Getting the Breast Cancer Support You or a Loved One Needs

All stages of a breast cancer journey, from diagnosis through survivorship, can present unique challenges. A robust support system can help ease the burden and empower you to find the strength and resilience to move forward.

Support might be emotional, mental, financial, or practical. It can come from various resources, including healthcare providers, loved ones, community members, local and national organizations, and support groups.

Why Finding Support Is Important

Breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship is a life-changing, complex, and often isolating journey. The disease itself and treatment can negatively impact many aspects of life, including: 

• Finances
• Body image
• Memory
• Sexual relationships
• Family dynamics
• Bone health 
• Mental health, such as depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Those with breast cancer may stop caring for themselves or refuse treatment due to cancer-related fatigue, stress, depression, or anxiety. 

Having a solid social support network can help you navigate the challenges of breast cancer, give you a sense of comfort, and reduce feelings of isolation and depression. In short, the benefits result in better survival rates and outcomes. Support is essential for all stages of recovery, including long-term treatment (e.g., hormone repression therapy) and survivorship. Emotional triggers can continue throughout survivorship and may not emerge until after you've pushed through the fight of treatment.

Support Services for People With Breast Cancer

The following are ideas and resources for emotional, mental, financial, and practical support for people with breast cancer. 

Services For Emotional Support

The battle with breast cancer can stir up various emotions that can be overwhelming to deal with independently. 

Some national organizations, such as the American Cancer Society (ACS), provide emotional support services. For example, the ACS offers Reach To Recovery, a free resource where you can connect with a volunteer who is also a breast cancer survivor. Volunteers answer questions, teach coping mechanisms, and help you find resources.

In-person and online support groups are another source of emotional support. They provide a safe place to share experiences, feelings, and practical advice. The National Cancer Institute offers a list of organizations or services that offer cancer support, including support groups.

Professional mental health therapists or counselors can help by providing:

• A private place to express feelings
• Help with decision-making
• Guidance in developing healthy coping mechanisms
• Psychological treatments (e.g., hypnotherapy) that help reduce the physical side effects of cancer treatment
• Trauma-focused therapy (e.g., eye movement desensitization and reprocessing [EMDR] therapy)
• Couples or family counseling  
• Sex therapy

Professional counseling is typically available through private practice, cancer centers, and hospitals.

Services For Financial Support 

Financial support for those in need might include:

• Patient service programs: Many healthcare facilities—especially those specializing in cancer care—have patient service offices that help with expenses like prescriptions and utilities. 
• Cancer support homes: Local and national cancer support homes such as Reynolds Cancer Support House offer various services such as financial assistance, nutritional support, salon services, and help with hair coverings or prosthetics. 
• Sliding scales: Some healthcare facilities offer sliding scales based on income.
• Government assistance programs: This might include programs like Medicaid, state-specific initiatives, or government-supported housing.

Practical Support

Getting accurate information from healthcare providers or reputable sources is one type of practical support. It’s helpful to have an accurate understanding of your treatment plan, what is happening during procedures, and what to expect.  

Practical support also involves assistance with daily tasks, medical treatment, or anything else that helps ease a burden. This type of support may come from friends, family, community members, or organizations and might include:

• Food preparation or meals
• Household chores
• Childcare
• Rides to treatment

Cleaning for a Reason partners with residential cleaning companies in the U.S. and Canada to clean the homes of people with cancer. Their goal is to provide hope, relief, and cleanliness.

How Do You Find Support?

Finding support typically involves research and reaching out to various resources and organizations. Here are some ways to help you or your loved one find support.

Healthcare Providers and Facilities

Healthcare providers often have information about local resources. Nurse navigators (a nurse who works with the cancer team or center), social workers, case managers, and oncology (cancer) providers are a great place to start.

You can also check in with:

• Cancer centers such as City of Hope. They typically offer integrative care (nutrition, stress reduction, complimentary treatment) and survivorship care in addition to medical care).
• Community clinics
• Cancer support homes
• Local hospitals 
• Local public transit agency 
• Church or community groups

Support Events 

Check with local hospitals, community centers, community groups, schools, and cancer organizations such as Susan G. Komen to find support events, workshops, and seminars. These events can be good opportunities to connect with others and learn about available services.

Internet Searches and National Organizations

You can find reputable, professional organizations like the American Cancer Society (ACS) online. Professional organizations offer education, resources, databases, or a list of local and national resources. Many of these resources are free or have a minimal cost for those with financial need.

The American Cancer Society's (ACS) Cancer Resource Network offers a list of resources, including: 

• 24/7 Cancer Helpline: Connects you with trained information specialists who can answer questions and help you locate resources (in over 200 languages). Call 1-800-227-2345 or schedule a video chat.
• Hope Lodge: Some cities have a Hope Lodge that provides a free place to stay during treatment. This helps you focus on getting well and connects you with others facing a similar journey.
• Extended Stay America: Another option for free lodging in areas without a Hope Lodge. You can connect with this resource by calling 1-800-227-2345.
• ACS CARES: ACS CARES (community access to resources, education, and support) helps you find customized content, programs, and resources.
• TLC (Tender Loving Care): Helps provide guidance about wigs, headwear, and mastectomy products. 
• Road to recovery: May be able to help coordinate a ride to cancer treatment.

Other reputable organizations include: 

• National Cancer Institute
• National Library of Medicine 
• Cancer.net 
• Cancercare.org 
• National Breast Cancer Coalition 
• SHARE Cancer Network 
• Mercy Medical Angels (transportation assistance)
• Needy Meds (travel and dental care expenses)
• WhyHunger (database of community-based organizations that help with food costs)
• Meals on Wheels (can also call 1-888-998-6325)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 

If you do not have internet access, check with your public library, as they most likely offer it at no cost. 

Online Forums, Groups, or Discussion Boards

The internet offers a wide variety of online forms that offer breast cancer support. An example is the ACS Cancer Survivors Network public discussion board.

These virtual communities help you connect with others worldwide to share information and emotional support. Some meet online, while others meet through a conference call on the phone. 

There is typically little or no charge for support groups. Online support groups offer convenience and anonymity, making them a good choice for those who cannot attend in-person groups or who prefer more privacy. 

Some support groups and organizations focus on specific demographics. For example, Metavivor, Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN), and Cancer.net's metastatic breast cancer section are support groups for those with metastatic breast cancer.

Demographic Specific Support Groups

Additional demographic-specific support groups include:

• Cancer Survivors Network: For specific cancer types
• Touch, the Black Breast Cancer Alliance: For members of the Black community
• Young Survival Coalition: For those 40 or younger with breast cancer
• Stupid Cancer: For ages 15 to 39 with any type of cancer
• Intercultural Cancer Council: For those in racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations
• Sisters Network, Inc: Focuses on breast cancer's impact in the Black community
• ALAS-Wings: Focuses on Hispanic/Latina breast cancer survivors
• American Indian Cancer Foundation’s Breast Cancer Stories: For members of the American Indian community
• Male Breast Cancer Coalition: For men affected by breast cancer

Mental health support groups include:

• Mental Health America (MHA)
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America
• 7 Cups
  

How to Support Someone With Breast Cancer

While the ways you can support your loved one with breast cancer vary based on the closeness of your relationship, here are some suggestions:

• Checking in: Your loved one may not always be up for a visit, but a quick check-in lets them know they have your support. You can also consider sending notes or small gifts to brighten their day.
• Emotional support: Sometimes, just listening is the best thing you can do. 
• Offer practical support: This might include rides, childcare, household chores, errands, providing reminders, or arranging meals.
• Medical appointments: Having someone else at medical appointments can be helpful. An extra set of ears helps you remember what providers discuss about prognosis, medications, treatment, and side effects.
• Assist with caregiving: Depending on your relationship, you may be able to help with various aspects of medical care or daily tasks such as getting dressed, eating, or going to the restroom.
• Help find support services: It can be overwhelming to look for support while trying to undergo treatment and manage daily activities. Having someone to help you find resources can be a great relief.
• Respect their autonomy: It’s important to respect your loved-ones individual choices. However, it's ok to ask questions to ensure they understand their options and the potential consequences of their decision.

A Quick Review

Having a strong support system is important for all stages of the breast cancer journey. 

Emotional support might come from loved ones or an organization like Reach to Recovery, support groups, or professional counseling. There are also a variety of financial resources from organizations like Living Beyond Breast Cancer or government assistance programs. 

Loved ones can help support someone with breast cancer by checking in, providing emotional support, or giving practical help (like grocery shopping or childcare). Anything that helps ease a burden can help your loved one cope.