Breast Cancer Solutions Resources
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, please call us toll-free 866-960-9222 for navigation and referrals to community resources and screening for Breast Cancer Solutions’ financial assistance program
Breast Cancer Screening Information – Click for full article on American Cancer Society screening recommendations
American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for women at average risk for breast cancer (i.e., no personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer–such as in a BRCA gene, and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30):
- Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
- Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
- All women should be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and should report any changes to a health care provider right away.
Breast Cancer Web Resources
American Cancer Society
Avon Breast Cancer Crusade
Breastcancer.org
Centers for Disease Control
National Breast Cancer Foundation
National Cancer Institute – Breast Cancer
Susan G. Komen
Financial Assistance and Support Resources
211 Orange County houses a database that includes providers for counseling, emergency food, shelter, legal and medical services, parenting assistance, transportation, child care and programs for seniors, among others. Information is updated continually through constant use, and every agency is contacted annually to ensure its listing is current and active.
211 San Bernardino is a toll-free phone number that provides information and referrals for health and social services. Dialing 2-1-1 is the quickest way to access non-emergency resources for your family, your neighbors and your employees.
211 San Diego connects people with community, health and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free phone service and searchable online database.
Access OC is a nonprofit organization in Orange County that connects the medically uninsured/underinsured who are in need of surgery to volunteer specialists who are willing to donate their expertise.
Breast Cancer Angels provides financial assistance for women and their families as they are going through breast cancer treatment.
Cancer Care is a national organziation that provides information, education, support, and financial/co-pay assistance.
Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition is a clearinghouse website that provides resoruces to help cancer patients manage their financial challenges.
California Women’s Law Center (Los Angeles) provides assistance to women with breast cancer issues such as employment discrimination, insurance, access to health care, debt collection, housing, public benefits advocacy, family law issues, wills and powers of attorney.
Cancer Hope Foundation (Calabasas) – The mission of the Cancer Hope Foundation is to enhance the lives of people affected by cancer. They currently focus on the Camp Keepsake program, a cost-free camp retreat where children, adolescents, and adults dealing with cancer receive support in an energetic and fun atmosphere. Additionally, the invitation is extended to the family members, caregivers, and close friends of those in attendance, so they too can experience the positive retreat filled with entertainment, while setting aside some of their daily life stresses.
Disability Rights Legal Center is a community-based program providing information and educational outreach on cancer-related issues to people with cancer, cancer survivors, their families and employers.
Do Cancer provides free concierge care to those in and out of treatment, and provides wellness and second opinion education.
Every Woman Counts is a program of the California Department of Health Services that provides breast health education to physicians and the community, breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for women age 40+, and cervical cancer screening services to women age 21+ (screening services require eligibility assessment).
Families Forward This Homeless Prevention Program helps low-income families avoid losing their housing through rent and utility assistance, counseling, life-skills, food and referrals. The Transitional Housing Program provides homeless families with a safe, clean home while they receive the necessary guidance and resources to make a long-term impact on the circumstances that led to their crisis.
Food Finders is a conduit that provides food to feed the impoverished, hungry people in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Food Finders is also a referral source for individuals directing them where they can go to receive help.
Friendship Shelter is the only shelter for homeless adults in South Orange County, and the most comprehensive program of its kind in this area.
Healthcare Foundation of Orange County The Foundation’s mission is to improve the health of the neediest and most underserved residents of Orange County, with particular emphasis on central Orange County, by advancing their access to health promotion, prevention and basic health care.
Jewish Family Services of San Diego offers individualized case management for breast cancer patients in San Diego County. The program includes home visits, care coordination, and navigation to support services.
JWCH Institute (Los Angeles) improves the health status and well being of underserved segments of the population of Los Angeles County through the direct provision or coordination of healthcare, health education services and research.
LGBTQ Center OC advocates on behalf of the Orange County Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer/Questioning communities and provides services that ensure its well-being and positive identity, including high-quality health promotion, disease prevention, and mental health programming that is affordable, accessible, and culturally competent.
Mama’s Kitchen offers a meal delivery service to breast cancer patients in San Diego County.
Maribo Cares provides unique services to aid in cancer treatment and recovery, including house cleaning, hair wash/blow dry, phone call check-ins, food boxes for seniors, and appointment reminders.
Michelle’s Place, serving Riverside County, provides emotional and educational support to those touched with breast cancer and facilitate breast health care services.
OC Women2Women provides comprehensive employment support services to empower disadvantaged men, women and teens to achieve economic self sufficiency through employment success.
Patient Advocate Foundation provides case management services and financial aid to Americans with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses.
Sisters Breast Cancer Survivor Network is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American Community.
The Care Project, Inc., located in Riverside County, aims to care and reduce financial and emotional burdens of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Jill Foundation provides financial assistance to hair stylists in or around Orange, CA who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are in financial need. The foundation holds an annual Cut-A-Thon to raise funds for their program.
Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Download Breast Cancer Solutions’ Resource Guide:
- All Areas Plus National Resources
- Inland Empire Plus National Resources
- Orange County Plus National Resources
- San Diego County Plus National Resources
En Espanol:
- Lista de Recursos en Espanol: Todas Las Areas
- Lista de Recursos en Espanol: Condado Riverside y San Bernardino/Todas Las Areas
- Lista de Recursos en Espanol: Condado Anaranjado/Todas Las Areas
- Lisa de Recursos en Espanol: Condado San Diego y Todas Las Areas (próximamente)