Supporting You This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and here at ThirdLove, we’re taking time to help raise awareness and share valuable resources so you can get the support you need.

Read on to learn more about early detection, treatment centers, and support networks in your community, and of course, consult your doctor first for any questions related to your health and wellbeing.

Prevention & Early Detection:

Planned Parenthood: With over 600 centers across the U.S., Planned Parenthood delivers vital, accessible health services to millions of Americans. In addition to providing essential information on breast cancer symptoms and early detection, many Planned Parenthood health centers also give breast cancer screenings.

CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: NBCCEDP provides breast and cervical cancer screenings to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women across the United States.

National Mammogram Program: Provided through the National Breast Cancer Foundation and their partner facilities, this program offers free mammograms and diagnostic services for women in need.

Treatment:

Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program: This Medicaid-funded program provides free healthcare to underserved women throughout all 50 states. For the application process, contact your local hospital and ask to speak to a nurse or patient navigator regarding the programs.

The NBCF Patient Navigator Program: Also provided through the National Breast Cancer Foundation and their partner facilities, this program provides patient services to help women navigate the complex cancer care system.

Support:

Reach to Recovery: The American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery program allows breast cancer patients to speak with trained volunteers who have survived breast cancer. Volunteers provide one-on-one support to help patients cope with treatment, side effects, talking with friends and family, working during treatment, and anything else that is on their mind.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer: A national nonprofit organization, Living Beyond Breast Cancer raises awareness of the diversity of breast cancer experiences and supports those affected by breast cancer. Through conferences, events, and a peer-to-peer helpline, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content that is meaningful to those newly diagnosed, in-treatment, post-treatment and living with metastatic disease.

HOPE Kit: To give a little extra comfort and material support to breast cancer patients, HOPE Kits are filled with thoughtful items such fuzzy socks, journals, tea, educational resources and more.

Road to Recovery: Though this program has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, Road To Recovery provides transportation to and from treatment for people with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.