What to Do Now
Breathe. That’s the first step. And we’re here to help you with the next. The Breast Cancer Coalition is made up of breast and gynecologic cancer survivors, supporters, a caring staff, and a passionate community.
You Are Not Alone
The Coalition has helped hundreds of women who have been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. Our experience and knowledge has led us to create a space where you can come for support and education, to learn about issues impacting the gynecologic cancer community, and if desired, to participate in events and advocacy.
Gynecologic cancers most familiar to us are ovarian, cervical, endometrial, uterine, vaginal, vulvar, primary peritoneal, and fallopian tube, but there are others. According to the American Cancer Society, there were an estimated 110,070 new cases of gynecologic cancers diagnosed in our country in 2018. By comparison, 268,600 women and 2,670 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and another 62,930 women will be diagnosed with in situ breast cancer this year. We have learned that the experiences of both breast and gynecologic survivors have many similarities and, sometimes, similar treatments as well. Consideration of inviting gynecologic cancer survivors to participate in programs and services occurred when some of our most active breast cancer program participants experienced a diagnosis of both types of cancer.
If you have received a diagnosis of breast or gynecologic cancer, you are invited to learn about our free programs from support/networking groups, to writing workshops designed to help you process your experience, to our Healing Arts initiative – classes for your body, mind, and spirit.
The Coalition welcomes survivors from those newly diagnosed, to those who have many years behind them to those experiencing a recurrent or advanced disease.
Next Steps
If you have been recently diagnosed, you might be interested in Gynecologic Cancer 101 (see below).
If you would like to “dip your toes in,” we encourage you to come to our non-traditional, drop-in support group, Brown Bag Fridays. No RSVP required!
We also invite you to call our office directly at 585-473-8177 and ask to speak with someone who can help you learn more about our diverse programs. Together we’ll take the next step.
Gynecologic Cancer 101
A “GYN 101” is a one-to-one session to assist newly diagnosed individuals manage the complex tasks and emotions of a gynecologic cancer diagnosis. We empower survivors to be self-advocates as they proceed through treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Our professional facilitators provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere where information can be absorbed and assimilated while the individual formulates a personal strategy for making informed decisions. Also valuable for a gyn cancer survivor at any stage of their journey. Call (585) 473-8177 or email us for an appointment.
PALS project
PALS (Peer Advocates Lending Support) is the Coalition’s peer mentoring program for those facing a recent diagnosis of breast or gynecologic cancer. Our trained peer mentors reach out to those who desire to speak with a survivor who has faced a similar situation. Mentors provide the reassurance of one-to-one contact with someone who’s “been there,” help the newly diagnosed connect with needed resources, and instill confidence during a difficult time. Call (585) 473-8177 or email us to learn how you can be paired with a mentor, or if you would like to become involved as a mentor.
