You don’t have to face breast cancer alone.
Having the support of others is an important part of breast cancer survivorship. Research actually shows that taking part in support groups, where you both give and receive help, is an effective way to reduce the stress and anxiety that can come with a breast cancer diagnosis. It’s OK to ask for support, and there are many groups out there willing to provide it to you at no cost.
Below are some free resources you can use to connect with a breast cancer support group. They include both online and in-person communities, where you can talk with a group or one-on-one. Some focus on certain life stages, while others help you recover from specific experiences. All of them are designed to get you the help you need so you can move forward with your life.
NBCF hosts monthly in-person and virtual support groups.
The Cancer Support Community offers free support groups in a number of cities around the country. If you don’t live near a participating city, CSC also has online support groups led by licensed professionals. You can learn more about breast cancer-related support groups at cancersupportcommunity.org.
Since cancer is less common among young adults, younger cancer patients can feel even more isolated. The mobile app Instapeer seeks to help by creating connections between young adult cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. The free app can be downloaded at instapeer.org.
The American Cancer Society offers one-on-one support through the Reach To Recovery program. Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients are paired with breast cancer survivor volunteers. Learn more at the Reach To Recovery page on cancer.org.
The American Cancer Society also offers the Cancer Survivors Network, which has discussion boards and a chat room where you can talk with other cancer survivors. To access the network, register online at csn.cancer.org.
GriefShare is a support group for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. There are thousands of local groups worldwide; find one near you at griefshare.org.
Most breast centers have their own breast cancer support groups that meet monthly. Larger institutions may offer weekly support groups for women with metastatic breast cancer. Ask your patient navigator for additional support resources.