Support Resources

A breast cancer diagnosis can bring many physical, emotional, and practical challenges, and there are people, programs, and resources ready to support you along the way. From peer support groups and educational programs to wellness services, counselling, and practical assistance, these organizations are dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of breast cancer. Most programs are offered at no cost. We encourage you to explore the resources below and connect with the services that feel right for you.

Breast Cancer Specific Support:

  • Phoenix Breast Cancer Community
    • Breast cancer support services in Mandarin for Chinese-speaking individuals
    • Monthly seminars
    • Care and visits to those with advanced or recurrent cancer
    • Fitness programs
    • Social activities including art, interest-based groups, and holiday gatherings
  • PYNK Program
    • Specialized support for younger women with breast cancer
    • Social work services
    • Psychosocial support
    • Practical resource navigation
  • Rethink Breast Cancer
    • Peer mentoring
    • Virtual support groups
    • Young adult programming
    • The Rethink Network online community
    • Mental health supports through their Healing Collective
  • Sharesheret
    • A Jewish breast & ovarian cancer community that provides support, education, and information.
  • The Olive Branch of Hope
    • The Circle of Friends virtual support group sessions allow women the freedom to discuss the disease in a caring, judgment-free environment with women just like themselves.

General Cancer Support:

  • FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered
    • Support for individuals and families affected by hereditary breast, ovarian and related cancers (education, research, building awareness, risk management, peer support)
  • Queering Cancer
    • Canada’s only national organization dedicated to supporting sexual and gender diverse people affected by cancer
  • Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation
    • Free programs with no referral required
    • Support groups
    • Exercise and wellness programs
    • Caregiver support
    • Educational workshops
    • Available both online and in person throughout the GTA

Appearance & Self-Image Resources:

  • BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day
    • Breast reconstruction information and patient stories
    • Free virtual or in-person conference held every October
    • Videos of past conferences available under Resources tab
  • Healing Ink Collective
    • Free 3D restorative areola tattooing following breast reconstruction
    • Breast cancer areola tattoo event days for eligible women following breast reconstruction
    • Ontario-wide
      • Lara Jade Beauty
        • Realistic 3D areola tattooing following breast reconstruction
        • Scar camouflage tattooing
      • Look Good Feel Better
        • Free workshops
        • Wig education
        • Skincare and cosmetic support during treatment
        • Breast prosthetic education
      • Underpinnings Studio
        • Custom realistic 3D non-surgical nipple and areola prosthetics
        • Custom body casting, sculptures, and jewelry
        • A body-positive, trauma-informed art practice dedicated to honouring real bodies and the stories they carry, specifically for those navigating breast cancer, surgery, reconstruction, and life beyond treatment

      Emotional & Mental Support:

      • Bounce Back Ontario
        • A free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
        • Designed to help manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry
      • Creative Minds Music Therapy
        • This company is focused on children, however they also offer 1:1 adult music therapy
        • Work through emotional feelings with song, instruments, and creativity
      • Insight Timer
        • Free meditation app for sleep, anxiety and stress

      Lymphedema Resources:

      Financial Assistance:

      • Cure Foundation
        • Financial support for women in active treatment
        • Canada-wide
      • Kelly Shires Foundation
        • Canada-wide
        • Financial assistance with:
          • Transportation to and from medical appointments
          • Hospital parking
          • Wigs and prosthetics
          • Lodging during treatment
          • Other essential, non-medical expenses not covered by insurance
        • Financial support for women in active treatment
        • Needs tested