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Breast Cancer Information and Resources

When it comes to breast cancer research, the internet can be an overwhelming place. It can be hard to know who to trust and with the amount of available content online, it can be very time consuming. Fortunately, we’ve got the right experts on our team who can help. The following is a list of resources we’ve curated that may be useful for your needs.

The information you need from A to Z

ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Provides phone-based one-to-one mentoring to those affected by breast cancer as well as a personalized mentor matching service for breast cancer patients, their families and friends.

American Cancer Society
Comprehensive cancer information.

Angelmira’s Center for Women with Advanced Cancer
Angelmira’s Center’s mission is to help women diagnosed with advanced or metastatic cancer improve their quality of life and outcomes through education, companionship, scientific research and integrative support.

Anne Appleseed Project
Information about natural cancer therapies from the patient perspective.

AreYouDense.org
Educates the public about dense breast tissue and its significance for the early detection of breast cancer.

Association of Community Cancer
Centers
Association of Community Cancer Centers is the leading education and advocacy organization for the cancer care community.

BCMets.org
A message board and listserv for women with metastatic disease.

BrainMetsBC.org
Comprehensive information about brain metastases from a patient perspective.

BreastCancer.org

Comprehensive information about breast cancer detection and treatment.

Breast Cancer Care & Research Fund
Breast Cancer Care & Research Fund’s mission is to eradicate breast cancer through education, research, and advocacy.

Breast Friends
A national toll-free hotline staffed by breast cancer survivors. Phone: 1.888.718.3523

Cancer.Net
Developed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Cancer.Net contains comprehensive and up-to-date information for all people affected by cancer. All content is approved by cancer doctors who are members of ASCO.

CancerBuddy
CancerBuddy, the first social support app for people facing cancer, patients, caregivers and survivors. CancerBuddy is making the cancer a little less lonely.

CancerandCareers.org
A comprehensive website offering free publications in English and Spanish as well as a series of support groups and educational seminars for employees with cancer, their employers, coworkers and healthcare providers.

CancerCare
CancerCare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer. It’s programs, including counseling, education, financial assistance and practical help, are provided by professional oncology social workers and are completely free of charge. CancerCare provided help to more than 108,500 people last year.

Cancer Information and Support Network
Patient information and support tailored to one’s situation. The site also contains a Breast Cancer 101 for those who want to learn more about the biology of cancer and how anti-cancer drugs work.

Cancer Support Community
Provides a network of professional programs of emotional support, education and hope for people affected by cancer at no charge so that no one faces cancer alone.

Diverse Health Hub
Diverse Health Hub’s Breast Cancer Disease Hub spotlights distinct breast cancer disparities afflicting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Learn about breast cancer and health inequities that adversely alter diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes of breast cancer patients. Also, discover the latest breast cancer research, news, and clinical trial information to gain access to equitable care.

Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
Comprehensive information about breast cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered
For women with an increased risk of cancer due to family history and genetic status and for families that carry a BRCA mutation.

For The Breast of Us
For The Breast of Us’ mission is to empower women of color affected by breast cancer to make the rest of their lives the best of their lives through education, advocacy and community.

GRASP
GRASP connects and empowers patients and cancer researchers to advance breakthroughs together. GRASP partners with patient advocates of any type or stage of cancer who seek to better understand the science behind research, and who want to effectively bring the patient perspective to research activities. By joining GRASP’s patient-led movement, you can improve cancer research and accelerate finding a cure for people living with cancer.

Hope Scarves
Hope Scarves’ mission is to support people facing cancer through scarves, stories, and research.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network Foundation
Funds research regarding Inflammatory Breast Cancer and provides education to the general population as well as the medical community regarding Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Fosters innovative inflammatory breast cancer research, educates stakeholders, and advocates for both patients and survivors in order to improve the lives of those touched by inflammatory breast cancer.

KnowYourBreastCancer.com
Information about genomic testing and MammaPrint.

Lazarex Cancer Foundation
Provides financial assistance to patients traveling for participation in clinical trials.

Learn Look Locate
Learn Look Locate’s mission is to educate women on the early detection of breast cancer, keep them informed, and share content that resonates.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Provides information and support for women affected by breast cancer.

Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance
The Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance is the go-to source for current invasive lobular carcinoma information, research, and clinical trials.

Male Breast Cancer Blog
Male Breast Cancer Blog is a blog featuring male breast cancer research and clinical trials.

Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance
The Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance brings men with breast cancer together with researchers, clinicians and oncologists around the world for the purpose of advancing research, clinical trials and treatments for men diagnosed with breast cancer.

Male Breast Cancer Happens
Male Breast Cancer Happens is a not-for-profit patient advocacy organization, brings everyone together to educate the world about male breast cancer.

Metavivor
Nonprofit organization that provides education and support for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance
The Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance was formed by 15 groups in October 2013 and today has grown to 29 of the leading cancer charities, advocacy groups and pharmaceutical industry partners. The Alliance vision is to transform and improve the lives of women and men living with metastatic breast cancer.

MBCBrainMets.org
As a one-stop resource hub for breast cancer patients living with brain metastasis, MBCBrainMets.org is committed to sharing cutting-edge information and resources in a simple format. Curated by fellow patients and supported by nonprofit funding, MBCBrainMets.org’s mission is to connect you to knowledge and support tailored specifically to your needs.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Network
Advocacy group for women with metastatic breast cancer.

METUP UK
METUP UK is a UK patient advocacy group that pushes and promotes issues with secondary/metastatic breast cancer.

MyBCTeam
The social network for women facing breast cancer.

National Breast Cancer Foundation
Provides help to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services, including free mammograms through a network of hospitals and patient navigation.

National Cancer Institute
Breast Cancer Home Page
Educational information about breast cancer.

Navigating Cancer
Helps patients bring together their most important resources to assist them in their care.

Nueva Vida
Education and support for Latinas affected by cancer. The website is presented in both English and Spanish.

Patient Advocate Foundation
Helps patients with chronic, debilitating and life-threatening illnesses remove obstacles to healthcare such as medical debt, access to insurance, and job retention.

Pink-Link
An online breast cancer support network for people affected by breast cancer.

Research Match
ResearchMatch is a nonprofit program funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It helps to connect people interested in research studies with researchers from top medical centers across the U.S.

Share Cancer Support
A national nonprofit that supports, educates, and empowers women affected by breast, ovarian, or metastatic breast cancer, with a special focus on medically underserved communities.

Sharsheret
Provides free support and educational programs to women and men nationwide; specializes in providing support to Jewish women and their families.

Storm Riders Network
The Storm Riders Network is a one-stop tool for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients and survivors, co-survivors and caretakers. It is for anyone interested in learning more about the resources available to those riding out the storm that is breast cancer.

Story Half Told
An initiative by Pfizer in partnership with advocates, patients and healthcare professionals that aims to elevate public understanding of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), dispel misperceptions, combat stigma and expand the breast cancer conversation to be more inclusive of metastatic breast cancer.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
The world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all, and energize science to find cures. The site features information about breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support.

Theresa’s Research Foundation
Theresa’s Research Foundation’s mission is to fund research for metastatic breast cancer that provides better treatment options, improves quality of life for patients, and will one day lead to a cure.

thesecondopinion
Provides free, comprehensive second opinions to adults in California diagnosed with cancer.

Tigerlily Foundation
Tigerlily Foundation is a national breast cancer foundation providing education, awareness, advocacy and hands-on support to young women (15-45) – before, during and after breast cancer.

Too Young For This Shit Podcast
Too Young For This Shit is a breast cancer podcast dedicated to creating a supportive community for young women affected by breast cancer, bringing awareness that cancer doesn’t discriminate, the importance of monthly screenings, and advocating for one’s health. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Triage Cancer Foundation
Provides cancer survivorship education to cancer survivors, caregivers, advocates and health care professionals.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation
Provides discussion forums and educational programs for women with triple-negative tumors.

Twisted Pink
Twisted Pink provides hope and connection to people living with metastatic breast cancer by funding bold breakthroughs in research and awareness of the disease.

Unite for HER
Unite for HER’s free Wellness Programs educate patients about integrative cancer care and provide them with access to supportive services and resources at no personal cost.

When We Tri(al)
When We Tri(al) is a collaboration between TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance and Breastcancer.org that addresses the under-representation of Black women in breast cancer clinical trials. When We Tri(al) aims to increase trust and participation in clinical trials to improve Black breast cancer treatments and outcomes.

Young Survival Coalition
Information and support for young women with breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Clinical Trials, Research and Research Advocacy

National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Portal

Searchable database of cancer clinical trials.

Army of Women
The Love/Avon Army of Women is recruiting ONE MILLION WOMEN who are willing to consider participating in research to find the cause and ways of preventing breast cancer. You can participate in the Army of Women by signing up at www.armyofwomen.org.

CenterWatch
A cancer clinical trials listing service.

ClinicalTrials.gov
National Library of Medicine searchable database of clinical trials.

Current Controlled Trials
Provides a listing of randomized clinical trials.

EmergingMed
Provides a database of clinical trials. Can also be reached by phone: 1.877.601.8601 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM ET (M-F).

Research Advocacy Network
Non-profit organization that brings together all participants in the medical research process. Its focus is to educate, support and connect patient advocates with the research community to improve patient care.

Trials Outside the USA

United Kingdom
Cancer Research UK

Canada
Ontario Cancer Trials
Cancer View Canada
Canadian Breast Cancer Network

All Countries
Cancer.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov
World Health Organization (WHO)

Dictionary of Cancer Terms

Find easy-to-understand definitions of terms related to cancer and medicine.

Go to Dictionary
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Tracey Heather

Advocate Liaison

As Patient Engagement Lead at Quantum Leap, I manage follow-up data projects for the I-SPY 2 Trial, develop strategies to strengthen patient engagement, and oversee the I-SPY Advocate group. After six successful years raising funds to support Quantum’s mission, I embraced this new role last summer, drawn by the opportunity to make a direct impact on the patients we serve. Each day brings new challenges and insights, and I especially enjoy supporting and collaborating with our inspiring I-SPY Advocates.

Outside of work, I am pursuing a Master of Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit management at SF State. I’m passionate about trail running, skiing, live music, camping, traveling, and collegiate gymnastics—my daughter competes at Oregon State. For the past 5 years, I have volunteered with SF CASA as a mentor to an incredible 18-year-old foster youth whose resilience continually reminds me of life’s true priorities.

Carolyn Clark Beedle

Carolyn Clark Beedle, a 2023 breast cancer survivor, joined the advocate program after successful completion of treatment with the UCSF Breast Oncology Program. Her experience working with a patient advocate during her TNBC treatment led to an understanding that empowering women to advocate for their own health and healthcare will contribute to improved health outcomes and broader access to care. Carolyn began advocating for cancer patients and their families during her treatment, now is a member of the Breast Science Advocacy Core (BSAC) with the UCSF Breast Oncology Program, and currently shares information and research with CFNP associates at La Clinica in the Bay Area to inform and empower their patient population.

Carolyn is continuing her on the ground training as an advocate reviewer with both Quantum Health and BSAC and is enrolled in the Patient Advocacy Training in Health Science course with Stanford Medicine. Her 30+ career in corporate marketing/communications, program development and non-profit leadership augmented by her breast cancer treatment experience serves Carolyn well in representing and communicating the patient voice and perspective.

She received her BA (History/English Lit) and MA (Public History/Research and Record Management) from the University of San Diego, is a proud fifth generation San Franciscan, and active board member with numerous non-profits that support social work and the arts.

Silver Alkhafaji

Silver Alkhafaji is a PhD candidate in the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics (PSPG) program at UCSF. She received her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biology from UC Berkeley. Prior to UCSF, she worked in the Clinical Pharmacology Department at Genentech. Silver’s current research focuses on non-invasive liquid biopsies to predict response and side effects of immunotherapies and endocrine therapies in early-stage breast cancer participants in I-SPY 2.

Silver is interested in clinical outcomes research to advance precision medicine and improve cancer patients’ quality of life. She is passionate about health equity, inclusive research, patient advocacy, and women’s health.
Silver volunteers at the Patient and Family Cancer Support Center at UCSF where she assists in patient navigation and connecting patients and their families with resources that improve their healthcare experience while receiving cancer treatments and/or during survivorship. 

Through her DEI work in her PhD program, Silver raises awareness around issues related to social justice and community building through organizing community-centered events. Additionally, she is a member of the Life Sciences Career Advisory Council at Thrive Scholars, where she enjoys supporting college students of color from economically disadvantaged communities in providing the opportunities they need to thrive at top colleges and in high-trajectory careers. 

Silver is a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Alameda Branch where she focuses her efforts on increasing membership of community college women coming from exceptional backgrounds: student parents, low-income, and first-generation college students.

In her free time, she writes poetry and prose on emotional healing, radical acceptance, and patience. Writing has helped her process difficult situations and connect with people on a deeper level.

Jane Mortimer

Jane is a breast cancer survivor and advocate dedicated to positively impacting the lives of women affected by the disease. Diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2012, she participated in the I-SPY 2 trial at UCSF and has been cancer free for more than ten years.

Her advocacy journey began in 2003 at UCSF as a volunteer with the Patient and Family Cancer Support Center and Decision Support Services and she previously managed the Peer Support program at UCSF. Drawing on her experience in marketing and media strategy, she uses her skills to make a meaningful impact by supporting advocacy and research that improves outcomes for women living with breast cancer.

Jan Tomlinson

In March of 2023 , Jan was diagnosed with a large aggressive triple negative breast cancer and informed that her cancer was the” bad girl” of cancer and offered standard chemotherapy for 24 weeks. Devasted by the diagnosis Jan felt like she had a dire prognosis. After seeking several opinions, she opted to join a Clinical Trial program for her treatment. The trial consisted of significantly less chemotherapy, and monitored closely over a 12-week period, The data predicted a complete pathological response , and she then went immediately to surgery. Pathology reports supported that she had a successful outcome reaching PCR meaning the tumor was gone, and no residual cancer was found in the surrounding tissue or lymph nodes. Jan was thrilled when her surgeon advised her of the results. The experience made Jan want to give back and share information that she received when she was at a critical juncture in her diagnosis. She is so passionate about making sure that everyone knows that the standard of care is one treatment option.

As she says, “ clinical trials have to be on the table” Because she achieved PCR, she expects a great outcome. She wants to share her story and encourage other women to strongly consider and participate in clinical trials. Jan is a UCSF Patient Advocate, involved in several programs they lead. Jan also is a BLACC Cab Member. Jan recently was in Washington DC to participate on a panel on Clinical Trials for ISPY at the National Press Club. UCSF will be hosting the RISE Up For Breast Cancer event where Jan will share her experience with clinical trials.

Deborah Collyar

Deb is a connector who founded Patient Advocates in Research (PAIR) “where research meets reality,” bringing ideas and people together for medical advances that offer real results for diverse patients and families.

Her vast experience between the worlds of tech, communication, strategy, management, policy, and equity bridges gaps between patients, scientists, medical providers, payers, governments, and non-profits.

Deb infuses patient engagement into projects, gathers relevant patient input, and encompasses many diseases, programs and policies at grassroots, national and international levels through companies, academia, and governments.

Key patient insights are delivered throughout discovery, development, clinical trials, results reporting, data-sharing, standards, genomics, and into practice.

Her experience spans translational and clinical research, epidemiology, health outcomes, and health delivery research with academia, federal agencies, companies, and patient communities.