Survivorship & advocacy

Survivorship

At BCC our staff and volunteers will give you the information and tools that can help you develop a personalized Survivorship Plan. You can start by requesting a free “Cancer Survival Toolbox” available in our Library or for download at iTunes. The free Toolbox includes CD’s that cover basic skills, and topics including communication, finding information, negotiating, making decisions, solving problems, standing up for your rights, topics for older persons, finding ways to pay for care, caring for the caregiver, and living beyond cancer.

If you visit the Library also look for Cancer Survivorship, Today and Tomorrow, edited by Patricia A. Ganz, 2007. This book provides information on the unique medical and psychosocial aspects of recovery and survivorship after a number of cancers including breast cancer. This is a great resource for anyone concerned about survivorship issues.

Advocacy

Advocacy can be a part of your survivorship plan. Find out ways you can help others by becoming a reviewer for breast cancer research proposals, attending breast cancer conferences, and more.

Helpful survivorship websites

• Read about Susie Brain – Advocacy in Action
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship www.canceradvocacy.org
• Institute of Medicine (IOM) www.instituteofmedicine.org
  • Fact sheet on Survivorship Care Planning.
  • Fact Sheet, From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor. Employment and Health Insurance Concerns.
• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) www.asco.org
  • Breast Cancer Treatment Plan and Summary Resources.