Last Updated on October 3, 2025
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and research, but it’s also a reminder of the financial challenges that come with a diagnosis. From treatment costs to everyday expenses, the financial burden can feel insurmountable. Last year, we shared 10 valuable resources, and this year, we’re back with 10 more programs designed to help ease that burden.
Whether you need help with screening costs, treatment-related expenses, or emotional support during your journey, these programs are here to make a difference. From financial grants to care packages that bring comfort during difficult times, there’s support available to help you focus on what matters most—your health and recovery.
Financial Assistance for Screenings and Treatment Costs
Early detection saves lives, but the cost of screenings and diagnostic tests can prevent many people from getting the care they need. These programs help remove financial barriers to essential breast cancer screenings and treatment.
American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) – Breast Cancer Assistance Program
The ABCF provides financial assistance specifically for breast cancer screenings and diagnostic tests. If you’re uninsured or underinsured and need a mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy, this program can help cover the costs. Early detection is crucial, and this program ensures that lack of insurance doesn’t stand in the way of potentially life-saving screenings.
DONNA CareLine
DONNA CareLine offers both financial assistance and case management services to breast cancer patients. Their team provides personalized support to help navigate the complex healthcare system while also offering grants to help with treatment-related expenses. It’s a comprehensive approach that addresses both the practical and financial challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Comprehensive Support for Treatment-Related Expenses
Breast cancer treatment comes with numerous costs beyond just medical bills. These programs recognize the full scope of financial needs that patients face during their cancer journey.
Bikers Against Breast Cancer (BABC)
Bikers Against Breast Cancer takes a holistic approach to patient support. They provide assistance with food through pantries, food cards, and baskets, while also offering information, referral services, counseling, and case management. Their financial grants help with the various stresses—financial, physical, and emotional—that come with cancer treatment. This multi-faceted support system helps patients address multiple needs through one program.
CancerCare – Financial Assistance Program
Treatment often requires travel, affects your ability to work, and can create childcare challenges. CancerCare’s Financial Assistance Program helps cover these often-overlooked expenses. They provide support for travel costs and gas cards to get to appointments, childcare expenses when you need to attend treatment, and home health care or companionship services. These practical supports help maintain stability in your daily life while undergoing treatment.
UBCF Individual Grant Program
The United Breast Cancer Foundation’s Individual Grant Program offers one of the most comprehensive assistance packages available. They provide financial help for medical expenses, travel costs, living and household expenses, medication costs, insurance coverage, medical foods, nutritional supplements, and general financial assistance. This broad range of support recognizes that cancer affects every aspect of your finances, not just medical bills.
Provision Project
The Provision Project provides financial assistance and grants to individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, with a focus on helping cover medical expenses. Their streamlined application process is designed to get help to patients quickly when they need it most. The program aims to reduce the financial stress that can interfere with recovery and healing.
Tigerlily Foundation
Young women under 45 face unique challenges when diagnosed with breast cancer. The Tigerlily Foundation specifically serves this population with peer support, hope bags filled with comfort items, advocacy services, meal delivery, financial grants, and care packages with gift cards. Their age-focused approach acknowledges the different life circumstances younger women face, from career impacts to family responsibilities.
Support for the Physical Effects of Treatment
Cancer treatment can cause visible physical changes that affect self-esteem and comfort. These programs help patients maintain their sense of self during and after treatment.
HairToStay Subsidy Program
Hair loss during chemotherapy can be emotionally devastating for many patients. The HairToStay Subsidy Program helps individuals afford scalp cooling treatments, which can significantly reduce or prevent hair loss during chemotherapy. This subsidy makes this innovative treatment accessible to those who couldn’t otherwise afford it. The program is free to apply to, and the manufacturer doesn’t charge for products received through the program.
Impact One
After mastectomy surgery, many women need specialized garments, prosthetics, and other items to feel comfortable and confident. Impact One provides mastectomy bras, breast forms, wigs, and post-surgical clothing to women with breast cancer. These items are essential for physical comfort and emotional well-being but are often expensive and not fully covered by insurance.
Emotional Support and Encouragement
The emotional toll of breast cancer can be just as challenging as the physical effects. These programs focus on lifting spirits and providing comfort during treatment.
Lump to Laughter – Hope Packages
Sometimes, a small gesture can make a big difference. Lump to Laughter delivers customized hope packages to women currently undergoing breast or ovarian cancer treatment. Each package is filled with gifts designed to soothe, empower, and help manage stress. These thoughtful packages remind patients they’re not alone and provide tangible comfort during some of the most challenging days of treatment.
You’re Not Alone in This Journey
These 10 programs join the resources we shared last year to create a comprehensive network of support for breast cancer patients and their families. From the earliest screening to post-treatment recovery, from medical bills to emotional support, help is available.
Remember, NeedyMeds offers even more national and state-specific assistance programs beyond what we’ve highlighted here. For a complete list of resources, visit our Diagnosis-Based Assistance section and explore our Breast Cancer Diagnosis Information Page. You’ll find additional help for medications, treatments, and countless other needs.
No one should have to choose between their health and their financial security. These programs are here to ensure you can access the care and support you need.
