Financial Support
While we acknowledge that every person who is diagnosed with breast cancer experiences a financial impact, our mandate is to provide financial assistance for patients who do not have the financial resources to cover the costs of basic necessities such as food and shelter, as well as medical and additional expenses related to their treatment.
The Program
Financial Support
The Breast Cancer Support Fund helps patients who don't have the financial resources to cover basic necessities like food and shelter, along with the medical and additional expenses related to their treatment. We prioritize applications by income level, and most of the patients we assist are living at or below the poverty line.
Who can apply
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You've been diagnosed with breast cancer and are either in active treatment or within two months of completing treatment.
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You can apply for financial assistance up to $2,000 (subject to availability of funds).
What counts as active treatment
Active treatment means surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. We don't reimburse the cost of tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, and we don't reimburse expenses for patients on longer-term treatments such as Herceptin or bisphosphonates. The one exception is patients who have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
How to apply
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Complete the application in full.
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Gather the supporting documents listed below.
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Have the application signed by your social worker, primary care nurse, or oncologist.
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Mail the completed application and documents to:
Breast Cancer Support Fund, 39 Old Mill Road, Suite 1002, Toronto, ON M8X 1G6
Documents to include
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Copy of your current income tax assessment and most recent completed income tax return
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Current notice of assessment for your spouse or partner
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All sources of income disclosed (including insurance or EI benefits, CPP, disability income, rental income, alimony, and any others)
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Original receipts for any items you're seeking reimbursement for
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Copies of supporting documents, if you're applying for help with rent or mortgage payments
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A copy of your Record of Employment (ROE), if you became unemployed due to your diagnosis
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A medical report supporting your diagnosis and/or treatment plan
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Proof of Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status
Questions? Contact us at info@breastcancersupportfund.ca
The Cost of Breast Cancer
Financial Burden
A breast cancer diagnosis brings more than a medical challenge, it brings a financial one. Many patients face mounting costs for treatment, transportation, medications, and everyday essentials like food and shelter, often at the exact moment their income drops due to reduced work hours or job loss. For patients already living at or below the poverty line, this financial strain can become overwhelming.
The Length of Treatment
Breast cancer treatment, whether surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, often spans many months. Unlike a short-term illness, the financial pressure doesn't let up after a few weeks. It builds steadily over the course of treatment, making it difficult for low-income patients to keep up with rent, bills, and basic needs while focusing on their health.
Out of Pocket Expenses
Even with provincial healthcare coverage, many treatment-related costs fall directly on patients. Transportation to appointments, prescription medications, childcare, and supportive items aren't fully covered, and these expenses add up quickly. For patients already struggling financially, these out-of-pocket costs can mean choosing between treatment and basic necessities.
The Reality of Assistance
The Breast Cancer Support Fund provides direct financial assistance, up to $2,000, to patients in active treatment who are living at or below the poverty line. Every application is reviewed individually, prioritized by need, and supported by documentation to ensure help reaches those who need it most.