Breast Health Resource - Ribbon Spelling Hope

Breast Health Resources

Welcome to the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Breast Health Resource Page

The following set of breast health resources is sequenced by when they are helpful in supporting one’s quality of life while dealing with breast health issues. Some of the resources can be beneficial throughout all three phases.

  1. Preventative Phase – Universal lifestyle and screening practices can contribute to preventing breast and other health problems and ensure early detection and treatment when a problem is identified.
  2. Treatment Phase – Depending on the individual, this may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or other systemic treatments, as well as supportive services to assist the patient and family manage the treatment stage successfully.
  3. Survivorship—Resources and lifestyle considerations that contribute to long-term health and comfort after you complete your treatment.

The listings below integrate clinical resources with community programs and services that help people stay healthy and manage breast health treatment to survive and thrive throughout their clinical care and beyond. 

This preliminary set of resources will expand through 2026. (Latest Update: March 31, 2026)

For additional help finding resources in your area, please contact Michigan 2-1-1 online, or dial 2-1-1 or 844-875-9211. They focus on breast health resources for young adults , however some resources are designed for a broader audience. 

If you would like to recommend additional resources that you don’t see in our Breast Health Resource Page, please email [email protected] to share the information with our planning team. 

The University of Michigan Health-Sparrow does not assume responsibility for any of the information posted on these sites. Please see full disclaimer at the bottom of the web page.

Resource Navigation Tips
  • Resources for each phase are organized by topic. Click on the "v" symbol that appears on the right side of the topic header to expand that section and see the resources that are included. To collapse that section and hide the resource text, click on the "^" symbol.
  • Organization titles, which appear underlined, are links that go directly to the organization’s website. Click on the underlined text to open the corresponding website in a new window.  
  • Use the menu bar along the left side to quickly jump to a different section. 

Preventative Phase Breast Health Resources

Early Detection and Screening

Your cancer risk depends on several factors, including things that can be controlled or modified, such as lifestyle behaviors and choices, including tobacco and use, diet, physical activity, body weight, HPV vaccination, and sun and UV protection. However, there are also risk factors that you can’t control or modify, such as age and family history. Research shows that nearly half of all cancers can be linked to risk factors you can change. 

According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. By completing routine mammograms and other screening recommended by your provider, as well as knowing how your breasts normally look and feel to identify changes, you can help detect cancer early, before it has a chance to grow and spread.

Lifestyle Habits to Decrease Cancer Risk
Genetic Testing

Sometimes cancers develop because the person has inherited a change in a gene (also called a mutation) that puts him or her at higher risk to develop a cancer. Knowing if you or your family members are at risk for hereditary cancers can allow you to plan strategies to prevent cancer, catch it earlier or treat it more aggressively. Genetic counseling before testing is crucial to help patients understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of genetic tests, ensuring patients can make an informed decision. Genetic counselors evaluate family history, help select the most accurate and appropriate genetic test, and explain the implications of potential results for patients and their family, including emotional, privacy, and medical management impacts. 

  • Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) is a national organization providing education, peer support, advocacy, and medical information to aid individuals and families affected by heredity breast, ovarian, and other related cancers in making informed decisions. The site provides information for those wanting to learn more about hereditary breast cancer risk management and treatment. The online resources include guides on genetic testing and hereditary cancer risk, one-on-one peer navigation, virtual support groups, message boards, and webinars.
  • jscreen offers a test that screens 63 genes including BRCA genes associated with hereditary cancer risk. They also offer a reproductive carrier screening which identifies couples who are at risk of passing inherited conditions to their children.
  • UM Health Rogel Cancer Center's Genetics Program works with you to determine if your family is at higher risk to develop cancer. And if you are, our specialized physicians and genetic counselors will develop a plan for additional screening or lifestyle changes to help reduce your cancer risk.
  • UM Health-Sparrow Genetic Counseling has the only full-time, clinical cancer genetic counselor in Mid-Michigan. Genetic counseling and testing is a major innovation in the field of cancer awareness, care, and treatment. Through a series of consultations, and possibly a simple blood or saliva sample, our team can evaluate if there are genetic markers in your DNA that may play a role in your risk for developing cancer. This information helps the genetic counselor work with physicians to develop a screening or treatment plan that is 100% custom to you.

Treatment Phase Breast Cancer Resources

The following resources are in addition to those automatically considered with Herbert-Herman Cancer Center patients, such as services from the oncology pharmacist and dietician, lymphedema specialists, the pain management team and use of DigniCaps.

Clinical Care
Communication with Health Care Providers
Financial Assistance
  • American Cancer Society resources help you learn about the different types of health insurance, laws that govern health insurance in the United States, and how to manage the costs of cancer treatment. They also have a list of programs and resources to help with cancer-related expenses.
  • Angels of Hope  provides financial support to Michigan families with children under 18.
  • Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program (BC3NP) offers breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up care to Michigan women with financial challenges. The BC3NP does not pay for cancer treatment, but women may be eligible for a special Medicaid program through BC3NP that will cover cancer treatment. It is a federal program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Cancer Care offers eligible families limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs and co-pays for transportation, lodging, home care, childcare, and pet wellness. Professional oncology social workers can help you find additional resources. You can easily sort by diagnosis and follow the application steps. This includes the Linking A.R.M.S  (Assistance & Resources Made Simple) program for underserved women with breast cancer in partnership between the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
  • Family Reach helps people with cancer afford everyday needs like food and housing during treatment.
  • It’s a Breast Thing (IBT) is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of breast cancer patients on their journey to better health. They award grants to patients who reside and are receiving treatment in the Mid-Michigan area. The grants are to help with out of pocket expenses.
  • Living Beyond Breast Cancer Fund , a national non-profit, provides one-time grants to help ease the financial stress of breast cancer. Grants can be used to pay for things like rent, utility bills, car payments, and car insurance. They award a limited number of grants of $500 to $1,250 based on need. Applications are accepted in January, March, May, July, September, and November.
  • New Day Foundation for Families provides financial assistance to Michigan cancer patients and their families by paying living expenses for housing, utilities, transportation and food to reduce the harmful effects of financial stress. This is for families with children under 18.
  • Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation: Breast cancer medications copay assistance provides direct financial assistance to patients with government-insured health coverage (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare) who meet certain qualifications to help pay out-of-pocket costs.
  • Patient Advocate Foundation - Breast Cancer Resource Directory offers a variety of financial supports organized by state, age range of patient and type of health care expenses of concern.
  • Pink Fund provides 90-day non-medical cost-of-living expenses on behalf of breast cancer patients in active treatment, so they can focus on healing, raising their families, and returning to the workplace. Applicants must be employed, in active treatment, and experiencing a loss or reduction in income as a result.
  • Sisters Network Inc. is a National African American Breast Cancer Survivorship Organization that provides financial assistance for mammograms, co-pays, office visits, prescriptions, medical-lodging, and prostheses.
  • Susan Komen Financial Assistance provides $500 grants for eligible individuals.
  • Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer provides financial support for women ages 21-40 who meet qualifications.
  • YesRx helps Michigan residents with cancer receive their medication for free. Any person in the U.S. can donate cancer medication to patients in Michigan. Medications eligible for the Michigan Cancer Drug Repository Program must be unexpired oral cancer medication and/or medication used to treat the side effects of cancer or chemotherapy. All donations must be unopened and sealed in the original manufacturer packaging and expire no less than 6 months from the donation date.
Fitness and Related Activities to Promote Healing
  • Breastcancer.org/retreats This website provides a list of free and discounted retreats and vacations for people with breast cancer.
  • Maple Tree Cancer Alliance offers free Online, On-Demand Brief Exercise Sessions, some focusing on lymphedema, and a set of Exercise and Cancer Handouts to support fitness during and after treatment. They are available in English and Spanish. Paying members receive updates weekly along with access to a library of over 250 cancer-specific exercise videos that you can do anytime, anywhere as well as trainer consultation.
  • Michigan Athletic Club's Restorative Aquatic Therapy provides a medically-based aqua-fitness class that supports recovery, mobility, and overall wellness. These twice weekly classes are led by certified water fitness instructors in a warm, shallow, exercise pool.  Physician approval is required. MAC membership is not required. Contact the concierge desk for schedule and pricing.
  • SilverSneakers is a fitness and wellness program that helps seniors get active and fit, and connect with others. Services are offered at no additional cost to seniors 65+ on eligible Medicare plans. SilverSneakers is designed for all levels and abilities and provides access to both online and in-person classes in several Lansing area locations.
  • YMCA Turning Point Program at Parkwood YMCA is a survivorship program designed to help reduce the side effects of cancer treatment and to prevent recurrence by keeping participants active, fit and emotionally engaged. It is open to all who have had a breast cancer diagnosis. The free group fitness classes are closely monitored by certified staff trained to work with cancer survivors.
Genetic Counseling and Testing

Sometimes cancers develop because the person has inherited a change in a gene (also called a mutation) that puts him or her at higher risk to develop a cancer. Knowing if you or your family members are at risk for hereditary cancers can allow you to plan strategies to prevent cancer, catch it earlier or treat it more aggressively. Genetic counseling before testing is crucial to help patients understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of genetic tests, ensuring patients can make an informed decision. Genetic counselors evaluate family history, help select the most accurate and appropriate genetic test, and explain the implications of potential results for patients and their family, including emotional, privacy, and medical management impacts. 

  • Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) is a national organization providing education, peer support, advocacy, and medical information to aid individuals and families affected by heredity breast, ovarian, and other related cancers in making informed decisions. The site provides information for those wanting to learn more about hereditary breast cancer risk management and treatment.  The online resources include guides on genetic testing and hereditary cancer risk, one-on-one peer navigation, virtual support groups, message boards, and webinars.
  • jscreen offers a test that screens 63 genes including BRCA genes associated with hereditary cancer risk. They also offer a reproductive carrier screening which identifies couples who are at risk of passing inherited conditions to their children.
  • UM Health Rogel Cancer Center's Genetics Program works with you to determine if your family is at higher risk to develop cancer. And if you are, our specialized physicians and genetic counselors will develop a plan for additional screening or lifestyle changes to help reduce your cancer risk.
  • UM Health-Sparrow Genetic Counseling has the only full-time, clinical cancer genetic counselor in Mid-Michigan. Genetic counseling and testing is a major innovation in the field of cancer awareness, care, and treatment. Through a series of consultations, and possibly a simple blood or saliva sample, our team can evaluate if there are genetic markers in your DNA that may play a role in your risk for developing cancer. This information helps the genetic counselor work with physicians to develop a screening or treatment plan that is 100% custom to you.
Household Tasks
  • Cleaning for a Reason  is a national organization that networks with local housecleaning companies to provide two free complete home cleanings at no charge for patients who can document that they’re undergoing cancer treatment.
  • T.W.I.G.S., "To Work In Grateful Service," is a local Holt nonprofit that offers free help with housekeeping and yard work. They are dedicated to supporting cancer patients by alleviating their daily energy and financial burdens, enabling them to focus on healing and cherishing moments with their loved ones.
Nutrition to Promote Healing
  • American Cancer Society Video provides guidance for diet and nutrition during and after cancer treatment.
  • Cancer Support Community provides nutritional guidance for those undergoing cancer treatment. It is a national organization with a Michigan presence through Gilda’s Club.
  • Maple Tree Cancer Alliance-Recipes lists a broad variety of healthy recipes and what is helpful for common eating challenges during cancer treatment.
  • Meal Train can be used to organize meals online for a loved one, friend, or family to support them during surgery, treatment, and recovery.  Meal Train provides ready-to-eat meals, reducing financial strain, ensuring nutritional support, and offering emotional encouragement. The site allows for selecting dates, ideal drop-off times, and identifying nutritional needs and preferences.
  • Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium (MOQC) is a statewide collaborative quality initiative focused on improving cancer care across the state.  The site’s patient resources toolkit includes a nutrition during cancer treatment guide, meal and snack ideas, and additional helpful resources that can be downloaded or viewed in multiple languages.
  • National Cancer Institute: Eating Hints provides suggestions for before, during and after cancer treatment.
  • Tri-County Office on Aging Senior Nutrition Services provides links to an array of nutritional support services including home-delivered healthy meals, dining at nearby locations, and farmer's market coupons.  These are available to seniors in Eaton, Clinton, and Ingham counties.
Pain Management
Population – Specific Resources

African American 

  • Sisters Network Inc., is a National Breast Cancer Survivorship Organization that provides financial assistance for mammograms, co-pays, office visits, prescriptions, medical lodging, and prostheses. 

Men with breast cancer

  • HIS Breast Cancer Awareness was created to assist men and women (girlfriends, wives, sisters & brothers, mothers & fathers, friends), healthcare professionals, and anyone who is interested in learning about the risk, treatment(s), emotional aspect and stigma of men dealing with breast cancer.
  • National Cancer Institute-male breast cancer includes comprehensive resources re: risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. 

Metastatic Cancer

Young Adults who may develop/have breast cancer

Self-care to Promote Healing
  • A Wig and a Prayer ​located in Okemos, specializes in completely customizing the style of the hair piece to look like your own hair or the hair you've always wanted. If you will be undergoing chemotherapy treatment, it is best to call before you have lost your hair so that we can take photos and measurements. If that is not possible, photos can be used.
  • American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Page provides information about self-care throughout the diagnosis, treatment and survivorship phases.
  • Another Look Hair Institute specializes in hair restoration, replacement, and treatment solutions for hair loss, including balding, thinning, and medically-related issues.
  • Front Room Underfashions has certified mastectomy fitters to provide guidance for post-surgical bras, swimwear, and activewear as well as compression garments to manage lymphedema. They also sell wigs and breast prostheses and provide guidance for insurance reimbursement. There is a satellite location inside the UMH-Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center.
  • Look Good Feel Better Foundation is dedicated to restoring the confidence and self-esteem of people during cancer treatment. Their free workshops have helped millions of people learn how to safely use products and effectively apply beauty techniques to address the appearance-related side effects of their cancer care.
  • Mary Free Bed Cancer Rehabilitation offers comprehensive care in Grand Rapids to address the physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment – at every stage of the journey. The evidence-based program combines coordinated care from physicians and cancer rehabilitation specialists to help you better tolerate treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation while promoting faster healing and recovery.
  • Meridian Health and Wellness provides acupuncture services that may assist cancer patients with side effects of cancer treatment.
  • Patient Relaxation Massage Therapy has Licensed Massage Therapists with advanced training in Medically Fragile Patients (Mayo Clinic), Oncology Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, TMJ, Fibromyalgia, Breast and Chest Tissue massage, PTSD, and other serious or complex conditions. They have provided massages to hospitalized clients and those in active cancer treatment, since 2019. The practice features electric lift massage tables to assist those with mobility issues.
  • T.W.I.G.S., "To Work In Grateful Service," is a local Holt nonprofit dedicated to supporting cancer patients by alleviating their daily burdens. They offer free help with errands. It is dedicated to supporting cancer patients, enabling them to focus on healing and cherishing moments with their loved ones.
  • UM Health Cancer Rehabilitation offers a team-based approach in Ann Arbor to help people get their lives back on track before, during, and after cancer treatment. Patients receive an individualized plan to help recover from symptoms associated with cancer.
  • UM Health-Sparrow Outpatient Rehabilitation can aid your recovery by working with you to decrease pain and improve energy and healing. They also have certified lymphedema therapists (CLTs), who have over 100 hours of additional training specific to lymphedema.
  • UM Health-Sparrow Pain Management is an interdisciplinary center that works to actively improve patients' lives by treating the physical, functional, emotional and psychological needs of those with acute and chronic pain.
  • Wrapped in Love offers soft headscarves, chemo port accessible clothing, picc line sleeves, post-mastectomy drain management clothing, and more, that keep cancer patients cool throughout hot flashes, warm during chemo sessions, and stylish wherever they are.
Support for Family Members/Caregivers of Cancer Patients
  • American Cancer Society - Caregiver Guide is a tool for people who are caring for someone with cancer. It can help you: learn how to care for yourself as a caregiver, better understand what your loved one is going through, develop skills for coping and caring, and take steps to help protect your health and well-being.
  • Cancer Care: Specialized Programs provide information and support for Caregivers, who help others who have breast and gynecological cancer populations.
  • Camp and Club Kesem  provides free summer camps, day programs, and monthly virtual facilitated meet-ups for youth and adolescents ages 6 – 18 facing a parent’s cancer, giving them a chance to connect with peers, process their experiences, and have fun. There are three (3) Michigan chapters through Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan.
  • Elephants and Tea-Caregiver Stories is a national non-profit based in San Francisco that focuses on the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community. In addition to local events, it provides online opportunities for caregivers for AYA to tell their story in their own words in a digital format. It seeks to help themselves and other AYA caregivers to let them know they are not alone in their experience with cancer. The Elephant in the room is cancer. Tea is the relief conversation provides.
Support Groups and Counseling for Individuals and their Families/Caregivers
  • After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) is an international organization offering free emotional support for anyone impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis.  The site includes a resource guide which contains a list of vetted, reliable, organizations and tools to support anyone affected by breast cancer, including patients, survivors, caregivers, and family members.  The organization additionally offers a more personal support connection, you can sign up for a one-to-one mentor resource to get matched with a trained mentor who has been where you are.
  • American Cancer Society, Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support (ACS CARES) equips those facing cancer with carefully chosen and presented content, programs, and services to fit their specific cancer journey.
  • ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - Lansing is an annual fall support and fundraising event for survivors, family members, and the broader community.
  • Bluebird Cancer Retreats of West Michigan hosts unique retreat experiences.
    • Individuals and Survivors (with their Caregivers)
      • Retreat Locations: Camp Geneva, 3995 Lakeshore Ave., Holland, MI 49424 and Maryville Retreat Center, 18307 Taylor Lake Road, Holly, MI 48442
  • Family Camp, recognizing that a cancer diagnosis affects more than the survivor, Bluebird launched this to help parents and children reconnect and rediscover joy in life beyond a diagnosis. 
  • Cancer Support Community (CSC) optimizes patient care by providing essential, often overlooked, services including a cancer support helpline, an online community, and virtual programming that connects you to education, action opportunities, and healthy lifestyle programs.
    • Cancer Support Helpline 888-793-9355
      • Gilda's Clubs are local branches of the CSC network that offer a free support community for children, adults, and families on any cancer journey. They provide emotional health support and networking groups, educational lectures, workshops and social activities for cancer patients, their loved ones, and those who are grieving a loss.
  • Hope Scarves has provided 37,000+ scarves to patients in all 50 states and 37 countries, free of charge as part of their support network.
  • Imerman Angels connects a person fighting cancer today (cancer fighter) with someone who has beaten the same type of cancer (cancer survivor). The one-on-one relationship provides the cancer fighter with the opportunity to ask personal questions and receive encouragement from someone who is uniquely familiar with the situation, and it allows the cancer survivor the opportunity to personally help a fighter as he or she battles the disease.
  • Little Pink Houses of Hope provides family retreats.
  • Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers several online support groups to connect you with others going through similar experiences.
    • Breast Cancer Helpline connects you to a trained volunteer, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, for emotional support, guidance, and hope. In addition to listening to you and discussing your feelings and concerns, our team can direct you to resources such as peer groups, wigs, and healthy living support services.
  • Breast Cancer Support: All Ages, All Stages | Facebook Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, years beyond treatment, or living with metastatic breast cancer, this group is a place to give and get support, inspiration, and connection.
  • Support Community for High Risk | Facebook is for people with a high risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or both due to a strong family history of cancer, personal health conditions, or inherited gene mutations.
  • New Day Foundation for Families provides emotional support to Michigan cancer patients and their families.
  • The Breasties is the first all-inclusive nonprofit organization that creates community for survivors, previvors, stage 4 thrivers, and caregivers impacted by breast and gynecologic cancers.
  • Tri-County Office on Aging connects seniors with a broad array of services and learning opportunities to help them remain active and independent in their community. They focus on individual goals for residents of Eaton, Clinton, and Ingham counties. They provide links to support groups for various conditions including, but not limited to, cancer.
Transportation
  • American Cancer Society - Road To Recovery offers free rides to cancer treatment appointments.
  • Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) offers both paratransit and fixed-route bus services throughout Lansing, East Lansing, and surrounding townships. Paratransit services, which require advance reservations, include Spec-Tran , an ADA service for riders with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses; Redi-Rides, a demand-response service in Mason, Delhi Township, and Meridian Township; Connector Service, which connects Mason and Williamston/Webberville to Lansing routes; and CATA Rural Service (CRS), a weekday service for rural Ingham County. CATA’s fixed-route service operates regular bus routes with scheduled stops across the region. Visit cata.org for fares and schedules.
  • Corporate Angel Network (CAN) helps cancer patients access the best treatment centers in the United States by arranging free travel on business aircraft. Whether a patient is traveling for surgery, clinical trial, or a second opinion, CAN aims to reduce a patient’s physical, emotional and financial stress by providing seats on a corporate flight. Participation is open to all cancer patients, as well as bone marrow and stem cell donors and recipients, who are ambulatory and do not require medical assistance while traveling. Eligibility is not based on financial need, and patients may travel as often as necessary.
  • T.W.I.G.S., "To Work In Grateful Service," is a local Holt nonprofit that offers free help with transportation to appointments. It is dedicated to supporting cancer patients by alleviating their daily burdens, enabling them to focus on healing and cherishing moments with their loved ones.

Survivorship Resources

Fitness and Related Activities to Promote Healing
  • AL!VE is your community well-being place. Located in Charlotte, Michigan, it offers a wide range of health and wellness programs and services, including rehabilitation, fitness center, spa, cooking classes, and much more. AL!VE also features indoor and outdoor walking paths that are free and open to the public during regular hours.
  • Breastcancer.org/retreats This website provides a list of free and discounted retreats and vacations for people with breast cancer.
  • Community Education fitness programs for senior citizens are close to home and typically include both land and water classes. Contact your local school district to learn more.
  • Maple Tree Cancer Alliance Exercise options include a free Welcome Wednesday exercise sent weekly. You can also sign up for access to a library of over 250 cancer-specific exercise videos that you can do anytime, anywhere as well as trainer consultation.
  • Michigan Athletic Club's Restorative Aquatic Therapy provides a medically-based aqua-fitness class that supports recovery, mobility, and overall wellness. These twice weekly classes are led by certified water fitness instructors in a warm, shallow, exercise pool.  Physician approval is required. MAC membership is not required. Contact the concierge desk for schedule and pricing.
  • SilverSneakers is a fitness and wellness program that helps seniors get active and fit, and connect with others. Services are offered at no additional cost to seniors 65+ on eligible Medicare plans. SilverSneakers is designed for all levels and abilities and provides access to both online and in-person classes in several Lansing area locations.
  • YMCA Turning Point Program at Parkwood YMCA is a survivorship program designed to help reduce the side effects of cancer treatment and to prevent recurrence by keeping participants active, fit and emotionally engaged. It is open to all who have had a breast cancer diagnosis. The free group fitness classes are closely monitored by certified staff trained to work with cancer survivors.
Nutrition to Promote Healing
Population – Specific Resources

African American 

  • Sisters Network Inc., is a National Breast Cancer Survivorship Organization that provides financial assistance for mammograms, co-pays, office visits, prescriptions, medical lodging, and prostheses. 

Men with breast cancer

  • HIS Breast Cancer Awareness was created to assist men and women (girlfriends, wives, sisters & brothers, mothers & fathers, friends), healthcare professionals, and anyone who is interested in learning about the risk, treatment(s), emotional aspect and stigma of men dealing with breast cancer.
  • National Cancer Institute-male breast cancer includes comprehensive resources re: risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. 

Metastatic Cancer

  • Cancer Care Post-Treatment Survivorship support group provides a safe space to connect with others who have completed treatment and is led by an oncology social worker who provides emotional and practical support. The 15-week free group is for people who have completed their breast cancer treatment within the past 18 months.
  • METAvivor focuses on those with metastatic cancer 1) providing support opportunities and 2) facilitating action to advance advocacy and research to help end metastatic breast cancer.
  • SHARE Cancer Support Resources offers a variety of groups and educational information for women with breast and gynecologic cancer.

Young Adults who may develop/have breast cancer

Self-care to Promote Healing
  • American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Page provides information about self-care throughout the diagnosis, treatment and survivorship phases.
  • Front Room Underfashions has certified mastectomy fitters to provide guidance for bras, swimwear, and activewear. They also sell wigs and breast prostheses and provide guidance for insurance reimbursement. There is a satellite location inside the UMH-Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center.
  • Look Good Feel Better Foundation is dedicated to restoring the confidence and self-esteem of people during cancer treatment. Their free workshops have helped millions of people learn how to safely use products and effectively apply beauty techniques to address the appearance-related side effects of their cancer care.
  • Meridian Health and Wellness provides acupuncture services that may assist cancer patients with side effects of cancer treatment.
  • Patient Relaxation Massage Therapy has Licensed Massage Therapists with advanced training in Medically Fragile Patients (Mayo Clinic), Oncology Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, TMJ, Fibromyalgia, Breast and Chest Tissue massage, PTSD, and other serious or complex conditions. They have provided massages to hospitalized clients and those in active cancer treatment, since 2019. The practice features electric lift massage tables to assist those with mobility issues.
  • UM Health: Cancer Rehabilitation offers a team-based approach in Ann Arbor to helping people get their lives back on track after cancer treatment. Patients receive an individualized plan to help recover from symptoms associated with cancer.
  • UM Health-Sparrow Outpatient Rehabilitation can aid your recovery by working with you in any of several locations in the Lansing area to decrease pain and improve energy and healing. They also have certified lymphedema therapists (CLTs), who have over 100 hours of additional training specific to lymphedema.
Support for Family Members/Caregivers of Cancer Patients
  • American Cancer Society - Caregiver Guide is a tool for people who are caring for someone with cancer. It can help you: learn how to care for yourself as a caregiver, better understand what your loved one is going through, develop skills for coping and caring, and take steps to help protect your health and well-being.
  • Elephants and Tea-Caregiver Stories is a national non-profit based in San Francisco that focuses on the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community. In addition to local events, it provides online opportunities for caregivers for AYA to tell their story in their own words in a digital format. It seeks to help themselves and other AYA caregivers to let them know they are not alone in their experience with cancer. The Elephant in the room is cancer. Tea is the relief conversation provides.
Support Groups and Counseling for Individuals and their Families/Caregivers
  • American Cancer Society, Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support (ACS CARES) equips those facing cancer with carefully chosen and presented content, programs, and services to fit their specific cancer journey.
  • ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - Lansing is an annual fall support and fundraising event for survivors, family members, and the broader community.
  • Bluebird Cancer Retreats of West Michigan hosts unique retreat experiences.
    • Individuals and Survivors (with their Caregivers)
      • Retreat Locations: Camp Geneva, 3995 Lakeshore Ave., Holland, MI 49424 and Maryville Retreat Center, 18307 Taylor Lake Road, Holly, MI 48442
  • Family Camp, recognizing that a cancer diagnosis affects more than the survivor, Bluebird launched this to help parents and children reconnect and rediscover joy in life beyond a diagnosis.  
    • Family Retreat Location: Double JJ Resort, 5900 S. Water Road, Rothbury, MI 49452
    • Breast Cancer Helpline connects you to a trained volunteer, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, for emotional support, guidance, and hope. In addition to listening to you and discussing your feelings and concerns, our team can direct you to resources such as peer groups, wigs, and healthy living support services.
  • Cancer Support Community (CSC) optimizes patient care by providing essential, often overlooked, services including a cancer support helpline, an online community, and virtual programming that connects you to education, action opportunities, and healthy lifestyle programs.
  • Imerman Angels connects a person fighting cancer today (cancer fighter) with someone who has beaten the same type of cancer (cancer survivor). The one-on-one relationship provides the cancer fighter with the opportunity to ask personal questions and receive encouragement from someone who is uniquely familiar with the situation, and it allows the cancer survivor the opportunity to personally help a fighter as he or she battles the disease.
  • Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers several online support groups to connect you with others going through similar experiences.
  • New Day Foundation for Families provides emotional support to Michigan cancer patients and their families.
  • The Breasties is the first all-inclusive nonprofit organization that creates community for survivors, previvors, stage 4 thrivers, and caregivers impacted by breast and gynecologic cancers. 

Disclaimer

The information provided on this webpage is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this site should be interpreted as medical guidance specific to any individual’s condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, treatment options, or health-related decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

This webpage may include links to external organizations, articles, or other third‑party resources. These materials are provided for convenience and informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement by the hospital, nor do they reflect the hospital’s official positions, policies, or recommendations. The hospital is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information contained in third‑party content.

Use of this webpage and its resources is at your own risk. The hospital assumes no liability for any loss, damage, or adverse outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.

Latest Update: March 31, 2026