During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many people focus on prevention and research, but the financial impact of a breast cancer diagnosis can be just as devastating. The cost of chemotherapy, surgeries, and medications can add up fast, leaving patients and their families struggling to make ends meet. Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses can become overwhelming. The good news? We list resources on our website designed specifically to help with these costs, so you can focus on your health instead of worrying about how to afford care.
We’ve rounded up 10 resources that provide a wide range of financial support—from covering medication and treatment costs to helping with daily living expenses. Whether you’re a patient looking for options or someone wanting to support a loved one, these programs can make a meaningful difference.
Financial Assistance for Breast Cancer Treatment and Medication Costs
The costs of breast cancer treatment can add up quickly. Between chemotherapy, surgery, medications, and doctor visits, many patients face significant financial barriers. Here are three programs that can help cover co-pays, treatment expenses, and other out-of-pocket costs:
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief Program (Breast Cancer)
This program is dedicated to helping breast cancer patients who have insurance but still struggle with high out-of-pocket costs. It covers co-pays, deductibles, and other expenses associated with treatment. Patients need to provide a valid breast cancer diagnosis and meet specific income requirements. The goal is to reduce the financial stress of accessing necessary care so that patients can focus on their health.
Komen Treatment Assistance Fund
The Komen Treatment Assistance Fund provides financial aid for daily living costs such as medications, transportation, and home care. This program is tailored to meet the diverse needs patients by also offering assistance for childcare and lymphedema care. It’s a comprehensive support option for low-income patients facing multiple financial barriers during treatment.
Pink Fund – Real Help Now Fund
The Pink Fund provides financial assistance for non-medical living expenses like rent, mortgage, car payments, and utilities. The fund is aimed at reducing the burden of daily expenses so that patients can focus on recovery. To qualify, patients must be in active treatment and facing financial difficulties. This program is perfect for those struggling to maintain their household bills while unable to work due to their treatment.
Support for Post-Surgery and Prosthetics for Breast Cancer Survivors
For many breast cancer survivors, the journey doesn’t end with the initial treatment. Recovery—both physical and emotional—can take much longer, especially for those who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Reconstructive surgeries, prosthetics, and post-surgical garments are important for restoring confidence and comfort. But these options often come with a high price tag. The following programs help ease those costs, giving survivors the support they need to feel like themselves again.
My Hope Chest
My Hope Chest provides financial assistance for uninsured and underinsured breast cancer survivors seeking breast reconstruction surgery. They cover multiple stages of reconstruction, including initial surgery, follow-ups, and aesthetic balancing. This program makes these procedures accessible when other insurance options are limited.
Awesome Breastforms
Awesome Breastforms provides free handmade, knitted breast prosthetics to women who have had a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or explant surgery. Each piece is custom-made to match the patient’s specifications and is available in a variety of colors and sizes. These prosthetics are soft and comfortable. They provide a natural look without the high cost of silicone options.
Resources for Emotional and Practical Support
Breast cancer impacts more than just the body—it can take a toll on mental health and daily life. Practical support for household tasks or emotional healing can make a huge difference during this challenging time. Here are three programs offering much-needed emotional and practical support:
Little Pink Houses of Hope
Little Pink Houses of Hope provides week-long vacation retreats for breast cancer patients and their families. The retreats are held in beautiful locations across the U.S. and offer families a chance to reconnect and relax. Each retreat is completely free of charge, and includes accommodations, meals, and activities. It’s a unique opportunity for families to bond and focus on emotional healing in a fun and supportive setting.
Cleaning for a Reason
Managing household chores can become overwhelming when undergoing treatment. Cleaning for a Reason partners with local cleaning companies to offer free housecleaning services for breast cancer patients. They provide multiple cleaning sessions to help patients and their families maintain a clean and comfortable home during treatment. It’s a small but impactful way to reduce stress and maintain a healthy living environment.
Send Me On Vacation
Send Me On Vacation helps breast cancer survivors start their emotional recovery by offering vacation opportunities. Each vacation is tailored to the emotional needs of survivors. They offer a chance to begin the process of emotional healing in a rejuvenating environment.
Financial Assistance for Screening and Diagnostic Support
Early detection is crucial in breast cancer management, but many patients forgo regular screenings due to high costs. These programs focus on providing affordable or free screenings to ensure more people can access potentially life-saving early detection.
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)
The NBCCEDP provides free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services for underserved women. The program targets low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women who might not otherwise have access to these essential services. By providing mammograms, clinical breast exams, and follow-up care, the NBCCEDP helps ensure financial constraints do not prevent early detection.
Get A Mammy
Get A Mammy is a program that provides funding specifically for mammograms for women and men who need financial assistance. By making these essential screenings accessible, the program helps with early detection and ongoing monitoring for breast cancer patients. The focus is on reducing financial barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to access preventive care.
More Resources Are Just a Click Away
The programs highlighted here are just a few of the many resources available to breast cancer patients and their families. NeedyMeds offers both national and state-specific assistance programs to help ease the burden of treatment costs and provide additional support. For even more options, visit our Diagnosis-Based Assistance section on our website. And don’t forget to explore our Breast Cancer Diagnosis Information Page! You’ll find a complete list of resources, including help for medications, treatments, and other needs.
