What can I do? What can I say?
Help me understand what you're going through
Stories of Support
Co-survivors are important to breast cancer survivors all along the journey, from diagnosis to long after treatment is over. Knowing about breast cancer and its long-term emotional impact can prepare you to really ‘be there' for someone in need.
Information Online
Information about breast cancer is just a click away. You can learn about the basics of breast cancer and find the latest on diagnosis and treatment, treatment side effects and many other topics—like quality medical care, complementary therapies and life after treatment. You can read and learn anytime - when you are ready.
Anatomy of Breast Cancer
Listen to information about breast cancer while seeing graphics that show how it develops, how it is found, how it is treated and more. You may listen in English or Spanish.
English version
Spanish version
Treatment
Learn about the most common breast cancer treatments - surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy. Learn about the risks and benefits of each. Choosing a treatment is as much a personal matter as a medical one.
After treatment
More than two million people in the United States are breast cancer survivors. This section discusses how survivors go on to lead fulfilling lives after facing a life-threatening illness. It also includes steps to improve survival and quality of life after treatment.
Other helpful Web sites
These sites offer additional information on breast cancer, ranging from information about online support groups to information about clinical trials to information for specific groups (those with inherited mutations, lesbians, those with lymphedema, Native Americans and more). We are pleased to offer these resources, but have no control over the content on these sites.
Printable Information
Want something to print and take with you? Written for patients, these one-pagers will help you "walk in the shoes" and better understand what your loved one is going through.
- NOTE: hard copies of these and other topics are also available by calling the Komen Helpline at 1-800 I'M AWARE (1.800.462.9273).
Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis
Talking with your Partner
Talking with your Children
Talking with your Doctor
Getting the Support you Need
Sexuality and Intimacy
When the Diagnosis is Cancer
End of Life Care
Life After Treatment
Follow-Up
Medical Vocabulary
Don't even know what to ask? The Questions to Ask the Doctor About Breast Cancer series includes 14 topic cards on a variety of breast cancer issues and will help you talk with the doctors. You can download and print the cards and take them with you to the next appointment.
Call for these booklets
Learn how to give and get practical and emotional support. Call the Komen Helpline to get these booklets:
- NOTE: these booklets are available in English and Spanish by calling 1-800 I'M AWARE (1.800.462.9273)
- Questions to Ask the Doctor
- What's Happening to Me?
- What's Happening to the Woman We Love?
- What's Happening to the Woman I Love?
- What's Happening to Mom?
- Breast Health: What Every Woman Should Know
What I can do to take care of me: Women with cancer talk about Complementary and Alternative Medical (CAM) therapies (English only at this time)
Need someone to talk to? Necesita hablar?
Feeling overwhelmed? Call the Komen Helpline and talk with a volunteer who has "been there." Helpline volunteers can help you find more information, talk you through your questions or just help you get through a rough spot. We can also send you free copies of any of our educational materials. Call the Helpline toll-free at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636), Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm CST. Se habla Español.
