When a woman hears the words “You have cancer,” her life changes instantly. No matter how brave, strong, or prepared she may be, the path ahead often feels isolating and overwhelming. The physical and emotional toll of treatment, the fear of the unknown, and the disruption of daily life can leave even the most independent women craving support or simply companionship.
Across the world, breast cancer patients are finding connection in unexpected places — through online spaces, support groups, and virtual communities where vulnerability is met with empathy, and lived experience is a bridge to healing. These are not just forums for information, they’re lifelines: Places where women can say, “This is what I’m going through,” and hear, “Me too.”
When you’re navigating a cancer diagnosis, hearing from someone who’s walked a similar path can be more comforting than even the most well-intentioned support from loved ones. Shared struggles offer something rare: understanding without explanation. So whether your preferred medium is in person or in an anonymous chatroom, we’ve gathered the best resources for any woman fighting breast cancer to get advice, build camaraderie, and understand she’s not alone in this fight.
Digital Meetups
Breast Cancer Virtual Support Groups
Whether you’re not feeling up to an in-person meetup or there isn’t one that fits your schedule, Breastcancer.org offers virtual meetups for every diagnosis. They have groups for all types of breast cancer and even one for caregivers, and they meet multiple times a week. So no matter what you’re dealing with, you can find the right support system for you.
This free platform has weekly Zoom groups for women with breast, ovarian, and metastatic cancers, and offers groups in Spanish. They provide a range of sessions that aren’t just limited to the traditional support group format: Check out their Moving Through Cancer fitness classes, or their writing workshops for patients and caregivers. Many women say these meetings have become sacred parts of their week — a time to cry, laugh, and just be with people who meet them where they are.
CancerCare Breast Cancer Patient Support Group
If you’re looking for something with a bit more consistency, CancerCare offers a free, 15-week online support group for people diagnosed with breast cancer who are currently receiving treatment. What differentiates it from other groups is that it’s not done via video conference: It’s a private message board moderated by an oncology social worker that’s just for a set group of patients. This is a great option for women seeking 24/7 support from individuals with whom they can form personal relationships. One participant described the group this way: “Having other survivors to talk to, who understand what you are going through, is very helpful. You can’t always talk to your partner or friends, since they are not the patient — their experience of your cancer is different. Putting your anxieties on them is not always ‘fair’ — but someone else who has been through the same thing ‘gets it.’”
As its name implies, Stupid Cancer is a group for young patients and survivors who don’t want to let cancer ruin their sense of humor. They offer monthly digital meetups that are less “support group” and more “vent session,” where young adults can build lasting relationships with other people who get it. With a slogan like “we make young adult cancer suck less,” you know this is a place to meet some like-minded friends who aren’t going to treat you like you’re made of glass.
Online Forums
If you only know Reddit for its meme-filled threads, you might be surprised to hear it also hosts intimate, supportive communities for cancer patients and survivors. What sets Reddit apart from other platforms is its anonymity: You post under a screen name without revealing your identity, which makes it easier to open up about sensitive or emotional experiences. While there are hundreds of breast cancer-specific Reddit threads, the most well-trafficked is r/BreastCancer, a space where women from all over the world share their stories, treatment updates, and moments of fear or celebration. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into remission, you’ll find thoughtful chains, honest conversations, and a sense of solidarity. Because there are so many people in the group, you can hop on at any time of day or night and find a sympathetic ear to listen to whatever you’re dealing with.
As with many online forums, you can find a Facebook breast cancer support group that is as specific or as general as you want. Try starting with Breast Cancer Support, which describes itself as “a community of understanding ladies who have been affected by breast cancer.” This is where a woman undergoing chemotherapy might find a post about cold caps from someone who’s already tried it, or a survivor facing anxiety about reconstruction surgery might connect with another who’s come out the other side. The organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer also has three Facebook support groups tailored to your specific needs: One for people at high risk, another for young women, and a third for all ages and stages. Many of the most helpful breast cancer support groups on Facebook are private, meaning they require some proof of your diagnosis before allowing you entry, so you know there aren’t just random lurkers on there reading your most intimate thoughts.
In-Person Support
Local Hospitals
The best place to find convenient, in-person support is at the hospital where you’re being treated. Most major institutions offer support groups and meetups for all types of cancer, as well as for caregivers and family members of patients.
What makes Metavivor’s support groups unique is that they’re peer-to-peer, meaning they’re led by patients, and are designed specifically for people living with metastatic breast cancer. While they do have group options over Zoom, the majority of their meetings are in-person and held in accessible locations within the community, such as coffee shops or restaurants, rather than in medical settings. They’re available in many U.S. cities, from Portland, OR, to Saint Albans, WV, to Coventry, RI. Their handy “find a support group” map makes it easy to choose a location convenient for you.
Whether you’re not satisfied with what your hospital offers or you’re looking for something a little bit different, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Helpline always has someone on the other end to lend a hand. They can assist you in finding support groups in your area, as well as answer questions about treatment options, clinical trials, access to free screenings, and financial assistance for breast cancer treatment.
Whether you’d prefer to speak with other survivors or take the time to create a thoughtful post, getting peer support for breast cancer no longer requires a trip to the hospital or knowing someone in your immediate circle. That’s the beauty of the digital age — community is now only a click away.
