There are organisations, support groups, videos and other resources to help you cope with breast cancer and its treatment. There is also information about mastectomy wear and prosthesis suppliers.
Cancer Research UK information and support
Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.
We are committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.
We list organisations and resources below for further information and support. We hope you find these helpful. Cancer Research UK is not responsible for the quality of the information or services they provide.
Breast cancer support organisations
BRCA+ Chat is a small but national charity supporting those with a gene change that increases their risk of cancer. They provide peer support groups, online talks, blogs and newsletters, and can signpost you to other resources if needed.
Breast Cancer Now is a charity dedicated to funding breast cancer research. They also provide breast cancer information and support across the UK. Services are free and include a helpline, online forums, speak or email someone who has had a similar experience to you, courses, publications, and practical and emotional support.
CoppaFeel! is a UK charity that provides information, advice and creates awareness of breast cancer especially in young people. They also have resources for teachers and educators.
You can contact them on their general enquires contact form.
Flat Friends UK is a charity that supports women who choose to go flat. So for those ladies living without reconstruction after a mastectomy. You can get in touch with people who have had similar experiences via their private Facebook group or face to face. The website also has information about research, fashion ideas, and personal stories.
Provides support and information if you are concerned about hereditary breast cancer. There is an email address and a telephone number for enquires. Outside office hours, there is a 24 hour answerphone to leave your message.
The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK offers support and advice during treatment and beyond. They have an online support group for people diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. This is a closed group. You need to apply online to join.
This charity is dedicated to helping people with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). They provide information about TNBC and support through an online community you can join. Here you can communicate and share each others experiences.
Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical and medical support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline offers support with clinical, emotional, general and welfare benefits needs. They publish booklets about cancer and treatments. Information is available in other languages. They also have an online chat service.
Macmillan Support Line Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Cancer Card is a national charity based in Scotland. They aim to provide support to everyone affected by cancer. Their website has a support directory where you can search for national and local cancer support charities and services. You can also find stories of people affected by cancer. They have a cancer support helpline and a digital helpline, which can help you with your online needs. For example helping you gain digital skills so you can access online services, such as banking.
This charity aims to help with the physical and emotional wellbeing of people going through cancer treatment. Their website has video tutorials for make up, hair loss, skin and nail care.
They provide confidence boosting workshops, which gives a chance for people to meet others going through a similar experience and to learn skills to manage some of the side effects of treatment, such as skincare and make up techniques.
Workshops take place in hospitals and support centres across the UK. You can find your nearest workshop and read more about the work of the charity on their website.
A national charity offering information and support to anyone affected by lymphoedema. It has local support groups, a helpline and a website. It also produces a range of information including factsheets about lymphoedema and its treatment, videos about self management techniques for lymphoedema, and a newsletter.
Maggie’s is a national charity with centres across the UK. They offer care and support to people affected by cancer. Each centre is beside an NHS cancer hospital and is run by specialist staff.
You can join a support group, take part in weekly sessions like relaxation and stress management, or learn about nutrition and health. You can also visit just to have a cup of tea and a friendly chat.
OUTpatients charity provide help and support to the LGBTIQ+ community who are living with, or have been affected by cancer. This support includes online or in person peer support meetings for LGBTIQ+ people. The website includes information about cancer risk, screening, and the impact of cancer treatment in LGBTIQ+ people.
The charity also provides resources for health professionals working in the cancer care sector.
Cancer Care is Cancer Research UK's online shop providing a range of helpful things, for all stages of treatment and recovery. Whether you're shopping for yourself or a loved one, the profits from your purchase go back into cancer research.
Amoena makes and retails breast forms (prostheses), prosthetic nipples, mastectomy lingerie, nightwear and mastectomy swim wear. They also sell sports wear (active wear). They have stockists across the UK and you can also make online orders.
Order line: 0345 434 7334 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm)
Enquiry line: 023 80 270 345 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm)
Betty and Belle is a lingerie shop where you can get expert bra fitting. They sell mastectomy lingerie, breast prostheses and swimwear, including non wired support bras and front fastening bras for after breast surgery. Their collection is also available online.
This leaflet is sent to all women invited for breast screening.
Breast screening aged 71 or older
This information is for women aged 71 or over. These women no longer receive breast screening invitations, but can request breast screening every 3 years.
Breast screening: partial or incomplete mammography
This leaflet is for women who have had only partial or incomplete mammography during NHS breast screening.
Breast screening: breast implant guidelines
This leaflet tells women how breast implants may affect screening.
Breast screening: high risk women
This factsheet explains breast screening for women at higher risk of developing breast cancer.
This is a picture leaflet for women with a learning disability to tell them about breast screening. You can read or download this leaflet in PDF format on the NHS website.
Find local cancer information and support near you
There are organisations and support services in your local area that you can access. You can ask your specialist nurse or doctor for more information about cancer services near you.
England
The NHS website has a service that tells you about local information and support in England.
