Everything changes the moment someone hears “you have breast cancer.” There is life before breast cancer and life after. For many, these moments are marked by fear and questions about what this means for them, and how they are going to pay for everything needed to save their life.
Susan G. Komen is here during these moments to help women, men and their loved ones who are impacted by the disease. Whether you need a trained professional to talk to or financial help, Komen is here every step of the way to make sure no one is ever alone.
Even during the difficult times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no reason to feel isolated or to bear the burden of breast cancer by yourself. We encourage you to utilize whatever resources can best help you.
Komen’s Breast Care Helpline
The Breast Care Helpline is a great place to start to learn about resources available to breast cancer patients and their loved ones. Trained professionals offer free mental health support and can answer questions you might have about breast cancer. The Helpline offers resources in English and Spanish. To get in touch with someone, call 1-877-GO-KOMEN or email helpline@komen.org, Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET and Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET.
Komen Treatment Assistance Program
The Komen Treatment Assistance Program bridges the gap for underserved individuals who are actively undergoing breast cancer treatment. With this program, Komen aims to help those who are facing financial challenges by providing the following to low-income, underinsured or uninsured women across the country: an assessment by an oncology social worker, limited financial assistance, breast cancer education, psychosocial support and information about local resources. The Treatment Assistance Program can be reached by calling 1-877-GO-KOMEN or emailing helpline@komen.org, Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET and Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET.
Komen’s Clinical Trials Helpline
Clinical trials can be a good treatment option for patients with early breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer. If you or a loved one has questions about clinical trials, how they work, which trials you might qualify for and how you can enroll, trained professionals at the Clinical Trials Helpline can provide those answers. Oncology social workers and specialists can be reached by calling 1-877-GO-KOMEN or emailing helpline@komen.org, Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET and Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET.
Clinical Trial Locator
Breast cancer patients interested in learning about clinical trials in their area can explore the clinical trial page on Komen’s website at http://www.komen.org/clinical-trials/. You’ll be able to learn more about the importance of clinical trials and see testimonials from patients who are participating. Additionally, after answering a few questions, you’ll see a list of trials you may qualify for.
Online Resources
A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and the series of doctor appointments that follow can be even more stressful. Komen offers online educational resources to help patients and their loved ones navigate their breast cancer journey. Not sure what to ask your doctor? Komen’s ‘Questions To Ask Your Doctor’ tip sheets can help. If English isn’t your primary language, Komen offers materials that have been translated into other languages to help you learn about breast cancer. And the Breast Cancer Glossary can help you understand the words you may hear at medical appointments and throughout your treatment.
When others look away, we lean in. We’re fighting alongside patients because we know, one moment can change everything. We are all stronger together.
