How to find and use support services

First, it is important to remember that you do not need to do everything all at once. Taking small steps can be more than enough. Here are some simple ways to start exploring support options¹:

• Ask your care team: You can ask your oncologist, surgeon, breast nurse, or psychologist if there are support groups, peer programs, or local breast cancer associations they recommend. Many hospitals have information desks, nurse navigators, or social workers whose role is to help patients find and access local resources.
• Use trusted national organizations: Visit the website of your country’s main cancer society or breast cancer foundation. For example, in Switzerland you can visit the site of the Swiss Cancer League. Most offer a “find local support” section where you can search by region or postcode. Many also run telephone helplines where a trained counsellor can guide you towards support groups and associations in your area.
• Ask within your community: Pharmacies, community centres, town halls, religious or cultural centres, and local patient groups often know about cancer-related services nearby and can direct you to them.
• Consider online support: If travel is difficult or you live far from cancer centres, online support groups, forums, and video sessions can offer similar benefits: feeling understood, less isolated, and more empowered. If you are unsure which online communities are safe or reliable, ask your care team or a well-known cancer organization for recommendations for moderated groups.^1,2

Once you have identified some options, you can start gently by attending one meeting or making one phone call. You always remain free to stop, switch, or try something new. Support should feel helpful, never stressful, and you deserve to find the approach that works best for you.

Sources

1. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Support Groups. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/adjusting-to-cancer/support-groups (2024).
2. Ruiz-Romeo, M. et al. Empowerment among breast cancer survivors using an online peer support community. Support. Care Cancer 33, 56 (2025).