Specific Programs

Can Surmount or Can Support - information and emotional support provided on a person-to-person basis.

I Can Cope - information and coping strategies for patients and their families, taught by health professionals in a group setting.

Look Good, Feel Better - (1-800-395-LOOK) - program designed to help cancer patients deal with changes in their appearance resulting from chemotherapy or radiation treatment; services provided in conjunction with the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association.

Reach to Recovery - practical information and emotional support for breast cancer patients, provided by others who have experienced breast cancer.

Buddy Check - Call 1-800-227-2345 for your local American Cancer Society location for a free Buddy Check kit.  Buddy Check encourages women to choose a buddy (a girlfriend, mother, daughter, or relative) and remind each other to practice monthly breast self-exams and obtain annual mammograms and clinical exams.  Buddy Check partners are encouraged to call one another on the tenth day of each month to perform the breast self-exams.

The American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) - Organization of over 10,000 women physicians and medical students dedicated to the care of the woman patient.  AMWA represents the voice for women in organized medicine and in national health care.

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) -  The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is a nonprofit organization which represents more than 10,000 cancer professionals worldwide; the Society offers scientific and educational programs and a wide range of other initiatives intended to foster the exchange of information about cancer.  ASCO online is an interactive resource for oncology professionals and cancer patients.

Breast Cancer Fund - The Breast Cancer Fund undertakes a variety of projects to increase public awareness and concern about the disease and to provide information, support and hope to women with breast cancer.

Cancer Care, Inc. - Cancer Care, which is a national nonprofit agency, has been dedicated to providing emotional support, information, and  practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones.  

1180 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York  10036
212-302-2400
1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)

CHESS - Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System - a novel computerized tool, developed at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, that helps patients make decisions about treatment.  Chess is a home-based application that enables patients with certain illnesses, such as Breast Cancer, to access answers to commonly asked questions; a library of several hundred articles, brochures and pamphlets; a catalog of real-life personal stories of living and coping with health crises; e-mail communications with health care experts; and on-line discussion groups.

Dr. Koop - Dr. C. Everett Koop, the former U.S. Surgeon General, has more than 60 years of experience in healthcare, government and industry.  Explore this site to browse through a library of breast cancer articles for information on prevention, detection, research and treatment options.  This site also provides breast cancer news and breast cancer community support.

Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation  - Provides breast health, breast cancer education programs and support to women who are living with breast cancer.   1-888-CREED-4-U.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer Organization - Non profit organization - Offers programs and initiatives for breast cancer information and support and also provides local and national education and speakers. 610-645-4567.  

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center -  The Sloan-Kettering Institute is the basic-science research arm of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  Provides information, educational programs and support groups.  Breast Center 212-639-5200.  212-639-5271/5203.  

Mission of Hope Cancer Fund - The purpose of the Mission of Hope Cancer Fund is to provide assistance with the purchase or rental of medical equipment, with prescription costs, with the payment of insurance premiums, with transportation costs to and from treatment, as well as housing costs for out of town treatment. We also provide assistance with additional medical costs.  In addition to this, Mission of Hope Cancer Fund assists cancer patients and their families in locating grief and emotional support groups

National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO) - Current information about breast cancer includes research news, clinical trials, fact sheets, events and organizations.

9 East 37th Street, 10th Floor
New York, New York.  10016
888-806-2226

National Breast Cancer Coalition - Advocacy Organization dedicated to fighting breast cancer.  

1707 L Street NW, Suite 1060
Washington, DC 20036
202-265-6854

National Women's Health Information Center - sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service's Office on Women's Health and the Department of the Defense, provides a centralized point of access to women's health information from the federal government and the private sector.  1-800-994-WOMAN. 

New York State Health Department - Health information and a state breast-cancer map, broken down by ZIP code, shows elevated rates in parts of New York City and surrounding suburbs.  

SHARE - Self help for women with Breast Cancer.  For details, call 212-382-2111.  Peer support groups, educational programs, newsletters and phone support.

Strang Cancer Prevention Center - A National High Risk Registry is available at 1-800-521-9356.  Strang is part of Cornell University Medical Institute located at 428 E 72nd Street, NY 10021.   212-794-0077

Susan G. Komen Foundation - Volunteers work to educate the public and raise funds for research, screening and research projects.  1-800-462-9273

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship  - Nationwide network of independent organizations and individuals working in the area of cancer support and information.

1010 Wayne Avenue, Fifth Floor
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
301-650-8868
1-888-YES-NCCS (1-888-937-6227)

WHI's Center for Women's Health Services  - Provides an interactive learning environment and information resource.  National directory of women's health clinics and specialty services.   

Women At Risk  - Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center's research, education and treatment program for women who are at high risk for the development of breast cancer.

Columbia - Presbyterian Medical Center
212-305-9525
1-800-543-2782

Y-ME Breast Cancer Organization - Educational information for patients, family members, survivors, and awareness promotion.  

212 West Van Buren Street, Fifth Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60607-3908
1-800-221-2141
312-986-8338

For every WOMAN concerned about Breast Cancer

1. Where can I learn about the risk of developing breast cancer and its detection and treatment?  Where can I get a high-quality mammogram?
   Contact the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organization (NABCO) for information about risk assessment and counseling programs, as well as current treatment options and new research.  (Current information about breast cancer includes research news, clinical trials, fact sheets, events and organizations.)  NABCO can also refer you to an FDA-certified mammography facility,  (800) 719-9154.
2. Who provides professional counseling to breast cancer patients and their families?   Contact Cancer Care, Inc. to reach social work professionals who offer telephone support, services, education and information, referrals, and financial assistance, (800) 813-HOPE.  Spanish language services available.
3. How do I get information of breast cancer support services?
   Contact the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization for information, support, and referrals.  Whenever possible, trained breast cancer survivors are matched to callers by background and experience, (800) 221-2141.   Spanish language services available, (800)986-9505.
   Contact the American Cancer Society (ACS) to learn about Reach to Recovery, a visitation program offered by trained breast cancer survivors for women and their families, (800) ACS-2345.  Spanish language services available.
4. What about my personal needs during treatment?
   Contact the American Cancer Society (ACS) to learn about the Look Good...Feel Better program, (800) 395-LOOK.
   Contact Y-ME's Wig and Prosthesis Bank for women with financial need, (800) 986-9505.
5. How do I locate medical resources?
   Contact the Cancer Information Service of the National Cancer Institute for referrals to clinical trials, medical centers, and information about all aspects of cancer, (800) 4-CANCER.  Spanish language services available.
6. What should I know about financial, insurance, and legal matters?
   Contact The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) about all survivorship issues and sources of assistance for patients and their families, (301) 650-8868.
7. How can I participate in events to benefit breast cancer research and education?
   Contact the Susan G. Komen Foundation to learn about a Komen chapter or Race for the Cure® event in your community.  Volunteers work to educate the public and raise funds for research, local screening, and treatment projects, (800) 462-9273.
8. How can I support breast cancer research and help influence policy?
   Contact the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) to join either national or local advocacy efforts to support legislation, regulation, and funding that benefits breast cancer patients, survivors, and women at risk, (202) 296-7477.
9. Where can I find breast cancer information on the Internet?
   Visit the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO'S) website which can link you to the websites of organizations listed here, as well as other breast cancer-related sites.  NABCO's website can also help you locate clinical trials for which you might be eligible. Please refer to our Health/Medical Links page for additional websites for breast cancer research and our Chat Room/Support/Books page.

This information is available from ©National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO), and has been made possible by a grant from Schering Corporation.  These organizations make no explicit or implied endorsement to this website or warranty its accuracy.