Breast cancer is a global medical concern impacting millions of individuals annually. Beyond its physical symptoms, it disrupts lives emotionally, socially, and economically. In response to this widespread issue, numerous organizations have emerged, dedicated to addressing this disease through support, advocacy, research, and awareness.
This ultimate guide to breast cancer resources is free to access for everyone seeking accurate, unbiased information on the roles organizations play in the fight against breast cancer. Whether you are a patient, survivor, caregiver, loved one, or advocate, this article offers insights into the missions, programs, and impacts of each foundation below.
In no particular order, here are some of the many organizations focused on lifesaving research, oncological breakthroughs, quality-of-life improvements, and making life with breast cancer less taxing.
1. Susan G. Komen
Susan G. Komen is one of the most well-known breast cancer organizations in the United States and the world. The foundation’s origins trace back to Nancy G. Brinker’s promise to her beloved sister Susan, who died from breast cancer at 36. Founded in her memory in 1982, Nancy, also a survivor, has since been doing everything in her power to shape a future where breast cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease.
Key Programs and Services
- Research funding: Susan G. Komen has allocated more than $1 billion in breast cancer research and as much as $2 billion in patient outreach. It is among the largest nonprofit patrons of breast cancer research outside the U.S. government.
- Community health: The foundation provides breast health education, cancer screening, and treatment options to underserved communities.
- Advocacy: The heart of Komen’s advocacy efforts is ensuring all patients have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.
- Car donation: Susan G. Komen allows anyone to donate their vehicles to support breast cancer research. This initiative transforms old and unused vehicles into funding for breast cancer causes.
- Support: They offer a breast care helpline (1-877-465-6636 or [email protected]), financial assistance, and patient navigation programs.
Impact
Susan G. Komen has made applaudable strides in breast cancer research and patient support. They are a leading contributor to the 58% decline in breast cancer mortality rates. Their Race for the Cure and other fundraising events have also raised millions of dollars for breast cancer research and services.
Donate to Susan G. Komen. Charity Navigator score: 95 percent.
2. Keep a Breast Foundation
The Keep a Breast Foundation (KAB) is on a quest to reduce breast cancer risk and its consequences through art, education, prevention, and proactive measures.
Key Programs and Services
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- Education: Their mobile app and Traveling Education Booths educate as many people as possible about breast cancer prevention and early detection.
- Financial assistance programs: The KAB Give Back Grant is on a mission to counteract the healthcare system’s injustice and inequality through $500 financial aid grants.
- Art initiatives: The Breast Treasured Chest Program allows those diagnosed with breast cancer or who test positive for gene mutations to capture and memorialize their bodies and feelings by casting their torso and turning it into an art piece
- Fitness encouragement: KAB’s Fit 4 Prevention promotes breast cancer prevention through physical activity and exercise.
Impact
In 2022 alone, KAB’s mobile app had 35,000 downloads worldwide. It promoted early detection by reminding women to perform monthly self-exams to identify unusual breast changes. The app recorded more than 100,000 self-exams in 2022.
In the same year, KAB granted $232,000 to 464 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) survivors through their Give Back Grant program.
Donate to Keep a Breast Foundation. Charity Navigator score: 100 percent.
3. Sharsheret
Sharsheret is a nationally recognized nonprofit focused on improving the lives of Jewish women living with or at increased genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer. Rooted in the rich traditions and close-knit nature of the Jewish community, their mission is to cultivate a strong sense of community and provide personalized support, ensuring that no woman or family has to face the challenges of cancer alone.
Sharsheret, meaning “chain” in Hebrew, was formed in 2001 by Rochelle Shoretz, when she was only 28 and diagnosed with breast cancer.
Key Programs and Services
- Genetic counseling and testing: Sharsheret provides easy access to genetic counseling and testing, as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are more common in Ashkenazi Jews than in other ethnicities.
- Support and counseling: Through one-on-one counseling, peer support networks, and/or survivor support groups, their social workers and healthcare providers provide emotional support, practical advice, and connections to others who share similar experiences.
- Education and outreach: Sharsheret runs educational programs that increase awareness about breast and ovarian cancer within the Jewish community. These programs include workshops, webinars, and community events covering early detection, cancer prevention, and managing treatment.
- Health and wellness programs: Sharsheret offers nutrition counseling, stress reduction workshops, and fitness programs to improve overall well-being during and after treatment.
Impact
Through genetic counseling and testing programs, Sharsheret has empowered individuals with critical information to make informed health decisions. Their educational initiatives have also increased awareness and knowledge about cancer risks and prevention strategies, while their health and wellness programs have enhanced the quality of life for many Jewish patients and survivors.
Donate to Sharsheret. Charity Navigator score: 100 percent.
4. Breast Cancer Research Foundation
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) seeks to prevent and cure breast malignancies by advancing the world’s most promising research. Evelyn H. Lauder, credited as one of the founders and popularizers of the Pink Ribbon, established the not-for-profit in 1993.
Key Programs and Services
- Research funding: BCRF distributes millions of dollars annually to pioneering research. From 2021 to 2022 alone, they had allocated $47.5 million to breast cancer research. The grant supported the studies of 250 scientists at top academic and medical institutes in 14 countries.
- Innovative research: They back studies encompassing cancer’s whole spectrum, from a cell’s basic biology to developing treatments that boost quality of life.
Impact
BCRF has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in cancer research, significantly contributing to how the world understands and treats breast cancer. Their funded studies have led to major findings, including the groundbreaking discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. BCRF also aided the early clinical trials that helped hasten the development of the FDA-approved Herceptin (trastuzumab), a targeted therapy proven to lower the risk of HER2+ breast cancer recurrence by 50 percent.
Donate to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Charity Navigator score: 100 percent.
5. American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS), originally known as the American Society for the Control of Cancer (ASCC), is one of the oldest and most comprehensive cancer organizations in the United States. Established in 1913 by ten doctors and five laypeople, ACS aims to eliminate cancer as a major health problem through research, education, advocacy, and patient services.
Key Programs and Service
- Research: ACS funds novel cancer research and has invested over $5 billion since 1946.
- Education: ACS is one of the world’s top resources for up-to-date information on cancer prevention, self-detection, diagnosis, treatment, and support.
- Support: They founded the Cancer Survivors Network, Road to Recovery (transportation assistance), and Look Good Feel Better (appearance-related resources).
- Advocacy: Through the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), they are on an ongoing mission to influence public policy and raise funding for cancer research and patient-beneficial programs. Since 2001, ACS CAN has successfully expanded access to patient-first healthcare and advocated for billions of dollars in research funding.
Impact
The American Cancer Society is proud to have contributed to a 33% decline in the overall U.S. cancer mortality rate since 1991. They have helped prevent about 4.1 million deaths during that time by funding and conducting extensive clinical studies and implementing their findings.
Donate to the American Cancer Society. Charity Navigator score: 99 percent.
6. National Breast Cancer Foundation
The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), which fellow survivor Janelle Hail introduced in 1991, provides breast health education, screening for early detection, and a supportive community for patients and survivors.
Key Programs and Services
- Early detection: NBCF gives women and men access to mammograms and diagnostic services.
- Education: They offer free educational resources and programs to raise awareness and encourage early detection.
- Support: The Patient Navigator Program guides patients through the healthcare system’s complexities. BCRF also provides HOPE Kits to individuals undergoing treatment. Each box contains an assortment of items that bring joy and comfort to patients, including a HOPE journal and pen, fuzzy socks, tea, an inspirational bracelet, and more.
Impact
NBCF has contributed over 1.7 million breast health resources to patients in need. Today, NBCF is one of the world’s most respected breast cancer organizations, reaching millions of patients with life-preserving information and aid.
Donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Charity Navigator score: 99 percent.
7. Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) bridges the gap between people, trustworthy breast cancer information, and a supportive community. They publish physical, emotional, and evidence-based content as guides for the newly diagnosed, in treatment, in post-treatment, living with metastatic disease, and in remission. Oncologist Marisa Weiss founded LBBC in 1991. She also established Breastcancer.org.
Key Programs and Services
- Education and support: LBBC’s extensive educational materials, including but not limited to downloadable PDFs and beACTive workout videos, hope to help everyone affected by breast cancer.
- Young women’s initiative: Breast cancer affects younger people, too. In response, LBBC offers specific resources to guide those diagnosed with breast cancer before 45.
- Helpline: Their Breast Cancer Helpline connects patients to a trained volunteer, who also had breast cancer, offering guidance, hope, and emotional support.
Impact
LBBC’s content reaches over 600,000 people each year, ensuring people with breast cancer have access to consumer-friendly information.
Donate to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Charity Navigator score: 100 percent.
8. Breastcancer.org
Breastcancer.org, also founded by Marissa Weiss, is a globally-recognized nonprofit committed to providing the most reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about breast cancer. Their goal is to help patients make the best possible health decisions.
Key Programs and Services
- Information and resources: They offer comprehensive information on anything and everything about breast cancer, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship.
- Supportive community: Breastcancer.org hosts an active online community where individuals can discuss experiences and support one another.
Impact
Breastcancer.org has reached approximately 210 million people worldwide, making it one of the most trusted sources for breast cancer information.
Learn more about Breastcancer.org.
9. Young Survival Coalition
The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) focuses on the critical issues unique to young women under 40 diagnosed with breast cancer. Although breast cancer affects everyone differently, research shows that younger patients are more vulnerable to aggressive, deadly forms of the disease.
Key Programs and Services
- Support and education: YSC provides customized resources for young women, including conferences, educational materials, and local networking groups.
- Advocacy: They work to influence policies that affect young breast cancer patients and survivors.
- Research: YSC funds research centered on young women with breast cancer.
- Financial assistance: Through The Pink Fund, YSC offers financial aid to breast cancer patients. It helps cover basic needs and living expenses to focus on healing.
Impact
YSC has helped thousands of young women through their diagnosis and treatment, advocating for better care and research tailored to younger patients. As of June 2022, The Pink Fund has provided over $6 million in financial assistance to at least 3,000 breast cancer patients in active treatment.
Donate to Young Survival Coalition. Charity Navigator score: 100 percent.
10. Carrie’s TOUCH
Carrie’s TOUCH is a national nonprofit established in 2010. As highlighted on their website, they have been on a mission “to humanize Black women (and men) and their experiences with breast cancer.” Carrie’s TOUCH is one of the oldest and foremost breast cancer organizations focused on supporting Black women and men living with and beyond breast cancer.
Key Programs and Services
- Awareness: Through Project SOAR (Speaking Our African American Realities), they hope to educate more members of the African American community about breast cancer and its 41 percent higher mortality rate.
- Support: The Carrie’s TOUCH App gives patients access to support groups, oncologists of color, financial resources, and more.
- Impartiality: They ensure Black women and men have an equal chance of living well after diagnosis.
Impact
This nonprofit provides culturally relevant programs, including wellness workshops, survivor support groups, and health fairs that reach thousands in underserved communities. Their impactful work has increased breast cancer awareness and early detection rates, contributing to the overall health and well-being of African Americans battling breast cancer.
Donate to Carrie’s TOUCH. Charity Navigator score: 51 percent.
11. United Breast Cancer Research Foundation
The United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF) is a prominent nonprofit organization that provides support, education, and services to individuals and families affected by breast cancer. Their mission is to make a positive impact through comprehensive programs and compassionate care.
Key Programs and Services
- Community service programs: UBCF arranges community service programs designed to meet the needs of breast cancer patients. These include the Individual Grant Program, which provides financial aid for medical expenses, housing, and other essentials, and the Breast Screening Program, which offers free or low-cost screenings to underinsured and uninsured individuals.
- Educational resources: UBCF provides comprehensive educational materials and resources to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options. Their outreach efforts include workshops, seminars, and distribution of informational literature to empower communities with vital knowledge.
- Holistic care programs: They emphasize the importance of holistic care in breast cancer treatment. Yoga, meditation, and nutritional counseling are some examples of programs supporting the well-being of patients and survivors.
Impact
The United Breast Cancer Foundation has reached out to thousands of individuals and families across the United States. In 2022 alone, their programs garnered and contributed $1.7 million in financial support to more than 3,700 individuals. They have relieved the burden on many families, allowing them to focus on recovery and wellness. Furthermore, their breast screening initiatives have enabled early detection and timely treatment for countless individuals, improving survival rates and quality of life.
Donate to the United Breast Cancer Foundation. Charity Navigator score: 97 percent.
12. Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance
Men get breast cancer, too. The Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance (MBCGA) advocates for and supports men with rare cases of breast cancer. They promote early detection, call for advancing research, and encourage men to overcome struggles with discussing breast cancer, particularly since social taboo and lack of awareness continue to surround the subject.
Key Programs and Services
- Awareness campaigns: The organization runs extensive campaigns to raise awareness about breast cancer in men. Their initiatives gear toward dispelling myths, reducing stigma, and educating the public about the reality of male breast cancer. Through social media, public events, and collaborations with healthcare organizations, they work to ensure that men and their families are aware of the symptoms and risks.
- Support and resources: MBCGA provides peer support groups, counseling services, and informational resources to help patients and their families through diagnosis and treatments. They have a robust online community where men can share experiences and support one another.
- Research advocacy: MBCGA is a strong advocate for research into male breast cancer. They secure funding for studies focused on the peculiar characteristics of breast cancer in men, endeavoring to improve treatment options and outcomes.
Impact
The Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance brings visibility to this often-overlooked issue. Serving as a source of support and resources, they are on a mission to ensure men receive equal access to treatment. Their awareness campaigns have educated the public and healthcare providers about the weight of early detection in men, and their supportive services have helped patients cope with the physical and emotional challenges of male breast cancer. Moreover, their research advocacies have helped to uncover uncharted territories, leading to earlier diagnosis, more treatment options, and higher survival rates.
Donate to Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance. Charity Navigator score: Unavailable.
Reasons to Support Breast Cancer Charities and Organizations
Each resource mentioned in this article contributes uniquely to the fight against breast cancer, whether by funding research, providing supportive services, advocating for policy changes, or educating communities. Supporting them can tip the scale in our favor and improve the lives of patients, survivors, and anyone with an increased risk of breast cancer.
