Once your treatment has ended, you can still be a part of the breast cancer cause through research, community work or advocacy efforts. Whether you enroll in a study, serve as an advisor or volunteer for an advocacy group, you can make a difference. Being involved in any of these efforts makes you a part of the progress that has been made in the fight against breast cancer.
Getting involved in research
Participating in a clinical trial for survivors
There are many clinical trials available to breast cancer survivors. For example, there are research studies looking at the long-term effects of breast cancer treatment on recurrence and other health issues related to life after treatment. Other studies may evaluate quality of life after treatment, complementary therapies or the effect of changing lifestyle factors on breast cancer recurrence. If you would like to participate in such a study, talk to your health care provider. He/she may be able to help you find a clinical trial (or other type of research study). For more on clinical trials, see the Treatment section or visit the Resources section for a list of useful websites.
Serving as a reviewer or an advisor
Some organizations that either fund research or conduct research involve breast cancer survivors. As a research advocate, you can review proposals for research funding and work with researchers to design and implement research. You can serve on committees that help translate research evidence into clinical and public policies. Breast cancer survivors and those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer offer special insight into research activities.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has a new program, Advocate in Science (AIS), which trains advocates to participate in these different types of research activities. It's an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to finding the cures! AIS members' unique perspectives are fully integrated into decisions at every step of the research process. AIS members engage in ongoing education to enhance their advocacy skills and expand their scientific knowledge. See a complete program description or apply to the program.
Serving as a member of an institutional review board
Breast cancer survivors are often included as members of internal review boards (IRBs). These boards ensure that clinical studies adhere to federal guidelines related to research involving people. They also review informed consent materials. Hospitals, academic centers, pharmaceutical companies and other groups that conduct clinical trials have IRBs. To see if an institutional review board is seeking community members, contact the research office of your local hospital, university or other agency funding breast cancer research.
Getting involved as an advisor or volunteer for a breast cancer program
Some organizations as well as government agencies have programs that benefit people living with cancer or serve the community at large. As a breast cancer survivor, you can get involved in these programs either as an advisor for planning or oversight, or more directly as a volunteer.
Thanks to more than 100,000 survivors and activists dedicated to the fight against breast cancer, the Komen Affiliate Network is the nation's largest private funder of community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs. Up to 75 percent of the net income from each Komen domestic Affiliate is dedicated to fighting breast cancer in that Affiliate's community. Every year, Komen Affiliates award grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for medically underserved women. The remaining net income (a minimum of 25 percent) supports the national Komen Research Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, educational and scientific programs around the world. To get involved, contact your local Komen Affiliate.
We even have six priority-population advisory councils that serve Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. The councils offer guidance and support in a variety of areas. Learn more about the advisory councils.
A list of other breast cancer organizations that may have volunteer opportunities is available in the Resources section.
Federal, state and local health departments and agencies also have opportunities for breast cancer survivors. To find out how to get involved at the federal agency level, visit the National Cancer Institute. To get involved on a local level, learn about programs in your community. You can contact your local or state health department or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (or call 1-888-842-6355) for a list of cancer programs in your state.
Getting involved as an advocate
Being an advocate for breast cancer awareness and research funding is one of the best ways you can make a difference as a breast cancer survivor. The federal government, through the National Institutes of Health, funds much of the breast cancer research in the U.S. Letting your legislators know (with a simple phone call, letter or e-mail) that you value breast cancer research is a good way to ensure that funding for cancer research remains a priority. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested more than $1.3 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Advocacy Alliance is helping lead the way in advocating for people with breast cancer and their families. The Komen Advocacy Alliance is a sister organization to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, and is a voice for change on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures and on the campaign trail. With the help of nearly 200,000 Komen Champions and Komen's network of 123 domestic affiliates, we are aggressively seeking increased funding for research and greater access to screening and treatment. The Komen Advocacy Alliance engages policymakers and leaders at all levels of government to advocate for an increased investment in breast cancer research and greater access to breast health services. We have many ways that you can get involved in advocacy efforts. Learn more about Komen advocacy opportunities. A list of other breast cancer organizations that may have advocacy opportunities is available in the Resources section.
Other ways to get involved
Suggestions for what you can do to support the breast cancer cause include:
Join the Circle of Promise campaign to engage African American women to help end breast cancer forever by fostering increased awareness, support, empowerment and action. Contact an Affiliate in your area to learn about other ways you can get involved in your local community.
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These are just some ideas. No matter how you choose to get involved, you will continue to make a difference in your own life and the lives of others. Not only can these activities be personally rewarding, but they can benefit many other people living with breast cancer and their families now and in the future. Just know that everything you do makes a difference!
Updated 06/09/09
