Resources

Breast cancer originates in your breast tissue. It occurs when breast cells mutate, creating a mass of tissue (a tumor). Like other cancers, breast cancer can invade and grow into the tissue surrounding your breast. It can also travel to other parts of your body and form additional tumors. When this happens, it’s called metastasis.

Learn more about breast cancer by visiting the links below:

National Comprehensive Cancer Network


Dense Breasts Canada

 

My Breast Screening

Support Services

 

There are many worthwhile agencies which exist to support people experiencing breast cancer. While Breast Cancer Canada exists to fund research across the country, there are many other organizations that provide guidance 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 resources. If you notice outdated information on our site, please contact social@breastcancerprogress.ca to let us know.

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 
This resource 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.

after Breast Cancer
Provides financial assistance for acquiring mastectomy necessities and resources that contribute to quality of life after breast cancer.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Advocacy Canada
Website which collects and provides information on advocacy initiatives across Canada, connects advocates and strengthens their efforts, and addresses areas where MBC patients are under-served. Priority areas include clinical trial access, research spending and drug access.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.