Breast Cancer Resource Guide

Introduction

• This guide is a comprehensive resource for patients, survivors, caregivers, and practitioners in the St. Louis Metro and Metro-East areas.
• It is part of the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD) and aims to provide education, screening, and support for breast cancer.

Breast Cancer: The Basics

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, with a 1 in 8 chance of developing.
• Symptoms include lumps, swelling, skin irritation, nipple discharge, and pain.
• Risk factors include family history, genetic mutations, and radiation therapy.
• Screening recommendations vary by age and risk level.

Breast Cancer Treatment

• Treatments include chemotherapy, surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy), and targeted therapy drugs.
• Surgery may include breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy, with options for reconstruction.

Community Health Centers

• Community Health Centers offer services including mammograms, ultrasounds, and primary care.
• Examples include Affinia Healthcare, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, and Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation.

Breast Screening Locations

• Locations include Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, CareSTL Health, and Siteman Cancer Centers.
• Services include free mammograms, 3D mammography, and diagnostic services.

Peer Support Groups

• Support groups include American Cancer Society, Breakfast Club Inc., and Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis.
• Services include emotional support, education, and resources for patients and families.

Show Me Healthy Women

• Show Me Healthy Women offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for eligible Missouri women.
• Participating hospitals include Affinia Healthcare, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers.

Financial Assistance

• Organizations like CancerCare, Gateway to Hope, and The Catherine H. Tuck Foundation provide financial assistance for cancer patients.
• Assistance includes help with insurance premiums, living expenses, and medical-related costs.

Medication Assistance

• Programs like The Pink Fund, Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, and Sisters Network® Inc. provide medication assistance.
• Services include co-payment assistance and access to free or low-cost prescription medicines.

Transportation Assistance

• Programs like Road to Recovery, Express Medical Transporters, Inc., and Medical Transportation Management, Inc. provide transportation assistance.
• Services include free rides to medical appointments and access to transportation services for eligible patients.

Nutrition & Food Assistance

• Organizations like Food Outreach, Community Action Agency of St. Louis County, and St. Louis Area Foodbank provide nutrition and food assistance.
• Services include meal delivery, food pantry access, and nutritional counseling.

Other Resources

• Additional resources include wig and prosthetic services, support groups, and advocacy groups.
• Examples include Ann’s Bra Shop, Hope Lodge, and St. Louis Breast Cancer Coalition (SLBCC).

Know Your Family History

• Understanding family health history is important for making informed decisions about breast cancer screening.

Questions To Ask at Your Appointment

• It is important to prepare a list of questions and concerns to discuss with healthcare providers.

How to Talk to a Loved One about Screening

• Encouragement and support can help loved ones overcome barriers to breast cancer screening.

8 Ways to Stay Healthy After Cancer

• Tips include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.
• Other tips include drinking alcohol in moderation, staying connected with friends and family, and getting regular check-ups.

Index

• A comprehensive index of organizations and resources mentioned in the guide.

Siteman Cancer Center Locations

• Information on Siteman Cancer Center locations in St. Louis, St. Peters, and West County.