The negative financial impacts after a breast cancer diagnosis can be strenuous, especially for those already in a precarious financial situation prior to being diagnosed. Already having to deal with the overwhelming feeling of being diagnosed with breast cancer, patients should be able to focus on their health and not have the added stress of dealing with their financial situation. That is why we created FinancialNavigator, an online database of various financial assistance programs across Canada.
Depending on your situation, your financial needs can come in different forms, from needing money to pay for rent, to needing help with paying for treatments, to requiring help with parking costs when you go for cancer treatments. To highlight the various types of programs listed in FinancialNavigator, we have put together this blogpost series, FinNav 5. All the highlighted programs below are available to individuals in all provinces and territories, unless otherwise noted. This list is not an exhaustive list all of programs in these categories but is meant to highlight the types of financial help that can be found in our FinancialNavigator database. Visit FinancialNavigator for all available financial assistance programs.
In this post, we highlight five programs that provide prostheses, wigs, and other care support items and packages.
After Breast Cancer’s Care Kit and Thrive Program
What you get:
- The ABC Care Kit includes, at no cost
- 2 temporary breast prostheses,
- 2 drainage pockets,
- 1 front closure mastectomy camisole,
- 1 front closure mastectomy bra,
- 1 mastectomy bra and breast prosthesis fitting guide,
- 1 seatbelt pillow,
- 1 handmade knitted blanket,
- 1 handmade knitted cap,
- 1 message of encouragement from After Breast Cancer’s ambassadors who have completed breast cancer treatment, and much more.
- The Thrive Program provides, at no cost
- Up to 3 mastectomy bras every year.
- One breast prothesis every two years for those who had a single mastectomy,
- or two breast prostheses every two years for those who had a double mastectomy.
Eligibility requirements:
- Women who have gotten through cancer treatments, who require financial assistance.
Learn more about the After Breast Cancer’s Care Kit and Thrive Program.
Awesome Breastforms
What you get:
- Free knitted or crocheted prosthetic breast forms for everyday use, and
- swimforms for use while swimming.
Eligibility requirements:
- Women who have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Good Wishes
What you get:
- A free wrap or scarf in a fabric of your choosing, just pay shipping costs.
Eligibility requirements:
- For anyone experiencing the thinning or loss of hair as a result of illness or treatment.
Knitted Knockers
What you get:
- Free knitted breast prostheses.
Eligibility requirements:
- For women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast.
Canadian Cancer Society - Wig and Breast Prosthesis Program
What you get:
- Free wig, and
- free breast accessory.*
Eligibility requirements:
- For people who cannot afford the cost of a wig or breast accessory.
*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, free breast prostheses are on hold, but puffs and bras are still being provided.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Receive updates by email 
