Breast cancer resources
There are many worthwhile and helpful agencies and organizations which exist to help people experiencing breast cancer with the many practical, emotional, social and financial needs which arise.
The following is a curated list of other organizations, including Canadian organizations, as well as some American and online-only resources. A number of them are geared specifically to young people with cancer.
Some of these organizations are third-party vendors unrelated to the Odette Cancer Centre.
See missing or outdated information? Please contact yonina.juni@sri.utoronto.ca to let us know!
Canadian Breast Cancer resources
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
Patient-directed organization created to voice the views and concerns of breast cancer patients through education, advocacy activities, and the promotion of information sharing. Canadian Breast Cancer Network – Young Women may be of particular interest as it provides information on topics relevant to young women including coping, relationships, fertility, and practical topics such as career and financial guidance.
Young Adult Cancer Canada
Focuses on providing customized support programs to help young adults with cancer deal with their cancer experience through web-based peer support as well as in-person retreats and conferences.
Rethink Breast Cancer
Dedicated to providing breast cancer education, resources, advocacy, community engagement, and fundraising and making them relevant to the 40 and under target audience.
CURE Foundation for Breast Cancer
Foundation focusing on breast cancer prevention and detection, treatment research and improvement, and support for community programs and services.
after Breast Cancer
Provides financial assistance for acquiring mastectomy necessities and resources that contribute to quality of life after breast cancer.
Look Good Feel Better
Complimentary beauty workshops to give women the tools and techniques to feel beautiful and retain their identity and sense of self and femininity.
EMPOWERink
An organization which sponsors post mastectomy tattooing events. Qualifying applicants are matched with tattoo artists to receive beautiful tattoos of their choice over their mastectomy site, helping them love their bodies again. This article gives more details, and you can also visit their Facebook page to keep up to date of upcoming events and opportunities.
Canadian Cancer Survivor Network
Dedicated to education and research, this site includes an excellent resource page for people living with Metastatic breast cancer
Other breast cancer resources
National Cancer Institute
The American federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training. The site has comprehensive cancer-related educational material as well as information on current research and trials.
Breastcancer.org
Comprehensive website including a lot of educational material and articles, as well as an online community with first-person stories, a message board, and a podcast.
CaringBridge
A free, advertising-free, platform with simple tools for patients and family caregivers to share health updates, and for their communities to offer support and encouragement. Users can create a free website to stay connected to family and friends without having to inform them all individually.
Cleaning for a Reason
Provides two free home cleanings for patients battling cancer. Amongst the cleaning companies who volunteer their time, there are five in Ontario.
FORCE
Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered improves the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast, ovarian, and related cancers by creating awareness, supplying information and support, advocating for and supporting research. This includes cancer survivors, but also people at high risk for developing cancer. Their many varied programs include peer support via message board, toll-free helpline and in person volunteering. The site also includes a Research Study Search Tool which matches people with the research studies for which they qualify.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer's Young Women's Initiative
Provides age-appropriate resources tailored for the unique medical and psychosocial needs of those diagnosed with breast cancer before age 45. Includes videos, news, profiles, blog, articles, and opportunity to connect with others, share resources and receive peer support through emails, text messages and a closed Facebook group. This is also an excellent resource for women with metastatic breast cancer.
Metavivor
Organization dedicated to research and awareness of metastatic breast cancer, as well as support for “METAvivors” – those living with metastatic breast cancer.
Stupid Cancer
Connects members of the adolescent and young adult cancer community to age-appropriate resources and peers. They host meet-ups and a yearly convention as well as digital webinars. Online resources include Stupid Cancer Stories, first person accounts of living with cancer.
SurvivingBreastCancer.org
A community-based platform which includes community, education and resources designed to empower those affected by breast cancer as they navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. It includes, amongst other things, a podcast and survivor stories section.
Wildfire Magazine
A magazine written by, and for, young women with breast cancer. On the website, you can read a complimentary sample issue, read their blog 'Hot Flashes' or submit your own articles about personal experiences with breast cancer for possible publication. You can also subscribe to the magazine either or digitally or in print, and read archives of past issues as a subscriber.
Young Survival Coalition
Includes local networking groups, a vibrant online community, and a conference program dedicated exclusively to young adults with breast cancer and their caregivers.
YSC also provides free educational resources such as their breast cancer navigator series, which are comprehensive guidebooks that address every phase of treatment and survivorship. The site also has a section specifically addressing living with metastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Network
An independent, nonprofit, all-volunteer patient advocacy group dedicated to the unique concerns of the women and men living with metastatic breast cancer
