Education is POWER! Here is a (growing) list of trusted organizations and resources to expand your knowledge of breast cancer, support cancer patients (emotionally and fiscally), learn how to access genetic testing, and beyond.

Know Your Lemons – “For breast cancer symptoms, there is more than just a lump! Knowing the 12 symptoms of breast cancer can help you be more confident to report a persistent breast change that doesn’t come and go with your menstrual cycle.” – Know Your Lemons

I wish I had known about this site before my diagnosis! It is an amazing resource for learning how to do a self exam, symptoms of breast cancer, and information about breast cancer in general. There is a neat app you can download, too! Breast exams should be done monthly, so please add this to your list of things to do to help keep your health in check. Download the app today and share this resource with a friend.

Tri-Cities Cancer Center – I am a proud patient at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center and their Foundation does so many amazing things to support patients like providing gift cards for transportation, helping with out of pocket expenses that insurance won’t cover, free screenings, providing meals for patients, and so much more. If you are in a position to do so, I would encourage donating to TCCC or getting involved as a volunteer.

Learn more and follow them on Instagram: @tccancercenter.

METAvivor – METAvivor was established in 2009 by a small group of metastatic breast cancer patients who were determined to make a difference. At the time, no organization was dedicated to funding research for the disease, and no patient groups were speaking out about the lack of stage 4 cancer research. Since its founding, METAvivor has become internationally recognized for raising awareness and funds explicitly for MBC research. Today, while more people have taken up the cry for increased focus on and funding for stage 4 research, METAvivior remains the sole US organization dedicated to awarding annual grants to fund MBC research. Follow them on Instagram: @metavivor.

Invitae Genetic Testing – I realize genetic counseling can be a financial barrier for folks who don’t have insurance, your insurance won’t cover it, or it has been a challenge to open the conversation with your provider about genetic testing. Sometimes getting a referral for genetic testing can be challenging, if not impossible. Fear not! Invitae is an awesome organization that provides cancer, cardio, and genetic health screening and they recently have partnered with LabCorp to increase access to testing.

Chemo bags – Chemo bags are like the quintessential item for surviving treatment, aside from the chemo itself, duh. If you hear of a friend starting treatment, you should build them a bag. You may be asking how or what to put in that bag and I am so glad you asked! As your unofficial cancer guide, I am here to offer some ~pro~ tips! (I should add “cancer pro” to my LinkedIn skills section!) Customize as you see fit, but I am just saying that a chemo bag was one of the nicest, most considerate things anyone has ever given me.

Building a bag? See what I put in mine on Instagram: @captainmadisonx.

Rethink Breast Cancer – Rethink Breast Cancer is a registered Canadian charity with 25 years of experience driving education, support and advocacy for younger women affected by breast cancer.

Working alongside patients, healthcare professionals, researchers and diverse partners, Rethink drives real change that addresses the unique needs and experiences of younger women impacted by breast cancer. More than a charity, Rethink is a movement—revolutionizing what it means to live with and beyond breast cancer.

This is a great resource site for newly diagnosed patients, those looking to support a loved one during their breast cancer diagnosis, or get involved in advocacy work. Follow them on Instagram: @rethinkbreastcancer.

Reclaim October – Reclaim October is a movement that challenges the conventional approach to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the harmfulness of pinkwashing. Pinkwashing occurs when companies or organizations promote pink ribbon products to show support for breast cancer awareness while simultaneously manufacturing or selling products linked to the disease.

The movement highlights the outstanding efforts made to raise awareness about breast cancer, which claims 40,000 lives each year. Additionally, Reclaim October raises funds to support research and provide assistance within the community.

Be part of the movement and follow them on Instagram: @reclaim_october.