Breast Cancer Information Sources
Best Organizations for News, Treatments, Products, and Support
Jul 10, 2008
When a woman receives a diagnosis of breast cancer, she needs information to help her make informed decisions about choosing the best treatment method and finding a breast cancer treatment hospital. Amidst the concerns of managing the disease process, breast cancer patients may have concerns about health insurance, support, and obtaining medical supplies. Consider the following nonprofit organizations as a starting point for learning about breast cancer.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society has several outreach programs that target breast cancer patients. The Look Good… Feel Better program provides both male and female breast cancer patients with professionally guided seminars to offset the cosmetic changes that result from treatment. Find a local program by calling 1-800-395-LOOK.
Breast Cancer Network of Strength
Every breast cancer patient needs some form of support, but not every patient wishes to speak to a live individual. The Breast Cancer Network of Strength tailors their support programs to a patient’s individual needs. You can receive support on the phone, over email, or through literature from this organization. The network further strives to serve all women by offering its information in six languages.
CancerCare
Breast cancer is an expensive disease, even for those with adequate health insurance. CancerCare provides limited direct financial assistance for expenses associated with breast cancer care. If they can’t help, they can provide you with other referrals when you call 1-800-813-HOPE.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Young women diagnosed with breast cancer face special challenges, such as raising young children while under treatment or managing a more aggressive type of breast cancer than older patients do. Living Beyond Breast Cancer acknowledges those challenges by offering a young survivors network to patients under the age of 45. Call 1-888-753-5222 to contact the helpline.
National Breast Cancer Coalition
This nonprofit organization touts itself as the United State’s largest breast cancer advocacy group. Print out their essential booklet that tells you what questions to ask your doctor before your next appointment.
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute is the federal government’s research agency on cancer. The voice of the National Cancer Institute, the Cancer Information Service, can guide callers through the latest treatment options for breast cancer patients in lay language. By calling 1-800-4-CANCER, you can also find out how to enroll in experimental clinical trials for breast cancer patients.
National Lymphedema Network
Breast cancer survivors are often unaware of lymphedema as a debilitating side effect of treatment. The National Lymphedema Network can share valuable tips on preventing lymphedema, as well as coping strategies. Call their support network at 1-800-541-3259 for support or a referral to lymphedema treatment center.
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