Local Resources
Cancer Centers Providing Genetic Services in the Greater Phoenix Area (PDF)
BRCATeers – Call Cary or Joyce at 480-232-1231, option 6, for more info. – founded in 2005 by a group of genetic counselors from the greater Phoenix area committed to providing a forum for individuals who test positive for a mutation in the BRCA genes. This group meets approximately five times a year to discuss issues related to carrying a BRCA mutation. Individuals who attend this group have already tested positive for a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation or have a family member who has tested positive. Meeting times and locations for the BRCATeers are listed in the Wellness Community's calendar of events (http://www.twccaz.org/events/events.aspx).
FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) – www.facingourrisk.org – national nonprofit dedicated to fighting hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The local outreach group connects members for support, education, advocacy, research and fundraising specific to hereditary cancers. FORCE programs serve anyone with a BRCA mutation or a family history of cancer. Local meetings are held quarterly. Sign up at www.facingourrisk.org/phoenix. Local outreach coordinators can be reached at rachelh@facingourrisk.org or lisae@facingourrisk.org.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Phoenix Affiliate – www.komenphoenix.org – engaged in year-round activities including advocacy, community outreach, providing support to survivors and their families, and granting funds to community organizations for education, screening and treatment of uninsured and under-insured individuals. The Komen Phoenix Service area includes the 9 counties of Maricopa, Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal and Yavapai.
The Wellness Community –Arizona (TWC-AZ) – www.twccaz.org – provides the “other half” of cancer care complimenting medical treatment with ongoing programs that are evidence based, improving chance of survival and decreasing risk for recurrence. TWC-AZ provides more than 130 monthly programs of cancer support and education free of charge to persons with cancer, cancer survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones. Services include family, teen, caregiver, and cancer-specific support groups; nutrition and exercise classes; stress-management activities; educational seminars; expressive arts and music programs; and social interventions.
Organizations Addressing Cancer Genetics
Sharsheret – www.sharsheret.org – Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain”, is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. Sharsheret provides national expertise and culturally-sensitive resource materials (downloadable on their web site or through our office). The Jewish Genetic Diseases Center participates in the Sharsheret Supports program and facilitates group participation in teleconferences and educational webinars.
Sharsheret’s Peer Support Network connects women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer one-on-one with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences. An individual can also share her own experience by becoming a Sharsheret “Link”, a peer supporter, and enjoy the rewarding experience of supporting other women across the country. Confidential “Links” connect by phone and email and offer invaluable friendship and support.
Bright Pink – www.bebrightpink.org - provides education and support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Bright Pink arms young women with knowledge, options and a great attitude, and offers companionship and empathy during their journey.
Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders – www.jewishgenetics.org – provides education and programming to the Jewish, professional and general communities. Their mission is to empower community members to seek out information and prevention strategies for Jewish genetic disorders and hereditary cancers. A close organizational partner, they have a robust web site, and we encourage you to explore their sections on diseases, resources and links, ethics, and advocacy.
Hadassah – www.hadassah.org/checkitout - Check It Out® for Adults is a breast cancer awareness program that links women and men to current breast cancer research and treatment in the United States and at Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel. Hadassah’s patient/doctor communication guide is available for download here.
National Society of Genetic Counselors – www.nsgc.org – provides resources and tools for learning more about genetic counseling and genetic health, understanding family history and finding a genetic counselor.
NCI Cancer Genetics Services Directory – www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/genetics/directory - The National Cancer Institute directory
lists professionals who provide services related to cancer genetics (cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, genetic susceptibility testing, and others).
Breast Cancer Organizations
Breastcancer.org
www.breastcancer.org
Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
www.dslrf.org/index.asp
John W. Nick Foundation
www.malebreastcancer.org
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
www.lbbc.org
National Breast Cancer Coalition
www.natlbcc.org
National Breast Cancer Foundation
www.nationalbreastcancer.org
SHARE (Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer)
www.sharecancersupport.org
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
www.komen.org
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
www.y-me.org
Young Survival Coalition
www.youngsurvival.org
Ovarian Cancer Organizations
Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry
www.ovariancancer.com
Gynecological Cancer Foundation
www.thegcf.org
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
www.ovarian.org
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
www.ovariancancer.org
Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
www.ocrf.org
