Medline Plus, a Web site of the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, provides links to a compilation of noteworthy breast cancer resources on the Web. Here, information is organized by subject -- Overviews, Diagnosis/Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention/Screening, Rehabilitation, Clinical Trials, and Research, for example -- and within each subject you will find links to other Web resources, with the source of that information in parentheses next to the link. In the News section of the site, you can choose to view health news by topic, and find links to news articles on breast cancer that have been written in the past 90 days. If you scroll to the end of each news article, you will find links to related topics.
The Multimedia & Cool Tools section offers Interactive Health Tutorials on Breast Cancer and Breast Lump Biopsies, in both English and Spanish. The tutorials, similar to slide shows with sound, describes in easy-to-understand terms the causes of breast cancer, symptoms, diagnosis, staging, surgery, and other treatment options. You will need Flash Player to access the tutorials, or Adobe Acrobat Reader for the printer-friendly text version, both of which you can download for free from the Internet. In the same section, you can also view several videos pertaining to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and management.
Here you will find comprehensive information from the National Cancer Institute about breast cancer, including risk factors, prevention, symptoms, screening and diagnosis, and treatment. There is also information about male breast cancer and breast cancer during pregnancy. Most of the breast cancer information is presented in two formats -- for patients and for health professionals -- and the site indicates when information was last updated. You can also access easy-to-understand summaries of current breast cancer topics, including the latest therapies, and search for clinical trials enrolling patients with breast cancer. Information is also available in Spanish.
For a good overview, see the online booklet What You Need To Know About Breast Cancer, which you can page through to learn about breast cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor. Words that may be unfamiliar appear in italics. The NCI Dictionary explains these terms.
This National Institute of Health site is tailored specifically to the senior population, with large, easy to read text, and controls that allow users to increase/decrease the font size and screen contrast, and even select to have the text read aloud. The section on breast cancer contains chapters on Causes and Risk Factors, Testing and Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, and approximately 25 Frequently Asked Questions. Each section is divided into easily navigable pages. The site also clearly displays the date the information was last reviewed and first published and a link to MedLinePlus for additional information on the disease.
Here you will find information from the National Cancer Institute about Paget Disease, an uncommon type of cancer that forms in or around the nipple. This information is presented in a question/answer format, and covers risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. There are also links to related web pages, fact sheets, and information regarding clinical trials.
Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer @ sharecancersupport.org
SHARE offers a wide range of support groups and educational programs, free of charge, for patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer and their families. Support groups include those for young women, parents and children, survivors, and patients dealing with metastatic cancer. While most groups meet regularly, some groups meet only for a one-time session, including those on genetic testing and breast reconstruction. Educational programs center around current topics and the latest treatment options. The organization's Web site provides a listing of support groups and educational programs and their dates and locations. Most are held in the New York City area.
SHARE provides telephone hotlines staffed by breast cancer and ovarian cancer survivors. SHARE volunteers speak several languages in addition to English and Spanish. The toll-free number is 866-891-2392.You can also email the breast, ovarian, and Latina (Spanish) hotlines directly.
Here, you will find information about the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, including risk factors, screening, and complementary therapies. There is also a section devoted to the social and emotional support many patients find they need after they are diagnosed. Message boards, inspiring stories, and a telephone helpline where you can get breast cancer and support information from trained volunteers are available as well. The site features an interactive audiovisual program entitled "How to Do Breast Self Exams", which teaches you how to perform a breast self test. The site also highlights recent breast cancer news and clinical trials results, and you can register to receive the Foundation's monthly e-newsletter. This Web site is available in English and Spanish.
Y-ME provides breast cancer information, advocacy, and support from a national organization for women with breast cancer, their families, healthcare professionals, and the public. Y-ME operates a 24/7 breast cancer support center, and the entire Y-ME site is available in 7 languages by clicking the links at the top of the screen. Information is presented for those newly diagnosed with breast cancer, those seeking support services, and those seeking information about breast cancer.
Y-ME also sponsors the ShareRing Network, a free, one-hour teleconference featuring a breast cancer-related presentation by a medical professional followed by a question and answer session. The ShareRing Network teleconferences take place on the third Wednesday of each month, beginning at 7:00 PM Central Time (CT), and registration is available online.
Young Women with Breast Cancer @ Young Survival Coalition
This international network of breast cancer survivors is dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women with breast cancer. Here, you can be connected with other young women affected by breast cancer who have a similar diagnosis. The organization's Web site also provides Bulletin Boards on a range of topics, including treatment, premature menopause, metastatic disease, and support for family and friends. Most postings also include brief details about the person's age, diagnosis, and treatment. You must register to access the Bulletin Boards. The site also provides online fact sheets and brochures of particular interest to young women with breast cancer as well as Survivor Stories.
Breast Cancer Treatment Summaries @ National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network's patient summaries for breast cancer are designed to help you understand your disease and inform you of the best treatments available at leading cancer centers throughout the United States.
You can search for treatment summaries by keyword or category. Categories are grouped by stage (extent or severity) of cancer diagnosis. Summaries include information such as background, diagnosis, tumor stage, treatment and prognosis. Treatment options are clearly grouped into categories such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.
You will also find information on breast reconstruction following mastectomy, as well as a link to a Guide to Clinical Trials. Also helpful is the breast cancer checklist, which prompts you to remember key points such as getting second opinions, understanding the order in which treatments will be given, how to manage side effects, and whether or not you will be able to work during your treatments.
