Our goal is to support people touched by breast and ovarian cancer by providing comprehensive, personalized services in an atmosphere of warmth and compassion. Guiding Principles: • We place the needs of our clients first • We empower clients by providing education that helps them make informed decisions • We provide personalized services directly and through partnerships across the continuum of care • We value the experience, knowledge and involvement of volunteers, breast cancer survivors, their families and caregivers • We are committed to providing our services free of charge

Bay Area Cancer Connections (BACC) is the region's largest nonprofit educator and support network serving those affected by breast and ovarian cancer. We offer a wide range of free, personalized services designed to inform and empower individuals, including emotional support, cancer education, therapies, and more. In addition, BACC provides low-income, uninsured women and men with access to critical screening and diagnostic services for breast health issues.

Since 1993 BCC has been providing free programs and services to those touched by breast cancer. A sample of the programs and services we offer includes: Special presentations that address specific cancer topics/issues/advances. A boutique offering free wigs, hats, breast prostheses, bras, swimsuits, and more- with complimentary fittings. Online and in-center research resources. An annual, educational conference featuring innovators and leaders in breast and ovarian cancer care and research. Personalized assistance understanding a diagnosis by our on staff PhD and a medical resource library. The BCC helpline – staffed primarily by volunteers, 90% of whom are survivors, this service provides medical information, emotional support and referrals to other services and resources in the client’s community. Peer support through the Buddy program which pairs clients with someone who has gone through a similar cancer experience. More than 12 types of support groups and individual counseling with a licensed therapist specializing in cancer-related therapies. Personalized assistance with on-the-job issues related to breast cancer, including insurance concerns and employment benefits. Survivorship programs that offer resources, opportunities and ongoing workshops for breast cancer survivors and their support networks. Special weekly programs and events that include nutritional programs, exercise classes, alternative therapies and general support for individuals at each stage treatment and survivorship.

In 2017 we served 1,354 individuals which included: *739 uninsured clients received early detection services *215 clients received personalized research to help them understand their diagnosis *1, 089 clients attended support groups *1,189 Helpline discussions *151 clients received free wigs and services from our boutique *128 comfort totes were provided to newly-diagnosed clients *486 clients were served through our Gabriella Patser Program -Early Detection Program for the Underserved

BCC remains unique in its ability to tailor its services to each client, offering a combination of high-quality medical information, practical help and emotional support in a non-institutional setting. BCC complements the medical care that patients receive from their physicians and provides a safety net for low income, uninsured young women and men at risk. BCC’s programs aim to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone and that each person is connected with the resources that best serve his or her needs. BCC recognizes that every person touched by breast cancer experiences the illness differently and therefore continually adapts its programs and services to serve a range of needs, be they emotional, informational, or access to care.