HOME > NEWLY DIAGNOSED > BUILDING YOUR NETWORK OF SUPPORT
It is natural to feel isolated when diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. However, we promise that you are not alone. We are here to help you build your network of support through our team of experts.

Social Work

At Dana-Farber, patients can meet one-on-one with our Breast Oncology social workers to discuss any new concerns and anxieties following a cancer diagnosis.
Your social worker will help you to cope with:  
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Distress in response to diagnosis and treatment
  • Concerns about safety in personal relationships
  • Concerns about drug and alcohol use
  • Impact of cancer on your family and caregivers
  • Discussing your illness and treatment with your children
  • Coping with advanced cancer and facing uncertainty
  • Impact of cancer on work, school, and finances
  • Conflict between patient and family
  • Finding supportive resources in your local community ​
For more information, including downloadable tip sheets for patients, families, and caregivers, visit Dana-Farber's Adult Social Work Program page.  
If you are interested in connecting with a social worker, please contact [email protected] or call this department directly at 617-632-3301. ​

Resource Specialists

As a Dana-Farber patient, you have the opportunity to work with a resource specialist to coordinate solutions to financial and logistical challenges that cancer patients and their families face.
Resource specialists can help with:
  • Local transportation to and from medical appointments that fit your budget
  • Short-term housing accommodations
  • Parking
  • Filling out applications for financial assistance programs for childcare, housekeeping, and groceries
  • Acquiring paperwork necessary for financial assistance applications
  • Food pantry information
  • Fuel assistance programs​​
If you are interested in connecting with a resource specialist, please contact [email protected] or call this department directly at 617-632-3301. ​

Peer Supports and Other Support Offerings
  • Check out our Finding Community pages to learn about specific opportunities that are available for you to connect with other young adults with breast cancer.​
  • Attending Young and Strong events are also a great way to build relationships and engage with the community. View our Upcoming Events to see what social and educational programs are currently scheduled. 
​​To learn about other support offerings at Dana-Farber, be sure to look at our Clinical Sites and Services page.

​Resources are organized based on which Dana-Farber site (Chestnut Hill, Longwood, Londonderry, Merrimack Valley, Milford, South Shore, St. Elizabeth’s) you are affiliated with.