Survivorship Topics

In the U.S., most people diagnosed with breast cancer will live for many years. Today, there are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. (more than any other group of cancer survivors) [205].

At Susan G. Komen^®, we view anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, a survivor, from the time of diagnosis through the end of life. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute use similar definitions [2,205]. We recognize though that not everyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer will identify with this term or see themselves as a survivor.

Find topics on survivorship for people:

Important information from the CDC about the seasonal flu.

Survivorship During Treatment for Early and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Managing Side Effects and Supportive Care

Managing Pain

Quality of Life During Treatment

Support

Survival and Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence After Treatment

Working During Treatment

Financial assistance and insurance

Financial Assistance

Prescription Drug Assistance

Transportation Assistance

Lodging Assistance

Child and Elder Care Assistance

Insurance (including maintaining health insurance if you lose your job and what to do if a claim is denied)

Complementary and integrative therapies

Complementary and Integrative Therapy Fact Sheets

Safety, Science, Resources and Other Topics Related to Complementary and Integrative Therapies

Survivorship During Treatment for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Managing Side Effects and Supportive Care – Metastatic Breast Cancer

Managing Pain Related to Metastatic Breast Cancer

Quality of Life – Metastatic Breast Cancer

Support – Metastatic Breast Cancer

Financial assistance and insurance

Financial Assistance

Prescription Drug Assistance

Transportation Assistance

Lodging Assistance

Child and Elder Care Assistance

Insurance (including maintaining health insurance if you lose your job and what to do if a claim is denied)

Complementary and integrative therapies

Complementary and Integrative Therapy Fact Sheets

Safety, Science, Resources and Other Topics Related to Complementary and Integrative Therapies

Survivorship After Breast Cancer Treatment Is Completed

This section discusses the unique issues and concerns you may face after breast cancer treatment.

Komen Financial Assistance Program

Susan G. Komen^®created the Komen Financial Assistance Program to help those struggling with the costs of breast cancer treatment by providing financial assistance to eligible individuals.

Funding is available for eligible individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment at any stage or living with metastatic breast cancer (stage IV).

To learn more about this program and other helpful resources, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org.

Se habla español.

You’re not alone

No matter how long ago you completed breast cancer treatment and no matter the struggles you face, there are likely others who have been where you are today.

Sharing experiences and advice with other survivors may be helpful. We have a list of resources for finding local and online support groups. Your health care provider can also help you find a local support group.

After treatment ends, there are many ways to stay active in the breast cancer community. Getting involved can be personally rewarding and can impact the lives of others.

Learn more on the following pages:

Support for People Who’ve Had Breast Cancer

Support for Family, Friends and Other Loved Ones

Getting Involved After Breast Cancer Treatment

Susan G. Komen^® Support Resources

If you or a loved one needs more information about breast health or breast cancer, contact the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org. All calls are answered by a trained specialist or oncology social worker, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. Se habla español.
Komen Patient Navigators can help guide you through the health care system as you go through a breast cancer diagnosis. They can help to remove barriers to high-quality breast care. For example, they can help you with insurance, local resources, communication with health care providers and more. Call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) or email helpline@komen.org to learn more about our Patient Navigator program, including eligibility.
Komen Facebook groups provide a place where those with a connection to breast cancer can share their experiences and build strong relationships with each other. Visit Facebook and search for “Komen Breast Cancer group” or “Komen Metastatic Breast Cancer group” to request to join one of our closed groups.
Our fact sheets, booklets and other education materials offer additional information.

How We’re Helping

Thanks in part to Susan G. Komen®’s investment in research in early detection and treatment, the breast cancer mortality (death) rate declined 42 percent from 1989-2019 in women in the U.S. [206].

Updated 07/25/22