How to Build Your Breast Cancer Community

1. How to Build Your Breast Cancer Community Your breast cancer community is made up of the people in your life who support you throughout your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from cancer. This strong group will be ready to help you handle this disease's physical, emotional, and spiritual effects. While everyone's inner circle will look a little different, your community will likely include: Your family and friends. These individuals can help you navigate breast cancer and marriage, parenthood, friendship, and more. From helping with chores to taking the time to be there and listen, your loved ones are a valuable part of your community. ● Other breast cancer survivors. Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone who understands what you are going through. You can do that by building relationships with other survivors. These women will share their experiences, advice, and more. ● Your Oklahoma breast health network. The doctors, nurses, and other professionals that you meet with recognize that your physical health and well-being are a top priority. As such, your healthcare team is an essential aspect of your community. ● Your mentors or counselors. Of course, it is also important to care for your emotional and spiritual health throughout this situation. As such, an experienced therapist, religious mentor, or other professional can greatly help you handle the mental effects. ● While some of these individuals are already in your life, you may be unsure how to make them a part of your community. There are many ways that you can start building this essential support system. To Build and Grow Your Breast Cancer Community, You Can: Lean on your loved ones and mentors. If there are people in your life who are already there for you, do not hesitate to rely on them. They want to be there for you and help out in any way they can. ● Communicate with your healthcare team. In addition to supporting your health, the professionals in your personal Oklahoma breast health network can share helpful advice and useful resources. ● Join in-person and online support groups. These spaces give you the opportunity to meet with other survivors. Here, you can build strong bonds with people who truly understand the situation. ● Attend professional counseling. It can be hard to navigate changes that occur from breast cancer and marriage, parenthood, and more. These professionals can help you and your loved ones with this. ●

2. Get involved with organizations. If you are unsure where to start, consider reaching out to local or national groups. These organizations offer valuable resources and can help you connect with others. ● Make Project31 Part of Your Community! Project31 is an organization created by survivors to support women and their families throughout their experience with breast cancer – from the initial diagnosis to the years celebrating recovery. Please contact us to learn more about Project31, our events, and our support groups across Oklahoma.