment or perfection. Expressive Art: Season of Gratitude Adopting gratitude as a consistent practice helps transform a person's entire outlook, fostering optimism and resilience even in challenging circumstances. Expressive Arts: Honoring Your Life Celebrate resilience, courage, and self-expression through art. Expressive Arts Blossoming Beyond Embark on a transformative journey of renewal, where we blossom beyond challenges and embrace happiness through creativity and self-expression. Expressive Arts: Exploring Relationships In this class, we use art as a tool for healing, reflection, and self-discovery. Expressive Arts Class: Love Yourself Join us for a powerful Expressive Arts space focused on self-love, healing, and creativity. Expressive Arts: Creating Mandalas for Inner Peace and Reflection explore the power of mandalas as a creative tool for healing, mindfulness, and emotional expression. Expressive arts: Pebble Drawing Releasing the need to control is part of our learning process. We need to learn how to trust the flow, and find beauty in the unexpected. Expressive Arts: Write it, Feel it, Transform it Explore how expressive arts and creative arts can help breast cancer survivors process emotions, reduce stress, and foster healing. Expressive Art: Self Portrait This creative workshop is designed to help you explore your identity, emotions, and inner voice through the powerful tool of self-portraiture. Expressive Art Colors of my voice In this session, we invite you to explore the connection between emotion, voice, and color, using art as a gentle path to self-expression and healing. Expressive arts: Tree of Life Explore the Tree of Life as a tool for healing, reflection, and hope. Beyond the Pink Ribbon/Expressive Arts Go beyond the pink ribbon this October and experience the healing power of creativity. Healing Seasons: Expressive Arts for the Heart After Cancer The holidays can stir a whirlwind of emotions, joy, grief, gratitude, and even uncertainty, especially after a cancer diagnosis. In this special Expressive Arts Healing Class, we explore the seasons of the heart: how creativity, reflection, and gentle artistic expression can help us process our feelings, find balance, and embrace healing during this tender time of year. The Two Masks | Creative Practice for Breast Cancer Support This expressive arts session invites you into a gentle, creative exploration of The Two Masks — the mask we show the world and the mask we carry within. Painting Light | Expressive Art for Healing & Hope In this gentle and reflective art session, Painting Light, we invite you to explore creativity as a form of healing, self-expression, and emotional release. Honoring the Past & Present Through Creativity A cancer diagnosis can change how we see ourselves, our bodies, and our lives. In this expressive art class, we gently explore the past and present—honoring who we were, acknowledging what we’ve lived through, and embracing who we are becoming. Creative Self-Care for Emotional Well-Being You don’t need to be an artist to begin healing. Join this gentle expressive arts class designed to help you explore emotions, reduce stress, and reconnect with yourself through creativity. Expressive Art: Unveiling my self Express your feelings, release tension, and explore your healing process without fear of judgment or perfection. Expressive Art: Season of Gratitude Adopting gratitude as a consistent practice helps transform a person's entire outlook, fostering optimism and resilience even in challenging circumstances. Expressive Arts: Honoring Your Life Celebrate resilience, courage, and self-expression through art. Expressive Arts Blossoming Beyond Embark on a transformative journey of renewal, where we blossom beyond challenges and embrace happiness through creativity and self-expression. Expressive Arts: Exploring Relationships In this class, we use art as a tool for healing, reflection, and self-discovery. Expressive Arts Class: Love Yourself Join us for a powerful Expressive Arts space focused on self-love, healing, and creativity. Expressive Arts: Creating Mandalas for Inner Peace and Reflection explore the power of mandalas as a creative tool for healing, mindfulness, and emotional expression. Expressive arts: Pebble Drawing Releasing the need to control is part of our learning process. We need to learn how to trust the flow, and find beauty in the unexpected. Expressive Arts: Write it, Feel it, Transform it Explore how expressive arts and creative arts can help breast cancer survivors process emotions, reduce stress, and foster healing. Expressive Art: Self Portrait This creative workshop is designed to help you explore your identity, emotions, and inner voice through the powerful tool of self-portraiture. Expressive Art Colors of my voice In this session, we invite you to explore the connection between emotion, voice, and color, using art as a gentle path to self-expression and healing. Expressive arts: Tree of Life Explore the Tree of Life as a tool for healing, reflection, and hope. Expressive Writing Art As Therapy Art As Therapy Art As Therapy Art As Therapy Read the Incredible Poems Coming Out Of Our SBC POETRY LAB Looking for more ways to support your healing journey? View Programs New to Expressive Art as Therapy? No worries, we have you covered! In the canvas of life, every stroke tells a story, and we believe that art can be a powerful medium for healing and self-expression. Join Elisa and other resilient individuals as we explore the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression, fostering a supportive community where stories are shared, and strength is discovered. Embrace the canvas of your life with bold strokes of self-discovery, and let the vibrant colors of your resilience paint a masterpiece of healing and growth.

“My Ethereal Compass” is an original, soul-stirring anthem that speaks to the unseen guidance that carries us through life’s storms. With its soaring harmonies, cinematic instrumentation, and poetic lyrics, this track is a musical meditation on resilience, transformation, and emotional healing. A Song of Strength, Hope, and Healing This powerful salsa-inspired song is a heartfelt anthem for anyone impacted by breast cancer. Blending vibrant Latin rhythms with emotional lyrics, "There Is Today" honors the journey of survivorship, the uncertainty of tomorrow, and the strength found in the present moment. “The Light Within” is a soul-stirring anthem that speaks to the quiet strength we carry, even in our darkest hours. With haunting guitar solos, poetic spoken word, and an explosive chorus of emotional release, this song invites listeners to rediscover their own resilience, the light that never truly fades. Hot Flashes & Cold Truths Brought to you by SurvivingBreastCancer.org. Explore Then it Hit Me by Laura Carfang After being diagnosed with cancer, words lose their meaning. You are transported to a different reality, where everything must make sense again—but in a new way. Everything you knew and once considered important changes, as you begin to see the world from a completely different perspective. Listen as “Then It Hit Me” tells the story of a cancer experience, reflecting on silent moments, the shock of diagnosis, the courage to move forward, and the hope found in shared experiences.

A virtual breast cancer support group offered in Spanish. Clases Pregrabadas Historias Inspiradoras Enviar Contenido Podcast More Después de un Diagnóstico Un servicio proporcionado por SurvivingBreastCancer.org Después de un diagnóstico, nacemos con el propósito de brindar apoyo a la comunidad hispana que ha sido diagnosticada con cáncer de mama. Ofrecemos acompañamiento a los pacientes, sus familias y cuidadores, a partir del diagnóstico. Comunidad Después de un Diagnóstico es un grupo de apoyo para nuestra comunidad hispanohablante. Únete a nosotros (el segundo y cuarto martes de cada mes) para compartir tus experiencias, conocer a otros, y sentirte acompañado/a. Únete Próximos eventos Multiple Dates Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal Thu, Sep 17 Zoom More info RSVP Multiple Dates Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico de cancer de Mama Tue, Sep 22 Virtual More info RSVP Multiple Dates Thu, Sep 17 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Sep 17, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Multiple Dates Tue, Sep 22 Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico de cancer de Mama / Virtual RSVP Sep 22, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Virtual Encuentro en Español | Martes por la Noche ¡Únete a nuestro Grupo de Apoyo en Español: Después de un Diagnóstico de Cáncer de Mama, un espacio seguro, privado e inclusivo creado para acompañarte en cada eta¡Únete con nosotros para nuestro exclusivo Evento Martes - después del diagnóstico en español! Share Multiple Dates Thu, Oct 01 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Oct 01, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Multiple Dates Tue, Oct 13 Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico de cancer de Mama / Virtual RSVP Oct 13, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Virtual Encuentro en Español | Martes por la Noche ¡Únete a nuestro Grupo de Apoyo en Español: Después de un Diagnóstico de Cáncer de Mama, un espacio seguro, privado e inclusivo creado para acompañarte en cada eta¡Únete con nosotros para nuestro exclusivo Evento Martes - después del diagnóstico en español! Share Multiple Dates Thu, Oct 15 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Oct 15, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Multiple Dates Tue, Oct 27 Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico de cancer de Mama / Virtual RSVP Oct 27, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Virtual Encuentro en Español | Martes por la Noche ¡Únete a nuestro Grupo de Apoyo en Español: Después de un Diagnóstico de Cáncer de Mama, un espacio seguro, privado e inclusivo creado para acompañarte en cada eta¡Únete con nosotros para nuestro exclusivo Evento Martes - después del diagnóstico en español! Share Multiple Dates Thu, Nov 05 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Nov 05, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Multiple Dates Tue, Nov 10 Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico de cancer de Mama / Virtual RSVP Nov 10, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Virtual Encuentro en Español | Martes por la Noche ¡Únete a nuestro Grupo de Apoyo en Español: Después de un Diagnóstico de Cáncer de Mama, un espacio seguro, privado e inclusivo creado para acompañarte en cada eta¡Únete con nosotros para nuestro exclusivo Evento Martes - después del diagnóstico en español! Share Multiple Dates Thu, Nov 19 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Nov 19, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Load More Calendario Todos nuestros eventos son gratuitos. ¡Descarga el calendario y reserva las fechas! Descargar Preguntas para tu Oncólogo Descargar PDF Preguntas para tu Radiólogo Descargar PDF Preguntas para tu Cirujano Descargar PDF Suscríbete a nuestro boletín informativo Suscríbete

Genetics play a significant role in breast cancer risk. Discover how genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 affect susceptibility to breast cancer development. > Discover Your Risk: Understanding Breast Cancer Genetics Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide, prompting many individuals to seek information about their genetic risk. This guide discusses key genetic factors linked to breast cancer and explains how you can take proactive steps toward better health. The Basics of Breast Cancer Genetics We All Have the BRCA1 Gene (and That’s OK) It may surprise some to learn that every person has the BRCA1 gene, (pronounced “BRAH-kuh”) among many other genes that have been associated with cancer. The presence of these gene by itself does not mean you will develop cancer. In fact, we all have many genes that help our bodies function, and BRCA1 is one of them. Problems arise only when there is a mutation —an alteration or change—in certain genes that disrupts their normal function. Why It Matters BRCA1’s Role: When functioning correctly, the BRCA1 gene helps repair DNA breaks that can lead to cancer. Mutation vs. Normal Gene: Only mutated versions of BRCA1 (or other cancer-related genes) significantly increase your risk. This distinction is crucial for understanding personal health and risk factors. Did you know? BRCA stands for BReast CAncer gene. Both men and women can carry these genes and pass them down to children. On The Podcast What is a Variant of Uncertain Significance? Listen Now Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast Cancer with Dr. Mártir-Negrón Listen Now Prophylactic Mastectomy and BRCA Mutation: A Personal Story with Amy Gallagher Listen Now Michelle Sandlin, Living Her Best Life with BRCA 1 Listen Now Realities of Knowing Your Genetic Results Came Back Positive Listen Now Genetic Testing - Should My Kids be Tested? Listen Now On The Blog Genetic Testing for Cancer- What You Need To Know Genetic testing. What exactly is it and how does it concern you? Why is it important that you get tested and why are there conflicting conversations surrounding the topic? These were some of the questions I had walking into the podcast interview with Fatima Amir, a Genetic Counselor at Dana Farber. Read More Hereditary (or Germline) vs. Sporadic Breast Cancer: Key Differences and Implications Breast cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers among women, can be categorized into two main types: hereditary (or germline) and sporadic. Understanding the distinctions between these types is crucial as they differ in causes, risk factors, and implications for treatment and prevention. Read More My Previvor Story After putting extra hormones in my body during the IVF process, I knew that I would always be at a higher risk for some cancers. Little did I know, that is not what was putting me at a higher risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Read More What is a Genetic Mutation A genetic mutation is a permanent alteration or change in the usual sequence of DNA in a gene. Think of your genes as an instruction manual. When an instruction (sequence) is out of place, it can cause an entire process in the body to go awry. Somatic vs. Germline Mutations Germline mutations are inherited from a parent and are present in every cell of your body from birth. If one parent carries a germline mutation, there is a 50% chance of passing it on to each child. Somatic mutations happen during a person’s lifetime and are not inherited from parents. They occur in only certain cells and are usually caused by environmental factors, lifestyle factors, or random mistakes when cells divide. Somatic mutations cannot be passed on to your children. Key Takeaways Not All Mutations Lead to Cancer: Many genetic changes are harmless or have minimal impact. High-Risk Mutations: Mutations in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and others can impair DNA repair, leading to an elevated cancer risk. Breast Cancer–Related Genes While BRCA1 is often in the spotlight, several other genes can influence your likelihood of developing breast cancer—plus, new risk-associated genes continue to be discovered. Notable examples include: BRCA2 Similar in function to BRCA1; responsible for DNA repair Mutations can increase the risk of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers TP53 Known as the “guardian of the genome” for its role in preventing abnormal cell growth Mutations can lead to Li-Fraumeni syndrome, associated with multiple cancers PTEN A tumor suppressor gene linked to Cowden syndrome Increases risk of breast, thyroid, and endometrial cancers ATM Plays a critical role in DNA damage response Mutations can lead to increased breast cancer risk CHEK2 Involved in cell cycle regulation Mutations can modestly increase breast cancer risk STK11 Associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome Increases risk for breast, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal cancers PALB2 Carrying a hereditary cancer gene mutation can raise the likelihood of developing more than just breast cancer. Some of the cancers associated with BRCA1, BRCA2, and other related genes include: Ovarian Cancer Prostate Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Male Breast Cancer Melanoma Why These Genes Matter Risk Assessment: Knowing whether you carry a mutation in one or more of these genes informs your breast cancer screening schedule, often leading to earlier and more frequent screening. Personalized Medicine: Genetic testing can guide individualized prevention and treatment strategies, such as risk-reducing surgeries, enhanced screening protocols, or targeted therapies. Ongoing Discovery Researchers are continually uncovering new genes associated with inherited breast cancer risk. Staying informed about the latest developments in genetic testing is especially important for individuals with a strong family history of breast or related cancers Genetic Testing & Counseling If you have a strong family history of breast, ovarian, or other associated cancers, consider genetic testing. A licensed genetic counselor can guide you through: Risk Assessment Reviewing personal and family medical history Evaluating the appropriateness of genetic testing Types of Genetic Tests BRCA-only tests focus on BRCA1 and BRCA2 Multigene panels screen for multiple genes simultaneously (BRCA, TP53, ATM, etc.) Test Interpretation Understanding positive, negative, or “variant of uncertain significance” (VUS) results Exploring implications for family members Action Plan Enhanced screening (e.g., earlier mammograms, breast MRI) Risk-reducing surgeries (e.g., mastectomy, oophorectomy) Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, avoiding tobacco) Articles Just For You 1 2

Apply for a Scholarship Fund a Scholarship SBC Educational Scholarship Program Education Is Empowerment. Community Is Healing. Each year, SurvivingBreastCancer.org awards Educational Scholarships to individuals impacted by breast cancer — providing access to national conferences where learning, connection, and transformation happen. Why This Matters While metastatic breast cancer is lifelong, this program provides short-term relief during high-intensity treatment periods — ensuring responsible stewardship while delivering meaningful, timely support. Increased confidence in treatment decision-making Improved understanding of metastatic and early-stage care Stronger peer-to-peer support networks Decreased isolation among participants Participants returning home feeling informed, connected, and empowered How To Apply Applications open annually and will be published on this website and announced in our weekly newsletter. Scholarships are available to individuals diagnosed with breast cancer and we encourage individuals who have not previously attended these conferences and who are involved in our SBC community to apply. Application Cycle: Applications are now open for the Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) Conference on MBC. What Scholars Receive Conference registration Shared accommodations A Visa gift card to assist with travel, meals, and incidentals Pre-conference connection with other SBC scholars Post-conference integration support through SBC programming Apply Conferences our SBC Scholars have attended include: Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) Conference on MBC The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) Summit The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) If you are living with breast cancer and seeking education and community, we encourage you to apply. Fund a Scholar When you fund an SBC Educational Scholarship, you are not simply covering a registration fee. You are funding: Health literacy Confidence in medical decision-making Peer connection Emotional resilience Leadership development within the survivor community $1,500 sponsors one full scholar experience at a 3-day conference $3,000 sponsors one full scholar experience at the week long SABCS symposium. " The SBC Educational Scholars Program is invaluable. SBC is providing an amazing opportunity to breast cancer survivors and advocates by offering this kind of financial support." ~Megan B. Donate Today

Join free, facilitated online breast cancer support groups for every stage — newly diagnosed, metastatic, IBC, lymphedema, caregivers, and Spanish-speaking. Find your group. Breast Cancer Support Groups — Free & Online Real conversations. Real understanding. Support for every stage of breast cancer. A breast cancer diagnosis can feel isolating — but you don't have to face it alone. SurvivingBreastCancer.org offers free, online breast cancer support groups led by trained facilitators, where you can connect with others who truly understand. Whether you're newly diagnosed, living with metastatic breast cancer, navigating inflammatory breast cancer or lymphedema, caring for a loved one, or looking for a Spanish-speaking community — there's a group for you. Newly Diagnosed & Early Stage Weather you are newly diagnosed, navigating treatment, or in survivorship, this space is for you. See Dates A Support Group For Every Stage FIND YOUR GROUP All Stages An open group for all staqges and all subtypes of breast cancer. Meets on alternating Thursdays. See Dates Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) A dedicated space for thos living with metastatic breast cancer See Dates Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Support for a rare subtype of breast cancer impacting 5% of those diagnosed. Find your people who get it! See Dates Lymphedema Managing symptoms, welling, management, and daily life together. See Dates Caregivers Provides support to those walking along side some diagnosed with cancer (open to all cancers, not jsut breast). See Dates EN ESPANOL Grupo de apoyo & Circulo de Mujeres Una comunidad enteramente en espanol para quienes enfrentan el cancer de mama Ver fechas WHAT TO EXPECT A safe, welcoming space Always Free Every group, every time, no cost. Facilitated Led by trained facilitators Confidential A private, judgment free space. Frequently asked questions Support Group FAQs Are these breast cancer support groups free? Yes — every SurvivingBreastCancer.org support group is 100% free, no membership or payment required. Do I have to turn my camera on or speak? Is there a Spanish-language support group? Can caregivers and family members join? Do I need a specific diagnosis or stage to join? SAVE YOUR SPOT Upcoming support groups Multiple Dates All Stages Breast Cancer Support Group | Thursday Night Thrivers Thu, Sep 24 Zoom Join our All Stages Breast Cancer Support Group every Thursday night. A supportive, inclusive space for breast cancer thrivers at any stage to connect, share, and find community. Share RSVP Multiple Dates The Caregiver Huddle Tue, Sep 15 Zoom Monthly Virtual Support for Those Caring for a Loved One with Cancer Caring for someone with cancer can be overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally complex. You don’t have to carry it alone. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Early Stage Breast Cancer Support Group | Thursday Night Thrivers Thu, Sep 17 Zoom Join our Early Stage Breast Cancer Support Group for thrivers every Thursday night. A safe, supportive space to connect, share experiences, and find emotional support after an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Support Group with Nancy Gaulin, PsyD Thu, Sep 17 Zoom Join us for our Thursday Night Thrivers MBC Support Group, a warm and uplifting space created specifically for the Metastatic Breast Cancer community. This free, online support group is facilitated by the exceptional psychologist Nancy L. Gaulin, PsyD, MBA a specialist in cancer-related support Share RSVP Multiple Dates MBC Peer to Peer Support | Thursday Night Thrivers Meetup Thu, Oct 01 Virtual Join our MBC Peer to Peer Support group during Thursday Night Thrivers. A monthly breakout space for the metastatic breast cancer community to connect, share, and find support. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Inflammatory Breast Cancer Support Group (IBC) Online Meetup Thu, Oct 08 Online Event Join our free monthly IBC Online Support Group to connect with others, share experiences, and find expert-guided emotional support. Hosted virtually, this group offers a safe space to discuss IBC symptoms, treatments, side effects, and real-life coping strategies. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Lymphedema Support Group: Managing Swelling, Symptoms & Daily Life Together Mon, Sep 21 Zoom Join our lymphedema support group for breast cancer survivors to discuss symptoms, management strategies, and daily care in a supportive, peer-led space. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal Thu, Sep 17 Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico de cancer de Mama Tue, Sep 22 Virtual Encuentro en Español | Martes por la Noche ¡Únete a nuestro Grupo de Apoyo en Español: Después de un Diagnóstico de Cáncer de Mama, un espacio seguro, privado e inclusivo creado para acompañarte en cada eta¡Únete con nosotros para nuestro exclusivo Evento Martes - después del diagnóstico en español! Share RSVP Multiple Dates Tue, Sep 15 The Caregiver Huddle / Zoom RSVP Sep 15, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT Zoom Monthly Virtual Support for Those Caring for a Loved One with Cancer Caring for someone with cancer can be overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally complex. You don’t have to carry it alone. Share Find your people

Providing Hope From Day One. Patient Referral Form Healthcare Provider's First Name Healthcare Provider's Last name Healthcare Provider's Email Anything Else You Would Like To Share? Submit Your Request Has Been Received. Healthcare Organization Address City State Zip Code Patient's First Name Patient's Last name Patient's Email Address City State Primary Language Select Language Weekly Newsletter Select Virtual Support Groups Select MBC Support Groups Select IBC Support Groups Select Book Club Select Art Therapy Select Would You Like Us To Send Your Patient a Care Package? Select Provider Information Patient Information Request Services Upon your request, SBC will send a Breast Cancer Care Package to your patient, a $250 value offering hope and encouragement. Zip Code Yes! I want to subscribe to the SurvivingBreastCancer.org newsletter.

Contact us! Send and email and get in touch if you have questions, want more information or to get involved with our community. Have Questions? Send us a note! Thanks! Message sent. Submit I want to subscribe to the newsletter.

Join our expressive writing workshops designed for breast cancer patients and survivors. Reduce stress, process emotions, and find healing through the power of writing. RSVP for our upcoming virtual and in-person sessions. Expressive Writing for Breast Cancer Support & Healing Discover the power of words. Learn More What is Expressive Writing Expressive writing is a proven technique that helps people process emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing. At SurvivingBreastCancer.org, we offer expressive writing sessions tailored specifically for those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship. Why Expressive Writing Works Reduce anxiety and depression through storytelling Process complex emotions around diagnosis and survivorship Connect with others in a safe, supportive environment Improve overall emotional well-being and clarity Multiple Dates Reflective Writing for Metastatic Breast Cancer Fri, Oct 09 Online Event Sign Up RSVP Multiple Dates Expressive Writing with Thomas Dooley Mon, Oct 12 Online Event Sign Up RSVP "Expressive writing has been my outlet during treatment. I’ve never felt so seen and supported." Multiple Dates Reflective Writing for Metastatic Breast Cancer Fri, Oct 09 Online Event Share RSVP Multiple Dates Expressive Writing with Thomas Dooley Mon, Oct 12 Online Event Share RSVP Backed by Research Expressive writing isn't just therapeutic—it’s backed by science. For decades, researchers have studied the emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing, particularly for people coping with chronic illness and trauma. For those impacted by breast cancer, the act of writing can be a profound tool for reflection, resilience, and renewal. Improves Emotional Well-being: According to Dr. James Pennebaker, a pioneer in expressive writing research, writing about emotional experiences can lead to significant improvements in mental health, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression [1]. Supports Immune Function: A landmark study showed that expressive writing may even improve immune system functioning and decrease the number of visits to the doctor [2]. Helps Process Trauma and Grief: A meta-analysis published in the journal Health Psychology found that expressive writing can be particularly helpful in reducing symptoms of PTSD and supporting emotional recovery after trauma, including illness-related trauma. Enhances Meaning-Making: Writing helps individuals make sense of their experiences, identify patterns, and find meaning—even during difficult health journeys. This sense of meaning has been linked to improved psychological resilience in cancer patients [4] as well as allowing individual to process complex emotions associated with one's diagnosis [5]. Multiple Dates Reflective Writing for Metastatic Breast Cancer Fri, Oct 09 Online Event Share RSVP Multiple Dates Expressive Writing with Thomas Dooley Mon, Oct 12 Online Event Share RSVP Read the Incredible Poems Coming Out Of Our SBC POETRY LAB Looking for more ways to support your well-being? View Programs References: [1]. Pennebaker, J. W., & Beall, S. K. (1986). Confronting a traumatic event: Toward an understanding of inhibition and disease. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 95(3), 274–281. [2]. Pennebaker, J.W. (1997). Writing about emotional experiences as a therapeutic process. Psychological Science, 8(3), 162–166. [3]. Frisina, P. G., Borod, J. C., & Lepore, S. J. (2004). A meta-analysis of the effects of written emotional disclosure on the health outcomes of clinical populations. Health Psychology, 23(6), 763–771. [4]. Stanton, A. L., et al. (2002). Randomized, controlled trial of written emotional expression and benefit finding in reast cancer patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 20(20), 4160–4168. [5]. Patient Education and Counseling. (2022). Using expressive writing to improve cancer caregiver and patient outcomes: A systematic review.