The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides help and inspires hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services. Founded by breast cancer survivor Janelle Hail, NCBF’s free, innovative programs are informed by the patient experience and prioritize education, early detection, and accessible treatment options. Learn more about their life-saving work here!
What are the benefits of early detection?
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. There is currently no known cure for breast cancer, and its early diagnosis is critical to survival. One of our top priorities is educating women on what they can do to be proactive with their breast health. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Every person should know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and any time an abnormality is discovered, it should be investigated by a healthcare professional.
What kind of support do you provide to patients?
We provide grants to facilities across the United States that provide screening and diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, clinical breast exams, and patient navigation to underserved individuals who qualify. Our online resources and guides aim to empower women and men with useful information on understanding family history, preparing for a mammogram, caregiving, self-examinations, and more. We host retreats for those living with metastatic breast cancer, organize support groups, provide financial support, and deliver care packages, called HOPE Kits, to patients undergoing treatment. No matter where you are in your journey with breast cancer, we can help.
Can you tell me about your programs?
The National Mammography Program provides free mammograms and diagnostic services for women in need through our partner facilities. These facilities have the systems and partnerships in place to ensure access to treatment for patients who are diagnosed. In collaboration with our hospital partners, we created the Patient Relief Program to help ease the cost of breast cancer treatment, making it easier for patients to focus on survivorship. The Patient Navigation Program guides patients through and around barriers in the complex cancer care system. It’s a proactive approach to helping patients overcome barriers of cost, fear, and misinformation surrounding the disease and its prevention. By helping underserved women navigate the healthcare system, we provide the vision that gives women hope.
Can you dispel some common myths relating to breast cancer?
There is a lot of misinformation out there resulting in common breast cancer myths. There is no connection between breast size and cancer risk, disproving the myth that breast cancer is more common in women with larger breasts. There is a myth that breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women, which is not true— a breast cancer diagnosis can happen at any age or any time. There are many myths about things that cause cancer, including wearing underwire bras, consuming sugar, or carrying a phone in your bra— all of those are false. It’s important to know the truth behind common misconceptions to ensure everyone has access to accurate information about their health.
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