Facts about breast cancer:  

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women in the United States.
• 1 out of 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
• Every 3 minutes there will be a woman diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Each year it is estimated there are 180,000 women being diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. 

How can I help my family member or friend who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer?

1. Listen to her fears and concerns and avoid comparing her experience, situation, or emotional response to tohers (every woman's experience, situation and response is unique.)
2. Help her gather information.  Go to her doctor appointments - be a listening ear and/or transcriber.  Help her research information and resources so that she can make informed decisions.
3. Offer practical help (grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc)
4. Be the Rock of Gibraltor - reassure her that she is not a burden to help and don't let her push you away, but respect her wishes for privacy/alone time.
5. Treat her as you would want to be treated if you were in a similar situation