How do I find a Breast Cancer survivorship program

Finding a Breast Cancer Survivorship Program

Great question—survivorship support is an important part of your cancer journey, and there are several ways to find programs tailored to breast cancer survivors.

What to Look For

According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Metastatic Breast Cancer, survivorship care is essential for managing ongoing side effects, maintaining quality of life, and reducing recurrence risk. A good survivorship program should address:

• Physical side effects like fatigue, neuropathy (nerve pain), lymphedema, and bone health
• Emotional and psychological support for fear of recurrence, anxiety, and depression
• Lifestyle guidance on exercise, nutrition, and stress management
• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care coordination

Specific Resources to Access

1. Moving Through Cancer Registry

Visit movingthrough cancer.org — this is a validated registry that:

• Lists oncology rehabilitation and exercise programs across the United States
• Includes a triage tool you can fill out to identify what type of programming is best for YOUR situation
• Guides you to programs in your geographic area OR online options if you prefer virtual support

According to research from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), there are over 2,100 oncology rehabilitation and exercise programs available, though availability varies by region.

2. The After Cancer Platform

The After Cancer (theaftercancer.com) offers virtual survivorship programs available in all 50 states. Their services include:

• Personalized support based on your specific concerns and interests
• Educational resources you can access anytime, anywhere
• Group sessions with other survivors facing similar challenges
• Expert chats with healthcare professionals
• Support for managing fear of recurrence, relationship changes, and treatment side effects

Research shows their six-week program reduced symptoms, decreased depression, and increased feelings of normalcy for participants.

3. Your Oncology Team

Ask your oncologist or breast cancer care team about:

• Referrals to survivorship clinics or programs
• Exercise oncology specialists or cancer rehabilitation therapists
• Nutritionists specializing in cancer care
• Mental health professionals experienced with cancer survivors

What Evidence-Based Programs Include

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors, effective survivorship programs typically recommend:

• Exercise: 90-150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus resistance training twice weekly
• Nutrition guidance: Plant-forward diet with adequate protein, emphasizing vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains
• Stress reduction: Mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, or yoga
• Cancer rehabilitation: Specialized physical and occupational therapy to manage side effects

Questions to Ask When Evaluating a Program

1. Do they have experience specifically with breast cancer survivors?
2. Is the program personalized to my specific side effects and concerns?
3. Do they offer both in-person and virtual options?
4. Are there group sessions where I can connect with other survivors?
5. Do they coordinate with my oncology team?
6. What does the program cost, and does insurance cover it?
7. Can they help with specific issues I'm facing (fatigue, lymphedema, fear of recurrence, etc.)?

Additional Support Resources

The NCCN Guidelines recommend connecting with:

• American Cancer Society (cancer.org)
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (canceradvocacy.org)
• Sharsheret (sharsheret.org) — peer support for breast cancer
• Young Survival Coalition (youngsurvival.org) — if you're under 40
• Triage Cancer (triagecancer.org) — legal and financial guidance

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.