24/7 online support for those with cancer
Whether you're searching for the latest news on emerging treatments, looking for a reference for a local oncologist, or just want advice from someone who's also fighting cancer, you'll find a growing network of support among the many breast-cancer forums.
A host of online organizations - from the well-known such as Y-ME and Susan G. Komen for the Cure to smaller local message boards - provide advice, comfort and information to women battling breast cancer.
"There are so many new ways to use technology to help women get what they want when they need it today," said Pamela Green, public relations spokeswoman for online support and information center BreastCancer.org. "That is a positive change."
Here is a partial list of online resources that provide support and information for women with breast cancer. If you're fighting cancer, make sure to visit these sites when you need some extra support.
BreastCancer.org: This busy site features message boards, forums, chat rooms and a blog all dedicated to helping women diagnosed with breast cancer find the support and advice they need. One of the more popular features on the site is the Stories of Hope. These stories, as the name suggests, feature women who are living with cancer or who have beaten the disease.
Komen.org: This site, home to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, includes a long list of cancer support groups; a profile section, called Breast Cancer Faces, that highlights the stories of women living with breast cancer; and, of course, information about Race for the Cure, the individual races that each year raise money for breast cancer research.
BreastCancerSupport.org: This popular site includes an online meeting place for women who have survived breast cancer to swap stories and advice. The site also offers photos of breast cancer survivors, a chat room and a long list of online support boards, including those dedicated to women dealing with surgeries and reconstruction and those who are working through grief issues. The site also runs news stories highlighting the most recent treatment news.
Y-ME.org: The online home of the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization offers women access to 24/7 support from breast cancer survivors. Women, then, can call a survivor at any time for support, advice or just to act as a sounding board. There's also an online matching service that connects women with a personal peer counselor with a similar diagnosis. Women can use this online service to order wigs and prostheses.
Breastcancersociety.org: The online home of the Breast Cancer Society lists special events such as breast cancer runs, cruises and fundraising activities. There's also a link here that allows women diagnosed with breast cancer to share their stories, a forum, chat room and video section.