Resources at your fingertips! BREAST CANCER SUPPORT SERVICES Cancer Support In General Cancer Support in Specific Financial Assistance Insurance Assistance Healthcare Assistance Prescription Drug Assistance Transportation Assistant Lodging Assistant Child Care and Elder Care Assistance Low-cost and Free Mammograms ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis provides free, customized one-to-one emotional support for anyone impacted by breast cancer. Founded in 1999 by Melodie Wilson Oldenburg, ABCD matches individuals with trained volunteer Mentors who have a similar lived experience, offering compassionate support based on diagnosis, treatment, age, and lifestyle. With a fully virtual platform, ABCD supports people around the world and ensures that no one faces breast cancer alone. Voice: 1-800-977-4121 Cancer + Careers 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 Cancer Care 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 Cancer Hope Network 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 Cancer Support Community Provides support, education, and hope through a global network to people affected by cancer. E-mail: Help@CancerSupportCommunity.org Caring Bridge Offers personal, protected websites that can be used during a health journey to share updates with family and friends. Foundation 96 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 everyday life. Look Good… Feel Better Helps cancer patients improve their appearance during treatment, including free workshops across the country. Voice: 1-800-227-2345 MD Anderson Cancer Center’s My Cancer Connection Matches cancer patients with others who have had the exact same diagnosis for support. Voice: 1-800-345-6324 Project Life A membership based virtual wellness house for those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer and their loved ones. R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation BLOCH Cancer Hotline Connects persons with cancer to home volunteers with same type of cancer. Provides free books about cancer. Voice: 1-800-433-0464 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. Cancer Support & Community Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insuramce Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Asian Women for Health 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. BrightSpot 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 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 Indian Health Service If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe, you may be eligible for health services within the Indian Health Service. Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance 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. Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance 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 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 Navigating Cancer Care Decisions for Older Adults 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. Sharsheret (Hebrew for “chain”) Supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. Sharsheret (Hebrew for “chain”) Supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. TigerLily Foundation 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. Young Survival Coalition Provides information and support for young women with breast cancer. Identity & Population-Specific Support Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insuramce Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Air Charity Network - Long-distance transportation Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 877-621-7177 AVONCares Program - CancerCare Offers financial assistance for child care during treatment. 800-813-HOPE (800-813-4673) Corporate Angel Network Uses empty seats on corporate planes to help cancer patients reach treatment centers (Travel for caregivers is not covered). 866-328-1313 Hope Lodge - American Cancer Society Offers lodging for families during cancer treatment. 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) Joe's House Find an online directory of free and discounted lodging for cancer patients and their families. Lifeline Pilots Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 800-822-7972 Mercy Medical Airlift Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 800-296-1217 National Patient Travel Center Offers free or discounted air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 800-296-1217 Road to Recovery - American Cancer Society Offers local transportation to and from cancer treatments. 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) Travel & Lodging Assistance Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insuramce Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) AVONCares Child Care Program - CancerCare Offers financial assistance for child care during treatment. 800-813-HOPE (800-813-4673) Kesem 5 million children are coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis. That’s 5 million children at risk of experiencing increased anxiety, emotional isolation, loss of social interest, and/or feelings of hopelessness. And that’s why, at Kesem, we are committed to creating a world where every child who has a parent with a cancer diagnosis or has lost a parent to cancer is never alone. We support these children through and beyond their parent’s cancer with free, fun-filled creative programs and a lasting community. Pickles Group 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. Take Them a Meal Provides meal planning service for caregivers, friends, and family. Family, Child & Elder Support Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insuramce Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) General Guidance 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 Affordable Care Act (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) Find information on choosing a health insurance plan and the Affordable Care Act. A.M. Best Company Find insurance company ratings. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Find detailed information on Medicare and other health insurance programs for people over 50. 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277) American Cancer Society – Understanding Financial and Legal Matters Find information on financial topics. 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) HealthWell Foundation 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. National Association of Insurance Commissioners Find your state's insurance commissioner. National Cancer Legal Services Network Find a directory of organizations that offer free legal help for people diagnosed with cancer and their families. National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship Find the booklets “Understanding Your Health Insurance” and "Your Employment Rights." 877-NCCS-YES (877-622-7937) National Underinsured Resource Directory - Patient Advocate Foundation Find local, state and national resources for people who have insurance but struggle to pay out-of-pocket costs of care. 800-532-5274 Patient Advocate Foundation Offers financial assistance information and legal and advocacy help if an insurance claim is denied. 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. Triage Cancer 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. Financial, Legal & Insurance Help Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insuramce Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Co-payment Assistance Foundation - CancerCare Offers health insurance co-payment assistance for chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs. 866-55-COPAY (866-552-6729) Patient Advocate Foundation – Co-Pay Relief Program Offers financial assistance for prescription drug co-payments. Myriad Financial Assistance Program Offers financial assistance for genetic testing. Partnership for Prescription Assistance Offers low-cost and free prescription drug programs for people with limited income. 888-4PPA-NOW (888-477-2669) Quest Diagnostic's Patient Assistance Program Offers financial assistance for genetic testing. 888-4PPA-NOW (888-477-2669) Rx Hope Find an online directory of prescription drug assistance programs. Strings for a Cure Offers financial assistance for prescription drugs co-payments. The Pink Fund Offers financial assistance for health insurance premiums. Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insuramce Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Asian Women for Health 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. BrightSpot 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 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 Indian Health Service If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe, you may be eligible for health services within the Indian Health Service. Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance 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. Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance 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 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 Navigating Cancer Care Decisions for Older Adults 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. 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. Sharsheret (Hebrew for “chain”) Supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. The Missing Link 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. TigerLily Foundation 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. Young Survival Coalition Provides information and support for young women with breast cancer. Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insuramce Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Screening & Prevention (Mammograms)

Resources at your fingertips! BREAST CANCER SUPPORT SERVICES Cancer Support In General Cancer Support in Specific Financial Assistance Insurance Assistance Healthcare Assistance Prescription Drug Assistance Transportation Assistant Lodging Assistant Child Care and Elder Care Assistance Low-cost and Free Mammograms ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis provides free, customized one-to-one emotional support for anyone impacted by breast cancer. Founded in 1999 by Melodie Wilson Oldenburg, ABCD matches individuals with trained volunteer Mentors who have a similar lived experience, offering compassionate support based on diagnosis, treatment, age, and lifestyle. With a fully virtual platform, ABCD supports people around the world and ensures that no one faces breast cancer alone. Voice: 1-800-977-4121 Cancer + Careers 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 Cancer Care 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 Cancer Hope Network 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 Cancer Support Community Provides support, education, and hope through a global network to people affected by cancer. E-mail: Help@CancerSupportCommunity.org Caring Bridge Offers personal, protected websites that can be used during a health journey to share updates with family and friends. Cleaning For A Reason 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 Foundation 96 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 everyday life Look Good…Feel Better Helps cancer patients improve their appearance during treatment. Free workshops across the country. Voice: 1-800-227-2345 MD Anderson Cancer Center’s my Cancer Connection Matches cancer patients with others who have had the exact same diagnosis for support. Voice: 1-800-345-6324 Paddle for the Cure 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 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 Patient Empowerment Network 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 Project Life A membership based virtual wellness house for those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer and their loved ones. R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation BLOCH Cancer Hotline Connects persons with cancer to home volunteers with same type of cancer. Provides free books about cancer. Voice: 1-800-433-0464 Skarlette The Skarlette collection; attractive post-surgical lingerie, designed by flat women, for flat women. Email: hello@skarlette.co.uk Take Them a Meal Provides meal planning service for caregivers, friends, and family. Triage Cancer 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 Top of Page Cancer Support In General Cancer Support In Specific Low-cost and Free Mammograms Financial Assistance Insurance Assistance Healthcare Assistance Prescription Drug Assistance Transportation Assistance Lodging Assistance Child & Elder Care Assistance Cancer Support In General Asian Women for Health 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. BrightSpot 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 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 Indian Health Service If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe, you may be eligible for health services within the Indian Health Service. Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance 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. Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance 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 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 Navigating Cancer Care Decisions for Older Adults 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. 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. Sharsheret (Hebrew for “chain”) Supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. The Missing Link 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. TigerLily Foundation 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. Young Survival Coalition Provides information and support for young women with breast cancer. Cancer Support in Specific Top of Page Cancer Support In General Cancer Support In Specific Low-cost and Free Mammograms Financial Assistance Insurance Assistance Healthcare Assistance Prescription Drug Assistance Transportation Assistance Lodging Assistance Child & Elder Care Assistance Affordable Care Act 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. FDA 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. Komen Affiliates fund 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. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program Provides access to breast cancer screening to low-income, uninsured and underinsured women. Planned Parenthood Offers clinical breast exams and referrals for mammography (and any follow-up testing, such as breast ultrasound). American Cancer Society – Hope Lodge and hotel lodging Offers lodging for families during cancer treatment. 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) Joe's House Find an online directory of free and discounted lodging for cancer patients and their families. CancerCare – AVONCares Program Offers financial assistance for child care during treatment. 800-813-HOPE (800-813-4673) Kesem 5 million children are coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis. That’s 5 million children at risk of experiencing increased anxiety, emotional isolation, loss of social interest, and/or feelings of hopelessness. And that’s why, at Kesem, we are committed to creating a world where every child who has a parent with a cancer diagnosis or has lost a parent to cancer is never alone. We support these children through and beyond their parent’s cancer with free, fun-filled creative programs and a lasting community. Pickles Group 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. American Cancer Society – Road to Recovery Offers local transportation to and from cancer treatments. 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) CancerCare – AVONCares Offers financial assistance for transportation to and from cancer treatments. 800-813-HOPE (800-813-4673) Corporate Angel Network Uses empty seats on corporate planes to help cancer patients reach treatment centers. (Travel for caregivers is not covered.) 866-328-1313 Lifeline Pilots Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 800-822-7972 Long-distance transportation - Air Charity Network Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 877-621-7177 Mercy Medical Airlift Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 800-296-1217 National Patient Travel Center Offers free or discounted air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 800-296-1217 Top of Page Cancer Support In General Cancer Support In Specific Low-cost and Free Mammograms Financial Assistance Insurance Assistance Healthcare Assistance Prescription Drug Assistance Transportation Assistance Lodging Assistance Child & Elder Care Assistance 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. 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. Low-cost and Free Mammograms FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 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 INSURANCE ASSISTANCE Affordable Care Act (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) Find information on choosing a health insurance plan and the Affordable Care Act. A.M. Best Company Find insurance company ratings. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Find detailed information on Medicare and other health insurance programs for people over 50. 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277) American Cancer Society – Understanding Financial and Legal Matters Find information on financial topics. 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) HealthWell Foundation 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 National Association of Insurance Commissioners Find your state's insurance commissioner. National Cancer Legal Services Network Find a directory of organizations that offer free legal help for people diagnosed with cancer and their families. National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship Find the booklets “Understanding Your Health Insurance” and "Your Employment Rights." 877-NCCS-YES (877-622-7937) Patient Advocate Foundation Offers financial assistance information and legal and advocacy help if an insurance claim is denied. 800-532-5274 Patient Advocate Foundation - National Underinsured Resource Directory 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. Triage Cancer 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. Top of Page Cancer Support In General Cancer Support In Specific Low-cost and Free Mammograms Financial Assistance Insurance Assistance Healthcare Assistance Prescription Drug Assistance Transportation Assistance Lodging Assistance Child & Elder Care Assistance Healthcare Assistance The Pink Fund Offers financial assistance for health insurance premiums. Sisters Network Inc. Offers financial assistance for breast prosthesis, medical bras and compression arm sleeves. Social Security Administration Find your local social security office. Strings for a Cure Offers financial assistance for personal expenses including mortgage or rent, utilities, food and car payments. Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (U.S. Department of Labor) Find information on federal laws requiring insurance coverage of breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Prescription Drug Assistance CancerCare – Co-payment Assistance Foundation 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. Patient Advocate Foundation Find an online directory of drug company assistance programs. Partnership for Prescription Assistance Offers low-cost and free prescription drug programs for people with limited income. 888-4PPA-NOW (888-477-2669) Patient Advocate Foundation – Co-Pay Relief Program Offers financial assistance for prescription drug co-payments. 866-512-3861 Quest Diagnostic's Patient Assistance Program Offers financial assistance for genetic testing. 888-4PPA-NOW (888-477-2669) Rx Hope Find an online directory of prescription drug assistance programs. Strings for a Cure Offers financial assistance for prescription drugs co-payments. Top of Page Cancer Support In General Cancer Support In Specific Low-cost and Free Mammograms Financial Assistance Insurance Assistance Healthcare Assistance Prescription Drug Assistance Transportation Assistance Lodging Assistance Child & Elder Care Assistance

SurvivingBreastCancer.org offers breast cancer support through online programs, resources, and a caring community for patients, survivors, and their families. Community.Education. Support When breast cancer becomes part of your life, we become part of your support. Get Support Fuel Cancer Survivorship into 2026 Donate Today! Our Impact in Numbers Facts & Figures +390 Programs offered Serving 8,000 individuals +51k Views of our digital content Video views from our digital content library Webinars, on-demand mindfulness & movement classes 190K Podcast Episodes Downloaded Providing education and inspiration 85% Demonstrated increased confidence Support, mental health, and health literacy This December, Your Support Matters! Fuel Cancer Survivorship into 2026 Resources. Community. Support 400+ Virtual Programs Explore Every week, hundreds of people impacted by breast cancer log on to connect, learn, and heal through our 400+ free virtual programs. From weekly support groups to wellness classes and expert-led webinars, experience how powerful community can be. SBC's On-Demand Video Library Watch Now Whether you’re newly diagnosed, living with metastatic breast cancer, or supporting a loved one, our 600+ videos are here for you 24/7. Explore expert talks, survivor stories, and wellness practices—all free and on demand. Real Stories. Real Voices. Real Support. Listen Now Our podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations, brings together survivors, thrivers, caregivers, and experts in candid conversations that educate, inspire. With over 250 episodes, it’s a trusted companion — whether you’re seeking answers, hope, or just a friendly voice. Donate Donate Today! About you Join Subscribe to Our Mailing List Thanks for subscribing! Recibe nuestro boletín en Español Registrate aquí Registrate Shop Now This October, SurvivingBreastCancer.Org is honored to partner with Madam Glam in our shared mission to support breast cancer awareness and action. For every pink gel sold from Madam Glam’s exclusive "Think Pink" Collection, $1 will be donated directly to SurvivingBreastCancer.Org.

SurvivingBreastCancer.org offers breast cancer support through online programs, resources, and a caring community for patients, survivors, and their families. When breast cancer becomes part of your life, we become part of your support. Get Support Inspire. Empower. Support. Donate TODAY TODAY TODAY TODAY Make an Impact Donate Today Community.Education. Support Help Fuel Cancer Survivorship into 2026 Our Impact in Numbers Facts & Figures +390 Programs offered Serving 8,000 individuals +51k Views of our digital content Video views from our digital content library Webinars, on-demand mindfulness & movement classes 190K Podcast Episodes Downloaded Providing education and inspiration 85% Demonstrated increased confidence Support, mental health, and health literacy What we offer 01 Whole Person Support Integrative oncology inspired programming 02 Mindfulness & Meditation Virtual and on-demand 03 Support Groups Early Stage, MBC, IBC, Caregiver support 04 Extensive Content Library Blogs, Podcast, On-Demand Webinars 05 Navigating Life After A Diagnosis Resources and programs for early stage and those living with metastatic disease. This December, Your Support Matters! One Community One Rocket One Massive Impact Fuel Cancer Survivorship into 2026 Resources. Community. Support 400+ Virtual Programs Explore Every week, hundreds of people impacted by breast cancer log on to connect, learn, and heal through our 400+ free virtual programs. From weekly support groups to wellness classes and expert-led webinars, experience how powerful community can be. SBC's On-Demand Video Library Watch Now Whether you’re newly diagnosed, living with metastatic breast cancer, or supporting a loved one, our 600+ videos are here for you 24/7. Explore expert talks, survivor stories, and wellness practices—all free and on demand. Real Stories. Real Voices. Real Support. Listen Now Our podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations, brings together survivors, thrivers, caregivers, and experts in candid conversations that educate, inspire. With over 250 episodes, it’s a trusted companion — whether you’re seeking answers, hope, or just a friendly voice. Donate About you Join Subscribe to Our Mailing List Thanks for subscribing! Recibe nuestro boletín en Español Registrate aquí Registrate Shop Now This October, SurvivingBreastCancer.Org is honored to partner with Madam Glam in our shared mission to support breast cancer awareness and action. For every pink gel sold from Madam Glam’s exclusive "Think Pink" Collection, $1 will be donated directly to SurvivingBreastCancer.Org.

Meet the Team Medical Advisory Board 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 Meghann Sweeney, J.D. Board Member Tony Carfang, MBA Board Member Board of Directors 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 Surgical Oncology Our Incredible Team The hands on the ground making the dream work! Elisa Herrera Director of Programs and Events Director of Hispanic Outreach in Latin America elisa@survivingbreastcancer.org Meghan McCallum Excecutive Assistant meghan@survivingbreastcancer.org Itzel Herrera Social Media Coordinator @survivingbreastcancer.org Our Early Stage volunteer Leadership Team Pooja Jain Julie Cottril l Meghan Staskal-Bradt Carol Collins Denise Whittaker Meghan Aycock Brenda Coronado Despues de un Diagnóstico Lourdes Heras Despues de un Diagnóstico Our MBC Volunteer Leadership Team Amy Russell-Parliman Melanie Sisk Kathleen Friel Abigail Johnston Katie Jewell Claudia González Sheila Godreau

After a breast cancer diagnosis, diet and nutrition play crucial roles during and after treatment. Discover the best dietary habits for breast cancer patients. Food as medicine Eat Right, Feel Amazing Health and nutrition is such an important part of the fitness equation. The right compliments of foods allow you to achieve optimal performance and feel your best! "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" Home Page Breast Cancer 101 Lifestyle & Wellness Resources Programs Content Library Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations Download the App Subscribe to the Newsletter Donate to a Program More Breast Cancer Diet & Nutrition Guide A Partial Guideline for Nutrition and Exercise For Breast Cancer Patients, Survivors, & Thrivers A healthy diet is only one of several factors that can affect the immune system; exercise and stress management are equally as important in improving one’s overall health and well-being. Following the initial diagnosis of breast cancer, most women tend to re-think their nutrition and health practices. It’s only natural to question what caused this cancer to occur and what lifestyle changes one should be making. Most women believe they must make significant dietary changes to ensure good outcomes following breast cancer treatment. We found several studies to be most helpful when coming to terms with Nutrition and Exercise post diagnosis. What follows is directly pulled from the John Hopkins study : There are no food or dietary supplements that will act as “magic bullets” to prevent breast cancer from returning. National Cancer Institute guidelines for cancer prevention can be used to decrease the chance of a breast cancer recurrence. These guidelines include: Increase intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains Decrease fat intake to less than 30 percent of calories Minimize intake of cured, pickled and smoked foods Achieve and maintain a healthy weight Alcohol consumption should be done in moderation, if at all This second study from Dana Farber addresses diet and exercise suggestions http://www.dana-farber.org/health-library/articles/healthy-diet-and-exercise-tips-for-breast-cancer-patients/ Exercise Exercise Exercise during all stages of life is important, but it can be particularly important for breast cancer survivors because it can help you feel better after treatment and promote survivorship. Studies show that walking 3-5 hours per week at a pace of 2 to 3 miles per hour can lower the chances of breast cancer recurrence and death by up to 40 percent. Walking can help you fight fatigue, depression, and anxiety as well as improve heart and bone health. Engaging your children in physical activity can be a great way to incorporate exercise into your daily life schedule. Remember to talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Plant-based diet Plant-based diets, which include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, are all highly recommended components of a balanced diet for breast cancer survivorship. Research has found that eating 5 or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables a day in addition to the equivalent of walking 30 minutes, 6 days per week is associated with significant survival advantage. Eating a well-balanced diet with lean protein, including plant sources, such as lentils, beans, nuts, nut butters, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats like avocado and olive oil, in amounts to maintain a healthy weight, along with exercise is the best thing you can do for optimal health. Meal Planning and Phytonutrients Raw vs. cooked vegetables? Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Eating a variety of different types of vegetables, whether cooked or raw, provides the body with various vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Raw and cooked vegetables provide different nutrients. For example, cooked tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a nutrient that's not as available in raw tomatoes. In turn, raw tomatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C, nutrients that decrease with cooking. In all methods of preparation, and whether you buy them frozen or fresh, be sure to include plenty of vegetables in your daily diet. What are the best ways to cook vegetables? The healthiest ways to cook vegetables include steaming, stir-frying, sautéing, baking and grilling. These methods prevent the overcooking of vegetables that would disintegrate the valuable nutrients. Which are healthier: fruits and vegetables that are fresh or frozen? They are equal. No matter how they are stored, the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables varies only slightly whether they are fresh or frozen. Buy them and enjoy them often; that's the healthiest way to eat fruits and vegetables. Choosing locally grown produce is another option for maximizing the nutrient levels in produce. What about canned fruits and vegetables? Buy fruit canned in water or light/natural juice. When buying canned vegetables, check the label for the sodium content and choose the low-sodium version. Canned fruits and vegetables can be easy to digest, and therefore are good choices for persons with diarrhea due to cancer treatment or recent surgery. Should I choose organic fruits and vegetables? The scientific research on organic verses conventional foods and cancer risk is not conclusive enough for specific guidelines to be determined. Therefore, the decision to choose organic or conventional produce is ultimately a personal health choice. When consuming produce, remember these points: Always wash all produce (organic or conventional), even if the package is labeled "pre-washed" If you decide to choose organic produce and cost is a concern, choose organic produce that has been found to contain the highest levels of pesticide residues when grown conventionally. The following lists may be useful for making wise choices. The USDA, Consumer Reports, and the Environmental Working group have investigated the amounts of pesticide residues found on commonly consumed produce and created the following tables. Produce was washed before pesticide levels were tested. Produce with highest levels of pesticide residue: Apples Bell Peppers (Green and Red) Celery Cherries (U.S.) Grapes (Chile) Lettuce Nectarines Peaches Pears Potatoes (U.S.) Spinach Strawberries Produce with lowest levels of pesticide residues: Asparagus Avocados Bananas Broccoli Sweet Corn Cabbage Eggplant Kiwi Mango Onions Pineapples Peas (frozen) The bottom line: The benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables far outweigh the risks associated with pesticide residue. Phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables (organic or conventional) promote immune support and detoxification in the body and are excellent sources of disease-fighting nutrients. Read Articles Events & Programs Our events and programs are designed to offer healing, support, and friendship. Whether you attend a weekly meetup, a meditation class, or an art therapy session or expressive writing workshop, our programs promote well-being while offering a safe and nurturing space for you to just be you! All of our events and programs are at no cost to you! Explore

Your generosity gives hope. Donate to make a real difference in the breast cancer community, including through DAF and stock-based giving options. Home Page Breast Cancer 101 Lifestyle & Wellness Resources Programs Content Library Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations Download the App Subscribe to the Newsletter Donate to a Program 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 the latest advances in breast cancer treatment, including life-saving developments in pharmaceuticals and detection. Advances in Breast Cancer Treatments

Looking for a distraction from treatment? Join our Breast Cancer Book Club for great reads and greater support from other breast cancer patients and survivors. Breast Cancer Book Club Where we read books that have nothing to do with cancer! Our Current Book Pick of the Month Between the Mountain and the Sky: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope Upcoming Events Multiple Dates Breast Cancer Book Club Sun, Dec 07 Zoom Meetings More info RSVP The Breast Cancer Book Club™ is a monthly virtual book club for breast cancer patients and survivors. Unlike the traditional support group, where breast cancer is the usual topic of discussion, this book club is designed to take our minds OFF of cancer, while still providing opportunities for support and connection! When do we meet? The Book Club meets the first Sunday of every month at 11 am ET. You are welcome to join each month or pick and choose your month based on your availability and the book we are reading. How do I know what book to read? During our Sunday virtual Book Club, we will announce the next book the group will be reading. Once announced, the information will be published on our website. You can purchase the book and join the discussion the following month. Membership Membership is free! Those who join the Breast Cancer Book Club™ are encouraged to follow our Instagram Account as well as get involved in the weekly discussions through our private online group. Who are the moderators? Our Breast Cancer Book Club™ is spearheaded by Dr. Jandie Schwartz, D.O. , Fellow Breast Surgical Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and is supported by Dr. Carole Weaver, Ph. D. and best selling Author as well as the team at Survivingbreastcancer.org How do I sign up ? It's easy! Each month, we will have that month's book club published on our Event's Page . Just RSVP and you will receive the zoom link to attend the meeting. Support Our Book Club! Your donation enables us to provide books to those diagnosed with breast cancer at no cost to the patient. We firmly believe in access to services and resources and breaking down those financial barriers. thank you for your support. DONATE TO THE BOOK CLUB Join the Breast Cancer Book Club Community~ Membership FREE Come Join Us The First Sunday of Every Month at 11 AM ET June 2025: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson May 2025: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins April 2025: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson March 2025: Empire of Shadows by Jacquelyn Benson February 2025: 101 Essays that will change the way you think, by Brianna Wiest January 2025: The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness November 2024: Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy October 2024: Heartland by Sarah Smash. September2024: Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes JAugust 2024: Happy Place by Emily Henry July 2024: Still Life by Louise Penny June 2024: The Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis May 2024: None of this is True by Lisa Jewell April 2024: The Women by Kristin Hannah March 2024: Trust, by Hernan Diaz February 2024: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld January 2024: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt December 2023: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear November 2023: West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. October 2023: Sisters: A Novel by Daisy Jonshon September 2023: Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life August 2023: One Italian Summer: A Novel by Rebecca Serle July 2023: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone: A Novel by Benjamin Stevenson June 2023: The Paper Palace: A Novel by Miranda Cowley Heller May 2023: Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus April 2023: American Spy by Lauren Wilkerson March 2023: Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford February 2023: Our Missing Hearts, by Celeste Ng January 2023: Atlas of the Heart A Novel by Celeste Ng December 2022: Atlas of the Heart, by Brené Brown November 2022: It All Comes Back to You, by Beth Duke October 2022: The Maid by Nita Prose September 2022: The Twentieth Wife, by Indu Sundaresan August 2022: The Reading List, by Sara Nisha Adams July 2022: All's Well, by Mona Awad June 2022: The Mists of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley May 2022: The Lions of Fifth Avenue, by Fiona Davis April 2022: The Push, by Ashley Audrain March 2022: A Woman of No Importance, by Sonia Purnell February 2022: The Spanish Love Deception, by Elena Armas January 2022: Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions, by Brian Christian December 2021 The Last Thing he Told Me by Laura Dave November 2021: Life is So Good October 2021: Life Is So Good, by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman September 2021: The Flatshare, by Beth O'Leary August 2021: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain July 2021: The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah June 2021: The Vanishing Half, by Brit Bennett May 2021: A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman April 2021: American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins March 2021: Is This Anything, by Jerry Seinfeld February 2021: The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant January 2021: Joyful, by Ingrid Fetell Lee December 2020: Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens November 2020: A Most Beautiful Thing, by Arshay Cooper November 2020: A Most Beautiful Thing, by Arshay Cooper Breast Cancer Book Club™ List Pick Your Own Book

Your generosity gives hope. Find out how you can get involved and make an impactful and meaningful difference. Donate to breast cancer and make a difference. Home Page Breast Cancer 101 Lifestyle & Wellness Resources Programs Content Library Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations Download the App Subscribe to the Newsletter Donate to a Program More Make a Difference Through Asset Based Giving & Charitable Bequests Donating assets and making charitable bequests to SurvivingBreastCancer.org holds significant value and contributes immensely to our mission of providing comprehensive support, resources, and advocacy for those battling breast cancer. Below are several key points highlighting the importance and advantages of asset-based donations: $50 $100 $250 Making a Meaningful Difference: Your asset donations directly contribute to providing essential services, financial aid, emotional support, and educational resources to breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Each donation helps in fostering a community of hope and resilience. Tax Advantages and Financial Benefits: Because we are a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non profit donating appreciated assets, such as stocks, real estate, automobiles or other investments, may offer substantial tax advantages. It can result in tax deductions for the fair market value of the donated assets, potentially reducing capital gains taxes and providing significant financial benefits to the donor. Supporting Ongoing Programs and Initiatives: Asset-based donations contribute to sustaining and expanding SurvivingBreastCancer.org's programs, including support groups, awareness campaigns, research initiatives, and access to vital resources for underserved communities. Creating Lasting Legacies: Donating assets allows individuals to leave a lasting legacy of support for breast cancer patients and survivors. It embodies a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer, leaving an enduring impact on our community Encouraging Others to Give: Your donations serve as an inspiring example, encouraging others within our community and beyond to contribute, fostering a culture of generosity and philanthropy. The people in this community are so warm and welcoming. The conversations transcend beyond breast cancer stories, thus creating even stronger connections. I finally found my tribe! Your donation transforms lives How to Donate I encourage you to consider the significant impact of donating assets to SurvivingBreastCancer.org. Your contributions, whether large or small, play a pivotal role in our collective efforts to support and uplift those affected by breast cancer. Together, let's continue our mission of bringing hope, support, and strength to individuals and families facing the challenges of breast cancer. Or contact William at 603.361.7018 Email William Today Contact William directly to discuss the endless possibilities and to set up your donation. More Ways to Give If you would like to schedule an appointment and discuss legacy donations or endowments, please contact SBC. We are happy to partner with you! Donate by Check Survivingbreastcancer.org 5 Cedar Street, Suite 1 Roxbury, MA 02119 Checks can be made out to "Survivingbreastcancer.org" Donate by Venmo @Survivingbreastcancerorg Donate Securities Contact SBC Donate Now English Español

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A variety of breast cancer treatment options exist to help patients in their fight, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and hormonal therapy. Breast Cancer Radiation Treatment Options Chemotherapy, Surgery, Radiation & Hormonal Therapy When you meet with your oncology team, it is always important to remember that this is a partnership; a partnership between you and your doctors. It is ok to ask questions, to ask for clarification and to ensure you are 100% comfortable with your treatment options. Depending on the type of breast cancer you have (Triple Negative, Lobular, Inflammatory, etc. ), and the stage of your breast cancer, your treatment options will vary. In some cases people will start with chemotherapy, while others may have surgery first. In some cases, if your cancer has spread to the bones or organs, surgery may not be necessary. The point is, treatments vary, and if you read our breast cancer stories , you'll see the wide range of experiences our members share. What's the Difference between Diet and Nutrition? On Breast Cancer Conversations, the Podcast Listen Now Radiation Therapy Video Library Welcome to our Radiotherapy Video Library, where we provide expert insights, real patient experiences, and practical tips to help you navigate radiation therapy for breast cancer. Whether you're preparing for treatment, currently undergoing radiotherapy, or managing side effects, our videos offer clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way. Radiation Therapy: What Every Breast Cancer Patient Needs To Know | With Dr. Rachel Jimenez TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE -People who refuse aspects of therapy including radiation. -What to expect when going in for radiation-Planning appointment -What is radiation and why would I need it? -Radiation and skin care -Proton Beam Radiation (the science behind protons; a number of clinical trials exploring proton beam radiation in the breast cancer community to minimize cardiac toxicity). -Risks association with radiation, but we still sign the consent. As a young breast cancer survivor, I ask Dr. Jimenez to explain the 10, 20 and 50 year plan for women who go through treatment. HEALTH RISKS -Cardiac toxicity -Field of cardio oncology partners and have mapped out the ideal -Herceptin and anthracyclines. After 5 years of survivorship, you should have a cardiac stress test. -Getting a baseline with an ultrasound of the heart so if there are changes, doctors can track them. -Our job (in Radiation Oncology) in follow up is to open up and make sure that referrals are made. How is your nutrition? Are you exercising? Did you schedule your next mammogram? QUOTES: "Your providers are your providers for life". "You are never a bother, it is our job and privilege to take care of you! " Listen Now Radiation Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) with Dr. Rachel Jimenez and Dr. Kim Corbin. Listen Now Tales from the Radiology Tech Amy Ellen Parliman lives life by faith and enjoys spreading kindness. 26 years ago, she went to school to become a radiology technologist. She enjoys performing diagnostic imaging on her patients, she prides herself in safe and quality care. About 12 years ago she became a leader in her field and has moved into a leadership role in the Diagnostic Imaging Department. She worked in mobile imaging for 13 years, she recently changed jobs to reenter the hospital scene. She enjoys sharing her skills in diagnostic imaging with newer technologist. Her thoughts are to create an environment that is warm and inviting for patients during some of the worse times of their lives. She lives by a code to treat all of her patients like she wants her parents treated. Her goal is a smile or maybe a laugh while caring for her patients. Over the years she has been able to learn from her patients and team. On January 29, 2014 Amy became a Cancer patient. She underwent treatment for stage III breast cancer during 2014. She lived with NED until January 29, 2019 then she was told she had MBC. She is currently on her first line treatment. If the opportunity presents, she will share her various experiences of living after diagnosis. Listen Now Stories to Explore Tripple Negative Breast Cancer in your 20's and 30's >

SurvivingBreastCancer.org provides art workshops to help breast cancer patients & survivors heal emotionally using painting, collage, & other art forms. Art Expression for Breast Cancer Support & Healing Heal through creativity. Connect through color. Empower your spirit. Learn More Why Art Expression Matters Art expression is a powerful, non-verbal way to process the emotional complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis. At SurvivingBreastCancer.org, we provide guided workshops where you can use painting, drawing, collage, and other art forms to explore your healing journey—no artistic experience required. What To Expect In Our Art Expression Workshops Create in community with others who understand what you're going through Express emotions that may be difficult to put into words Reduce stress and anxiety through mindful creative activities Access inner resilience and foster a sense of control and empowerment Stitch & Share: A Mindful Crochet Gathering Wed, Dec 03 Online Event Sign Up RSVP "I’m not an artist, but these sessions gave me space to breathe, to cry, and to feel whole again." ~Mary , MN. Backed by Research Creative expression isn't just a hobby—it’s a validated practice that supports emotional well-being, stress reduction, and connection during the cancer journey. Over the past decade, a growing body of research has demonstrated the benefits of engaging in the arts for those affected by cancer. From painting and drawing to collage and mixed media, visual art-making offers meaningful ways to cope with uncertainty, process emotions, and reduce treatment-related distress. Reduces Emotional Distress and Anxiety A 2021 systematic review in Frontiers in Psychology found that art therapy interventions significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and distress in breast cancer patients. Many participants reported increased relaxation, improved mood, and a deeper sense of control [1]. Improves Quality of Life In a 2020 randomized controlled trial, women undergoing breast cancer treatment who participated in art-based interventions reported enhanced emotional and psychological quality of life. Activities like painting and mandala creation provided a calming outlet for stress and a structured way to express difficult emotions [2]. Decreases Fatigue and Boosts Self-Efficacy A 2018 study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that art-making helped reduce treatment-related fatigue and fostered a sense of self-efficacy—particularly valuable for individuals navigating long-term or metastatic care [3]. Enhances Emotional Processing and Connection: According to a 2019 study in Arts & Health, breast cancer patients participating in group-based visual art sessions reported increased self-awareness, emotional expression, and peer connection. Creating art in community helped reduce isolation and build resilience [4]. Art On Demand 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, 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. Click on the videos below to watch Why It Matters At SurvivingBreastCancer.org, we recognize that emotional and mental well-being are essential aspects of whole-person care. Our Art Expression workshops are informed by this research and designed to: Create a safe space for emotional exploration Reduce stress and anxiety through mindful creativity Build a sense of control and agency during uncertain times Foster connection with others walking a similar path Whether you're coping with a new diagnosis, in active treatment, or living with metastatic breast cancer, art can offer comfort, insight, and a quiet moment of peace. 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. 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 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. Stitch & Share: A Mindful Crochet Gathering Wed, Dec 03 Online Event RSVP Looking For More Ways To Incorporate Creativity Into Healing? Check out our Expressive Writing Workshops and the transformative power of narrative storytelling to support your emotional well-being! Looking for more ways to support your healing journey? View Programs References: 1. Frontiers in Psychology, 2021 2. Thyme, K.E. et al. (2020). Effects of art therapy on quality of life for women undergoing breast cancer treatment. 3. Nainis, N., et al. Art Therapy Improves Quality of Life in Cancer Patients. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 4. Arts & Health, 2019

The Carfang Group presents eleven issues that will change the financial world.  We call these the “Megatrends”.  This article presents the eleven megatrends and invites your feedback and discussion.  Subsequent articles will explore each of these in detail. Megatrends in Treasury, Money and Banking Megatrends in Treasury, Money and Banking Anthony J. Carfang, The Carfang Group Innovation, technology, regulation and geopolitics are intersecting and are about to change the face of treasury, money and banking as never before. Issues that appear small or incremental today could be seismic in the longer term. As markets, institutions and governments deal with these cross-currents, we could be witnessing the beginning of a transformation on a grand scale in finance. In this series, The Carfang Group presents eleven issues that will change the financial world. We call these the “Megatrends”. This article presents the eleven megatrends and invites your feedback and discussion. Subsequent articles will explore each of these in detail. These are the eleven Megatrends which we believe will reshape our financial world over the next decade. Central Bank roles are scaled back. Asset Managers overtake banks. Deposit Banking diminishes in importance. Deposit Insurance becomes universal. Private Liquidity Funds emerge as a major asset class. Technology disintermediates the intermediaries. Truly immediate payments eclipse “faster payments”. 20th century institutions and structures are realigned. Currency takes on a new role. Alternative currencies gain acceptance. Solutions for the underbanked take shape. About the author: Anthony J. Carfang is Managing Director of The Carfang Group and has a distinguished background in consulting, writing, speaking, thought leadership and advocacy in the area of treasury, payments and liquidity. He encourages you to provide feedback on this article or any other issues to tony_carfang@carfang.com . You can follow Tony at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carfang/ Central Bank roles are scaled back. To receive a pdf version of this white paper, email tony_carfang@carfang.com ." Central Bank roles are scaled back. Without question, many central banks functioned superbly during the financial crisis in the dual roles of lender of last resort and payment guarantor of last resorts. They forcefully took on powers necessary to prevent a worldwide depression. Instead of reverting to their historical role after the crisis abated by 2011, they continued to function in crisis mode and now seem to have taken for themselves an entirely new mandate of economic support. We believe that this will come under close scrutiny over the next decade and the missions of central banks world-wide will be scaled back. Consider the following “last resort” moves that remain in place ten years post-crisis: Central bank balance sheets remain at levels which make them THE dominant players, distorting the financial markets rather than merely facilitating those markets. Securities on their balance sheets now stand at $23 trillion, up from $4 trillion pre-crisis. The Federal Reserve began paying interest on bank excess reserves in a not so subtle effort to inject capital into banks and to fund its swollen balance sheet. Long after the crisis, it still pays market interest, thereby competing for private capital while quashing the intrabank Fed Funds market. Operation Twist was a specific program designed to lower long term rates relative to short term rates. Many of these OT securities remain on the Fed balance sheet, impacting the shape of the yield curve today. Quantitative Easing and Quantitative tightening are direct attempts by central banks to impact growth levels, still ongoing today, and are not a direct part of their mandate. Combined, these activities distort the important market signals that are necessary in robust markets. Central bank roles will come under close examination. The debate will be intense but healthy. Should central banks be limited to their "first principles" of currency stability and lender of last resort? Or should they proactively manage world economies? We expect a tilt back toward the former. Asset Managers overtake banks. Commercial banks have historically been the primary conduit through which depositors and borrowers clear the market. Most individuals and businesses maintain bank accounts to facilitate transactions and savings. Similarly, for individuals and all but the largest businesses, these banks are also the primary source of loans. Asset managers, on the other hand, provide investment management services primarily by deploying their investors’ capital via the secondary markets. That is abruptly changing in ways that are just beginning to emerge. We believe that over the next decade, asset managers will overtake banks as the primary financial institutions in both the retail and wholesale markets. Commercial banks, long the dominant market players, saw their competitive advantage sharply curtailed following the financial crisis. They became subject to SIFI supervision, Basel III’s liquidity requirements, tiered capital requirements and much more. Over the past ten years, total assets of the largest banks have been relatively flat. Asset managers not subject to these requirements, in particular the largest three companies, have grown enormously. The “Big 3” have nearly tripled in assets since the crisis and are now larger than the largest commercial banks. We expect that these supersized asset managers will be able to muscle into all aspects of the commercial banking franchise and radically alter the playing field. It is true that commercial banks enjoy the dual monopolies of deposit aggregation powers and payment settlement finality. However, technology will diminish those advantages (see below) to the point at which they cannot overcome their regulatory, capital and liquidity burdens. Deposit Banking diminishes in importance. The centuries-old deposit banking paradigm will not disappear anytime soon. But we believe it will radically change in the near future, creating significant winners and losers among financial and payments institutions. Deposits have long served two primary functions. They were a buffer to mitigate the uncertain clearing time for payments and they served as a repository for savings on the part of individuals who did not have direct access to the institutional markets. Rates paid on transaction deposits were negligible but that was part of the offset for transaction costs. Rates paid on savings were more competitive but slightly below market, given that banks provided the only way for retail savers to earn any return at all. Even today, banks aggressively compete for deposits across most wholesale and retail segments. Yet we believe this model is about to change as the cross currents of technology and regulation play out. On the transaction front, with faster (instant) payments will come greater certainty, leading to what we refer to as “just-in-time money”. In this new world, the need for a buffer vanishes. Fintech solutions will fund these accounts as necessary and will deploy all excess funds into the money markets. On the savings front, technology is eliminating the friction and transaction costs that stood in the way of savers directly accessing the markets. On-line brokers and internet banks are just the tip of the iceberg. Further, traditional commercial banks are saddled with Basel III related capital, liquidity and stable funding requirements that further erode their competitiveness. Deposits were once the holy grail of banking. That is about the change. Deposit Insurance becomes universal. Government insurance for bank deposits is a common safety net worldwide. By insuring a set level of deposits, governments boost depositors’ faith in the banking system and encourage capital formation. Banks are assessed premiums by the insuring government agency. These premiums are generally passed along to depositors in the form of slightly lower rates or higher transaction costs. At the onset of the financial crisis, the U.S. Congress raised the coverage amount from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor per institution, and that has not been rolled back during the recovery. Temporarily, the limit was removed altogether for non-interest-bearing accounts. Taking deposit insurance well beyond the safety net aspect, financial institutions and tech companies are partnering to expand coverage to all of a customer’s deposits. A depositor can place funds well above the $250,000 limit with a lead participant. A servicer will take that large deposit, break it into $250,000 units and place one unit each with other banks in their network. Some networks include over 1,000 banks, enabling a depositor to place up to $250 million in a single deposit and have the entire amount insured. While this might seem to be at odds with the spirit of deposit insurance, neither the FDIC nor Congress have taken steps to limit the rapid spread of these deposits that now exceed $1 trillion, one-eighth of the total insured deposit base. In fact, in 2018 Congress passed legislation that gave regulatory support to “reciprocal” deposits, a subset of these types of programs. Consider, then, the rapidly approaching scenario in which ALL deposits are insured and the resulting moral hazard. A thin layer of bank shareholder capital is the only source of market discipline. The government is on the hook for all losses. That asymmetry likely leads to outsized risk taking. Ultimately, the government will be forced to step in and de facto nationalize the banks. Bills have been introduced in Congress, most recently in 2018, to allow the US Postal Service to take deposits and make loans. This could be the logical conclusion of unlimited deposit insurance. If the government is bearing all the risks of the banking system, the logical conclusion is that it takes over the banking system. USPS banks could be the first step in that direction. Private Liquidity Funds emerge as a major asset class. Like private equity funds a few decades ago, which provided a way to circumvent public markets for long term capital, Private Liquidity Funds will circumvent the public markets to enable the efficient provision of liquidity to both investors and borrowers. Technology is enabling “just-in-time money” which will redefine “liquidity”. Sweep accounts are now available at low cost to most savers and investors. Funds can be fully invested right up to the day they are needed. Thanks to fintech advances, funds can be drawn down at precisely the time they are needed. At the same time, regulators in the U.S. and around the world have hamstrung money market funds that focus on private sector liquidity. In 2016, US regulators implemented regulations that reduced the viability of prime money market funds. Prime funds invested in commercial paper and other private sector debt instruments. Thus, both the providers and users of liquidity were penalized. The bulk of prime fund assets flowed into government and treasury funds and are no longer available to provide liquidity to businesses. Similar regulations are currently being implemented in Europe. Unfortunately, because of the dramatic scale-back of prime funds, the most efficient conduit between providers and users of liquidity has been significantly curtailed. The upshot will be an entirely new asset class. Some forward-thinking asset managers have already established the first funds of this breed. They are similar to the pre-regulation 2a-7 funds but are limited to institutional investors. However, we expect these to morph into an asset class that will ultimately look very different from the current funds (MMFs, SMAs and Ultra Short Bond Funds) and incorporate the redefined “liquidity” and facilitate just-in-time cash. Forty years ago, no one envisioned the current structure and transformative role of private equity funds. We believe a similar transformation is about to overtake the liquidity market. Technology disintermediates the intermediaries. Historically, banks and other financial intermediaries filled the information gap between suppliers of capital (depositors, investors) and users of capital. They also bridged the gap between risk takers and risk avoiders. Banks knew both sides of the trade and could comfortably stand between providers and users of capital who did not know each other. If a single bank did not know the counter party of a transaction, it could easily locate a correspondent bank that did. These intermediaries lowered the transaction costs and risks (friction) that separated borrowers from lenders. The result was the rapid global expansion of trade and commerce. Fintech is changing all that in five key ways: Technology is fast closing that information gap. It is putting more reliable and more up-to-date information in the hands of all the parties in any given transaction, reducing the need for an intermediary. Social networks such as LinkedIn and others allow buyers and sellers to connect and investigate each other directly. Peer-to-Peer networks and microfinance schemes bypass the financial intermediary entirely. Technology is powering broad based sweep programs that move excess funds out of even the smallest investor or depositor accounts, the intermediaries, and directly into the financial markets. Intelligent technologies, such as robo-advisors, use sophisticated algorithms to bypass the traditional channels. The upshot is that the intermediary role of financial institutions is being displaced. Truly immediate payments eclipse faster payments. Over the past several decades, payments have become faster, cheaper and more reliable. Checks used to take days in the mail and then days to clear once deposited. International funds transfers would pass through several banks, each taking a “lifting” fee as the funds slowly passed from originator to recipient. Fortunately, those days are over. Now, central banks, commercial banks and payment networks are all racing each other to make payments even speedier. This is all very good since timing delays in payments and the attendant information flows create risk and uncertainty as well as wreaking havoc with cash forecasts and liquidity cushions. In the US the Fed launched its Faster Payments task force with this statement: “The task force calls upon all stakeholders to seize this historic opportunity to realize the vision for a payment system in the United States that is faster, ubiquitous, broadly inclusive, safe, highly secure, and efficient by 2020.” Around the globe, the UK announced its Faster Payments Service in 2008. In 2017, the European Central Bank kicked off its TIPS program (TARGET Instant Payment Settlement) with the goal of “instant” payments 24/7 within the euro area. The Monetary Authority of Hong Kong launched the Faster Payments System initiative in 2018. No doubt, payments are becoming much faster, more secure and more universal. The benefits of these initiatives are immense. In faster payments, funds and information, however fast and efficient, must still flow between the originator, the originator’s payment processor and/or bank, a central bank, the recipient’s payment processor and/or bank before becoming settled funds in the recipients account with finality. Even the ECB, in its TIPS communique, defined instant payments as “a matter of seconds”. That is a huge improvement. However, as high-frequency traders and arbitrageurs know, “a matter of seconds” is an eternity in financial markets. We believe that there will be one more step beyond faster payments: truly immediate payments. These payments will settle instantly, anywhere, anytime. At present, it’s difficult to envision. Perhaps blockchain technology is providing us the first glimpse. This has the potential of eliminating the sequential process of moving money and information (however fast) among transactors, their intermediaries and their settlement network. Alternatively, the paradigm for instant payments might come from outside the industry. Consider this analogy with railroads. In the late 19th century, railroads competed with each other to provide faster, safer and cheaper options in moving both passengers and freight between two points. Yet, even in the heat of that competition, no one within the industry considered putting wings on rail cars. Ironically, most payment intermediaries today refer to their networks as “rails”. 20th century institutions and structures are realigned. Post-WWII, late 20th century institutions and structures are unraveling. But, because they are so ingrained in our psyche, these shifts seem incomprehensible. The magnitude and scope of their impact are difficult to assess. But we believe that this is a megatrend impacting Treasury, Money and Banking. Trade organizations and trade agreements are coming apart or are being realigned in material ways. To see just a few underway right now, look no farther than the Pacific trade agreements, NAFTA and the EU with Brexit. Countries are subtly shifting to bi-lateral rather than multi-lateral constructs. Structures are also giving way. SWIFT is caught in a tug of war between its nominal role as a funds transfer communication system and its externally imposed role of sanctions enforcer. LIBOR, the reference rate for several trillion dollars of actual debt and hundreds of trillions of dollars of derivatives is phasing out within the next two years. The financial world needs to be repapered! Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) are coming under scrutiny. Agencies such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that provide government guarantees in order to meet a “social good” took shape following the early 20th century’s great depression. They have now grown into behemoths, and some lay the blame of the 2008 financial crisis at the doorstep of the housing GSEs. Although governments decried the size of these agencies and vowed to trim then, they have continued to grow since the crisis. Paradoxically, central banks need GSE to create the instruments that now sit on their swollen balance sheets. We believe that many of these agencies will be downsized over time. The 20th century financial and geopolitical world is changing, and all market participants must adapt. Currency takes on a new role. This megatrend is counter-intuitive, but the data are clear. For decades, we’ve heard that we’re moving toward a cashless society. One with everything on a card or in a chip. Not so. The evidence is that, over the last decade, currency in circulation as a percentage of GDP has nearly doubled worldwide. In the US, currency increased from $800 billion in 2006 to $1.7 trillion in late 2018. That’s hardly a cashless society. (Scandinavia is an exception we need to explore.) Central banks and academia are beginning to study this phenomenon. Some key hypotheses about factors contributing to this are currently being formulated. They include: Convenience – It’s easy to transact in cash. Low holding cost – In an ultra-low interest rate environment, cash is cheap. Privacy – Currency transactions (and barter) are the only types of economic activity that don’t inherently require a corresponding exchange of data. Historically, currency has defined the underground economy. We now see an emerging role for currency in the above-ground economy for market participants desiring and valuing privacy or anonymity. Store of Value – In negative interest rate environments we see in some parts of the world, there is actually an economic benefit to holding currency in order to retain value. More interestingly, in certain low interest rate environments, the low carrying costs, to many, seem like a small price to pay to hedge political or economic uncertainty. India is a fascinating case study in progress. In November 2016, India eliminated large denominated rupee notes that represented 86% of India’s currency. Citizens had the opportunity to exchange the notes for smaller denomination notes. The intent was to root out the underground economy and raise tax revenue. The ramifications were far reaching and still playing out. But Bloomberg offers one interesting conclusion: “Cash remains the most popular form of tender in India. Currency with the public has increased to 18.5 trillion rupees in August 2018 from 17.9 trillion rupees before demonetization.” That is a 3% increase in currency in spite of an 86% drop in large denominated notes! Again, economists at present are trying to understand the factors behind this trend. Obviously, however, this creates a nightmare for regulators and those managing monetary policy. The trend is both real and “Mega”. Alternative currencies gain acceptance. This megatrend challenges the definition of money itself – the gaining acceptance of alternative currencies including crypto currencies. In ancient times, post-barter, precious commodities were the prevailing instrument of exchange and store of value. These commodities had intrinsic value that resulted in their reliability and acceptance. The middle ages saw the emergence of fiat currencies. They had value because a government said they had value. The problem with pre-modern fiat currencies is that they could be easily debased. A ruling body could simply turn on the printing press. Current fiat currencies such as the dollar, euro, pound, etc. are much more stable than their predecessors. That’s because they are issued and backed by the full faith and credit of sovereign governments. They are managed with a “goal” of price stability by central banks. The track record is far from perfect and debasement examples abound, but it is certainly improved. Crypto technologies are now enabling a new genre of fiat currency: crypto currencies like bitcoin and others. They are not the product of precious metals or scarce commodities. They are not issued by governments (yet). They are not “full faith and credit” instruments. They are not managed by central backs. Proponents insist that this litany of “they are nots” is actually a benefit, not a shortcoming. Following the Subjective Theory of Value, crypto currencies have value because buyers and sellers believe they have value. They are fiat currencies without governments or central banks. Adherents argue that frees them from manipulation by governments or central banks and creates a universal value. Air-BnB, Uber and Lyft offer instructive examples. After all, who would invite a total stranger to spend a night in their homes or jump into a stranger’s car. A key thing these companies provide to the gig economy is a decentralized mechanism of trust (in contrast to the trusted “central” bank). In doing so, they have transformed industries. This could be the trajectory of certain crypto currencies. We believe that some alternative currencies will become mainstream. While they might not be both a universal store of value and medium of exchange, some might take hold as settlement vehicles for specific types of payments. Others, because of their distributed processing security, could be liquidity vehicles. Still others, because of their global nature, could eliminate the need for foreign exchange in global trade. We’ll explore the profound implication in later megatrend articles. Solutions for the underbanked take shape. 30% of the world’s population do not have bank accounts. Many more do not have access to a basic set of banking services. They must either transact in cash, barter or use third party payment services, which tend to be very expensive. Check cashing services, payday lending, money orders, money transfer services, etc. provide the underbanked with some ability to make payments, but at a high cost. The economic impact is significant. In addition to the direct cost that the underbanked pay to access the financial system, there is an even greater cost in terms of lost economic activity. The inability to easily transact reduces the level of transactions and depresses commerce and trade. Fortunately, new technologies could provide economically viable solutions for the underbanked in the three most critical financial functions: Payment system access – Currently, people and businesses need a bank account to initiate or receive payments. Solutions developed by payments intermediaries and enabled by blockchain will provide the underbanked with payment services, conceivably bypassing the banking system altogether. Store of value – Blockchain could become the system of record for certain types of financial assets. This promises to allow the underbanked to safely and securely accumulate financial assets without having bank accounts. Assets could even be denominated in traditional central bank currencies or in crypto currencies. Access to capital – Peer to peer lending and micro finance are already providing non-traditional access to capital for the underbanked. Technology will accelerate this trend and make these services available to a larger population. Bringing the underbanked into the mainstream of the world’s economies creates opportunities that are difficult to fully appreciate. Increased economic activity, improved standards of living, expansion of markets are just some of the benefits that await. In Conclusion , this paper has presented eleven megatrends impacting treasury, money and banking on a global scale. Some of these trends are natural extensions of technological innovation, others are regulatory work-arounds or the result of geopolitical forces well beyond the control of any single jurisdiction. The Carfang Group believes that each of these megatrends, individually, are transformational and collectively point to a potential radical change to the financial system. Future articles will consider each of these megatrends in greater depth. We welcome your feedback as we embark of this exploration. About the author: Anthony J. Carfang is Managing Director of The Carfang Group and has a distinguished background in consulting, writing, speaking, thought leadership and advocacy in the area of treasury, payments and liquidity. He encourages you to provide feedback on this article or any other issues to tony_carfang@carfang.com . You can follow Tony at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carfang/ © 2019 The Carfang Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

A breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing for patients and their families. The SBC community will support you through every step of your treatment journey. Home Page Breast Cancer 101 Lifestyle & Wellness Resources Programs Content Library Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations Download the App Subscribe to the Newsletter Donate to a Program More Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Now What? What brings you to this website is most likely a breast cancer diagnosis. Perhaps you found a lump, noticed swelling or experienced pain; maybe you are awaiting test results; or you just heard the words that you've been diagnosed with breast cancer; or perhaps you are experiencing a recurrence. Whatever the reason, I want you to know that you will be supported and that our Surviving Breast Cancer (SBC) community is here for you! We are here to help! A breast cancer diagnosis disrupts our lives and throws us into a whirlwind of doctors appointments, follow ups, tests, scans, and the like. Each and every one of us have unique experiences, and what our SBC platform and community provides is education, support, and resources for you as a complement to your medical care. We are not medical professionals, nor provide medical advice. But what we do offer is content, stories, and community when you need it most! What I mean by that is you are welcome to dive in to absolutely everything we offer today, or, you can take bite size approaches to get the information and support when you feel ready for it. We've listed a few links and resources to help get you started and to hopefully make things a bit less overwhelming. Download. Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Download PDF Questions to Ask Your Radiologist Downlod PDF Questions to Ask Your Oncologist Download PDF Burning Questions Latest News Who Should I Tell? Learning that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer can set you into a whirlind of uncertainty and that is to be expected. There is probably a lot of information you do not yet know. At this time, you may want to start thinking about who you should tell. While this can also be difficult for loved ones, family, and friends to hear, you are actually in the process of cultivating your support team! Remember, you do not need to tell everyone all at once. Perhaps starting with close family, let friends know how they can help support you during this time. It is a personal decision on how private or public you want to be and completely your choice in how much information you choose to share. You may want to have seperate conversations with your children depending on their ages. We also recommend speaking with your medical team about your treatment options and getting a plan in place for when you may need to take time off from work or be out of the office. Should I Get A Second Opinion? You may consider receiving a second opinion from another medical oncologist or breast surgeon. In some cases, people get multiple opinions before making any decisions on their care and medical treatment plan. Women in our Breast Cancer Support Group often share that it is important for them to feel comfortable with your doctors; that there is a rapport and trust. After all, your medical team is going to be your primary caregiver throughout treatment so it is important you feel comfortable with the person, able to ask questions, and feel confident in your plan of action. Your Medical Care Team may consist of one or several of the following: Breast Oncologist Breast Surgeon Breast Plastic Surgeon Radiation Oncologist Social Worker Psychologist What Treatment Options Do I Have? Thanks to continued research taking place in Breast Cancer, people diagnosed today have a variety of treatment options and are able to live long healthy lives. Treatment options will be tailored to your specific diagnosis and dependent on the stage of your breast cancer (1-4) and it's characteristics. For example, is it HER2 positive or negative, is it triple negative meaning it is estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative and HER2 negative. Your oncologist will also take into consideration how advance the cancer is. During this phase you may be getting more tests and scans. During this phase, you may also consider genetic testing. Genetic testing is helpful for a multitude of reasons including helping to make surgery decisions. If you end of testing positive for a genetic pre-disposition to developing breast cancer, your surgeon may recommend a full double mastectomy. Traditional standard of care includes: Surgery (not always required if you are diagnosed with metastatic stage IV breast cancer, that is, your cancer has spread beyond your breast to your bones, lungs, liver, or brain) Radiation (not always required) Chemotherapy (not always required) Hormonal Therapy (not always required) Oftentimes people will also consider integrative therapies as a complement to the standard treatments which also has been shown to reduce some of the side effects of treatment: Acupuncture Yoga Meditation Additionally speak to your oncologist about Clinical Trials and if you would be a candidate. Will I Need Chemotherapy? Not everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will need chemotherapy. There are several factors that go into this determination and should be a conversation you have with your oncologist. For example, your doctor will take into consideration the stage of cancer that you have (i.e., stage 1, 2, 3, 4) and the characteristics of your tumor, (i.e., if it is hormonal positive or negative) etc. In some instances, chemotherapy will be an option for people prior to surgery. This is called neo-adjuvant chemo. Other times, chemotherapy may be prescribed after surgery which is referred to as adjuvant chemotherapy. . Join our community SBC offers a safe space to build community. We provide reliable information and offer what you most need during the diagnosis: understanding. English Español

Cancer bereavement Support Understanding and Coping Strategies for patients and caregivers Explore different ways on navigating grief following a cancer diagnosis. Discover expert insights, coping mechanisms, and support resources to help you through this challenging experience. Prioritize self-care and find solace in community understanding. After a breast cancer diagnosis, we often feel as though the world is crumbling around us. The shock of hearing such news about a loved one can be overwhelming, leaving us grappling with a whirlwind of emotions ranging from fear and sadness to anger and confusion. Learning to cope with the realities of the diagnosis is a journey filled with uncertainty and challenges. It requires resilience, strength, and a willingness to navigate through the unknown. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is also hope – hope for moments of joy amidst the struggle, and for the unwavering support of family, friends, and medical professionals. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to our determination to confront and overcome the obstacles that lie ahead. Articles Our blog serves as a beacon of knowledge, offering valuable insights, personal stories, and practical advice Podcast Tune in to insightful discussions featuring experts, survivors, and caregivers sharing invaluable insights, practical tips, and heartfelt stories.

About Surviving Breast Cancer Sur.viv.or. anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. You are surviving! Our Story Survivingbreastcancer.org (SBC) was created in 2017 to help fill the gaps in breast cancer support, education and resources. It was founded by Laura Carfang, recently diagnosed at that time in her early 30’s, and has grown exponentially since, serving members in the global breast cancer community. Over these past few years the SBC website has been visited by community members (over 1,000,000 page views) across 120+ countries, and Laura’s podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations has been listened to in over 80 countries. The SBC website has been translated into Spanish, French, Italian and Arabic. Leveraging technology and breaking down barriers to access and information, SBC puts the patient first, educating, encouraging and inspiring advocacy. Community members are encouraged to participate in the various free programming, events and services and are all invited to contribute to resolving the growing needs of this population. All services, education, programming and events are free to those diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as their caregivers. Our Approach SBC serves as an educational and virtual community platform offering support and meeting patients and their families where they are on the continuum of a cancer diagnosis. We combine evidence-based medical research with the personal lived experiences of those we serve. From risk reduction strategies and prevention, to treatment, survivorship, living with a terminal diagnosis, navigating end of life, and beyond, Surviving Breast Cancer is here for you every step of the way. Our Core Values We Belive in Collaboration We Care About Our Community We Engage in Win-Win Partnerships that Bring Value and Have Impact We Lead with Integrity We Serve with Compassion & Empathy We Put People First We Treat Everyone with Dignity & Respect We Embrace Innovation Who We Serve Breast cancer does not just affect the patient; it affects everyone around them. That is why we develop comprehensive programs, services, and education to meet the needs of: Those diagnosed with breast cancer Those living with metastatic breast cancer Spouses, families, and children caring for a loved one diagnosed with breast cancer Spouses, families, and children who have lost a loved one to breast cancer Our Mission To empower those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families from day one and beyond. Meet Our Team, Partners and Collaborators SBC partners with patient advocates, medical oncologists, physicians, and experts in the field, as well as corporations and organizations, to offer the best education, support, and community resources so that we can execute our mission. Meet our Team Learn More About Our Partners Our Purpose SurvivingBreastCancer.org (SBC) is a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that no one faces breast cancer alone. Through education, community, and integrative oncology–inspired programs, SBC provides free resources, support groups, and wellness opportunities to empower those impacted by breast cancer to live fully and thrive. At SBC, we believe healing is more than medical treatment—it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Our holistic approach bridges evidence-based education with whole-person support, creating a community where every individual feels seen, supported, and empowered throughout their cancer journey.

Círculo de Mujeres Un espacio recurrente diseñado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. A través de dinámicas de coaching, reflexión y acompañamiento grupal, cultivamos juntas la resiliencia, el empoderamiento y una nueva mirada hacia la vida. Multiple Dates Thu, Dec 04 Círculo de mujeres / Zoom RSVP Dec 04, 2025, 8:00 PM EST – Dec 05, 2025, 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. See All Multiple Dates Thu, Dec 18 Círculo de mujeres / Zoom RSVP Dec 18, 2025, 8:00 PM EST – Dec 19, 2025, 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. Comunicación asertiva con familiares, médicos y cuidadores Aprender a establecer límites, expresar necesidades y tomar decisiones informadas es clave durante el proceso oncológico. En el Círculo de Mujeres, fomentamos la comunicación asertiva como una herramienta poderosa para mejorar las relaciones personales y el autocuidado. Las participantes desarrollan confianza para dialogar con su equipo médico, familiares y cuidadores desde un lugar de claridad, respeto y seguridad. Manejo emocional después del diagnóstico En el Círculo de Mujeres abordamos el manejo emocional tras un diagnóstico de cáncer como una parte fundamental del proceso de sanación. Reconocer, expresar y validar emociones como el miedo, la tristeza o la incertidumbre ayuda a liberar tensiones y a fortalecer el equilibrio emocional. A través de dinámicas grupales, técnicas de journaling y ejercicios de mindfulness, las participantes aprenden a cultivar una mentalidad más compasiva y resiliente. Autoestima y reconexión con el cuerpo El cáncer puede transformar la relación que una mujer tiene con su cuerpo. En este espacio, trabajamos la autoestima y la reconexión corporal desde la aceptación y el amor propio. Usamos herramientas de visualización, movimiento consciente y diálogo interior para recuperar la confianza, reconectar con la feminidad y honrar el cuerpo como un aliado en el camino de recuperación. Multiple Dates Círculo de mujeres Thu, Dec 04 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. See All RSVP

Looking for a breast cancer support group? Join our Thursday Night Thrivers group to meet like-minded people for peer-to-peer support. SBC Weekly Virtual Support Groups: Thursday Night Thrivers Featuring sessions for all stages of breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer (MBC), early-stage breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), and a Spanish-language group! Join SurvivingBreastCancer.org’s virtual meetup We Get It — And We Get You Do you ever just want to meet up and hang out with people who get it—without having to explain? That's exactly what Thursday Night Thrivers is all about. No matter your stage or type of breast cancer – whether you were just diagnosed, navigating survivorship, or living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) – Thursday Night Thrivers is for you. You belong here. If you’re looking for a “come as you are,” agenda-free meetup, you’re in the right place. We meet weekly in a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free virtual space where we can show up as our full selves—however we’re feeling that day. See below for the full Thursday Night Thrivers lineup. RSVP Below - See you there! Multiple Dates Early Stage Meetup -Thursday Nights Thrivers Thu, Dec 04 Virtual More info RSVP Multiple Dates MBC Peer to Peer Support Thu, Dec 04 Virtual More info RSVP Multiple Dates Thursday Nights Thrivers Meetup Thu, Dec 11 Virtual More info RSVP Multiple Dates Thursday Night Thrivers IBC Meetup Thu, Dec 11 Online Event More info RSVP Multiple Dates MBC Support Group with Nancy Gaulin Thu, Dec 18 Virtual More info RSVP Multiple Dates Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico Tue, Dec 23 Virtual More info RSVP Thursday Nights Thrivers Meetup Thu, Dec 25 Zoom More info RSVP More Than a Support Group Yes, we talk about breast cancer. But Thursday Night Thrivers is more than that. It’s a space to laugh, cry, celebrate the wins (big and small), and lean on one another through the tough days. We’ve built a community where authentic friendships form and last well beyond a Zoom call. Many participants say this is the first place they’ve felt truly seen since their diagnosis. Who Can Join? Everyone! You’re newly diagnosed and overwhelmed You’re in treatment and navigating side effects You’ve finished treatment and wondering, “What now?” You’re living with MBC and want connection, not pity All are welcomed at our table. What People Are Saying Laura D., MA My Testimonial Thank you for last night! I was so happy to celebrate the start of 2020 with such a dynamic and friendly group of women. The conversation transcended even beyond breast cancer stories, thus creating even stronger connections.” Caroline Paterson My Testimonial Thank you for hosting this amazing event and for all of the other things you continue to do to keep us all educated. I feel such a sense of community and I’ve only come to two Thrivers’ meetings so far. I cannot wait for next week! Explore More Programs

Learn about Metastatic breast cancer, also called stage IV breast cancer, and the innovative treatments that are changing the story for patients. Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer Resources & Support So You Can Keep Living Life! Created in partnership with Abigail Johnston and the Grieving Together Project. In honor of the late Alyson Tischler. What is Metastatic Breast Cancer? Metastatic breast cancer—also called stage IV breast cancer—means that the cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body. Common sites of metastasis include the bones, liver, lungs, and brain. When breast cancer cells travel through the blood or lymphatic system to other organs, they can grow and form new tumors. Read More Advanced Treatment Options If you’ve recently been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), it can feel like you’re suddenly thrust into a new world filled with acronyms, treatment decisions, and unfamiliar terminology. We take a deeper look at four innovative categories of treatment that are changing the landscape of metastatic breast cancer care: CDK4/6 inhibitors, Antibody-drug conjugates , Immunotherapies, & PARP inhibitors Read More Understanding Survivor's Guilt Why Am I Still Here When Others Are Gone? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Many people living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), or have no evidence of disease/ active disease, after treatment experience a complex emotional weight known as survivor’s guilt. Read More What is Metastatic Breast Cancer? Newly Diagnosed with MBC? Start Here Explore a wide variety of programs, virtual meet-ups, webinars, blogs, & podcasts curated specifically for those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Monthly Metastatic Breast Cancer Webinars Explore the Series Attend Upcoming Events &Programs See The Full Calendar Enhance your Advocacy Get involved and volunteer with SBC Today! Contact Us Handy Resouces File Name Description Download SBC MBC Legacy Workshop Handout Ideas, inspiration, and resources for leaving your legacy Estate Planning for the Terminally Ill A practical guide to the logistics and administration of estate planning. Financial Literacy & Breast Cancer Definition of terms, budget sheets, and financial considerations to help you navigate MBC MBC Resources (Recap from SABCS 2022) Breast Cancer Advocates, Stephanie Walker and Christine Hodgdon share a PDF with MBC resources. Read the Blog Join Our Mailing List and Receive Weekly Newsletters and Announcements Subscribe to Our Mailing List Join Thanks for subscribing!

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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

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 2024 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