Welcome to Breast Cancer Help, Inc.

Located in Bay Shore, Long Island

Welcome to the official website of Breast Cancer Help, Inc., a not-for-profit grassroots organization committed to being a resource for information, advocacy, and support in the fight against cancer on Long Island, New York. While a cure for cancer continues to elude us, much has been accomplished to increase awareness and improve the quality of healthcare that Long Island cancer patients receive. Since our inception in 1994, we have been able to achieve this by gaining support from local elected officials and raising money through fundraising efforts. Please read more about organization’s history here.

Today, Breast Cancer Help, Inc. remains a presence in the community through the Long Island Cancer Help & Wellness Center. We offer on-going support programs for cancer survivors of all types of cancers for their optimal well-being. In April 2013, the Center entered a new partnership with Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center to maintain and enhance the support services offered. Since its inception, Breast Cancer Help, Inc. has taken a multi-pronged approach to combating Long Island breast cancer. The organization has worked to mobilize citizens into breast cancer coalitions leading to breast cancer mapping projects; worked to bring cancer education into our schools; served as advocates to change state and local laws to preserve our environment; and worked to strengthen the rights of breast cancer patients. Breast Cancer Help has also worked to ensure that Long Islanders have access to the best possible medical diagnosis and care through the purchase of radiosurgery equipment and lease of a digital mammography unit at Stony Brook University Hospital.

In March of 2003, Breast Cancer Help opened its Long Island Cancer Help and Wellness Center. The Center represented a partnership between Breast Cancer Help, Inc. and the Village of Lindenhurst, a municipal government with a long history of support of grassroots efforts to find the causes and a cure for breast cancer. The goal of the Long Island Cancer Help and Wellness Center is to provide increased cancer awareness to promote early detection, while providing patients and survivors with needed support.

In 1994, a small group of men and women living on Long Island, New York came together to face the widespread national tragedy of breast cancer. They set out to find the correlation between breast cancer and the environment and to change the way the public thinks about this terrible disease. They refused to accept the chronic under-funding of breast cancer research and the silence and indifference surrounding the disease. Breast cancer now claims the lives of 46,000 Americans each year and has become one of the leading killers of women between the ages of 32 and 52.

With vision and perseverance, these community-minded men and women on Long Island formed Breast Cancer Help, Inc., an organization with a focus on action and advocacy to eradicate breast cancer. Its founding President was Lorraine Pace, a nationally known breast cancer survivor. Breast Cancer Help’s founding Co-President was Reverend Thomas Arnao, who is currently a Vice Officialis for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, and had the opportunity to counsel many women faced with the battle against breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Help built a grassroots network of advocates across America and abroad focusing on the goals of:

Increasing research into the cause, treatment, and cure of breast cancer.
Improving access for all women to high-quality breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Encouraging other areas in the United States and throughout the world to conduct mapping surveys to help better understand the relationship between our environment and breast cancer.

Since its inception, Breast Cancer Help has taken a multi-pronged approach to combating breast cancer on Long Island. The organization has worked to mobilize citizens into breast cancer coalitions leading to breast cancer mapping projects; it has worked to bring cancer education into our schools; served as advocates to change state and local laws to preserve our environment; and worked to strengthen the rights of breast cancer patients and survivors..

Latest Posts

Breast Cancer Advocacy: How to Make a Difference

Understand the Importance of Breast Cancer Advocacy Breast cancer advocacy plays a vital role in raising awareness, supporting patients, promoting research, and influencing healthcare policies. It is essential to comprehend the significance of advocating for this cause in order to make a meaningful difference. To begin, it is crucial to understand the prevalence of breast cancer – the most common cancer among women globally. Breast cancer affects millions of individuals and their families, causing immense physical and emotional challenges. By advocating for breast cancer, you can contribute to alleviating these difficulties and improving the well-being of patients and survivors. Advocacy […]

Breast Cancer: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Understand the Importance of Asking Questions For individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, actively participating in their treatment journey by asking questions is crucial. It is important to understand the significance of seeking clarifications, as it can provide a better understanding of the diagnosis, available treatment options, potential side effects, and overall prognosis. By asking questions, patients not only empower themselves but also improve communication and decision-making with their healthcare provider. Asking questions allows patients to gain knowledge and information about their condition. It helps them to educate themselves about breast cancer, its different types and stages, treatment options, potential risks, […]

The Future of Breast Cancer Treatment: Emerging Trends

Increasing Personalized Treatment Options for Breast Cancer Breast cancer treatment is evolving towards personalized medicine, targeting specific genetic mutations and pathways in each individual’s tumor. With advancements in genomic testing, molecular profiling, and biomarker assessments, doctors can now identify the most effective treatment for a patient’s specific form of breast cancer. This approach reduces unnecessary treatment side effects and improves overall survival rates. Personalized treatment options are revolutionizing breast cancer care by tailoring therapies to individual patients. By analyzing the genetic makeup of a tumor, doctors can identify specific mutations and pathways that drive cancer growth. This information allows for […]

The Importance of Genetic Counseling in Breast Cancer

Defining Genetic Counseling and its Role in Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment Genetic counseling is a vital process that involves trained professionals providing individuals and families with crucial information about the risks, likelihood, and consequences of inheriting specific genetic conditions or developing certain diseases. When it comes to breast cancer, genetic counseling plays a significant role in helping individuals understand their genetic predisposition, empowering them with knowledge to make informed decisions about prevention and treatment options. The importance of genetic counseling in breast cancer cannot be overstated. It offers individuals a comprehensive overview of their genetic makeup and the potential […]

Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Understanding Your Personal Risk

Understanding the Importance of Knowing Your Personal Risk for Breast Cancer Knowing your personal risk for breast cancer is crucial for early detection and adopting preventive measures. By understanding your risk factors, you can make informed decisions about your health and reduce your chances of developing breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and having knowledge about your own risk can empower you to take proactive steps towards its prevention. It is important to remember that every individual has a unique risk profile, and understanding yours can help you stay vigilant and prioritize your breast […]

Nutrition Tips for Breast Cancer Patients

Importance of a Balanced Diet for Breast Cancer Patients A balanced diet plays a crucial role in the overall wellbeing of breast cancer patients. It helps to fuel the body with essential nutrients, maintain a healthy weight, and strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, a well-rounded diet can aid in reducing treatment side effects, managing symptoms, and improving overall recovery. Focus on Plant-Based Foods Incorporating a wide variety of plant-based foods into the diet is essential for breast cancer patients. Plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber. Antioxidants help neutralize […]

The Growing Role of Patient Navigators in Breast Cancer Care

Importance of Patient Navigators in Breast Cancer Care Patient navigators play a crucial role in guiding and supporting breast cancer patients throughout their journey, from diagnosis to survivorship. Their presence has become increasingly important in the healthcare system as they help patients navigate the complexities of breast cancer care. One of the key benefits of having a patient navigator is improved access to healthcare resources. They are well-versed in the available services and can help patients easily connect with the appropriate specialists, support groups, and organizations that can aid in their treatment and recovery. Furthermore, patient navigators ensure better coordination […]

Addressing Health Disparities in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Identifying the Root Causes of Health Disparities in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Breast cancer is a prevalent health issue that affects individuals from all walks of life. However, certain groups face disproportionately high rates of diagnosis and poorer treatment outcomes. In order to address these health disparities effectively, it is crucial to identify the underlying root causes that contribute to unequal access and outcomes in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. One significant factor that contributes to health disparities in breast cancer is socioeconomic status. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face barriers in accessing timely and quality healthcare. Limited […]

The Importance of Post-Mastectomy Rehabilitation Exercises

Introduction to Post-Mastectomy Rehabilitation Exercises After undergoing a mastectomy, which involves the surgical removal of one or both breasts, individuals often go through physical and emotional changes. In order to aid in the recovery process, post-mastectomy rehabilitation exercises are crucial. These exercises play a significant role in restoring range of motion, reducing pain and swelling, improving strength and flexibility, and enhancing emotional well-being. Following a mastectomy, individuals may experience limitations in their movements and sensations. The surgery can cause stiffness in the shoulder and arm, as well as overall muscle weakness. Engaging in post-mastectomy rehabilitation exercises helps to alleviate these […]

Breast Cancer Awareness: Effective Ways to Educate Your Community

Define the target audience and community demographics The first step in educating the community about breast cancer awareness is to identify and define the target audience. By understanding the demographics of the community, including age, gender, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic status, educational initiatives and materials can be tailored to effectively reach and resonate with the target audience. Knowing the specific characteristics of the community allows for the creation of targeted educational campaigns to address their unique needs and concerns. For example, if the community has a high percentage of older individuals, educational materials can focus on the importance of regular […]