It Takes A Village: How Patient Perspectives and Advocacy are Empowering the Breast Cancer Community
October 24, 2024 Posted by: Eli Lilly and Company

A breast cancer diagnosis impacts every aspect of a woman's life.
For many women, leaning on a dedicated support system of friends and family helps balance the demands of the disease and treatment plan. Additionally, advocacy groups can play a critical role throughout one's cancer journey.
Research has shown that support and human connection play a significant role in a patient’s healing and mental health. A recent study found that participating in support groups can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety for patients and their caregivers.1
For decades, we have partnered with leading breast cancer advocacy organizations to deepen our understanding of the patient mindset and empower patients as they navigate diagnosis and treatment. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re showcasing the work of two advocacy groups and their important efforts across the full spectrum of the disease, from early (EBC) to metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
Enriching Patient Wellbeing with Unite For HER
When Sue Weldon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, she relentlessly searched for information on therapies that could be integrated with her medical treatments, such as nutrition, acupuncture, massage, yoga and counseling. The lack of reliable information led her to create Unite for HER, an organization that helps breast and ovarian cancer patients focus on their emotional, spiritual and physical needs.
As a breast cancer survivor, Weldon leads with a unique perspective that demonstrates her deep understanding of how patients feel and what they need. “You’re a shell of yourself, trying to get your emotional and physical well-being back. That’s where Unite for HER comes in, giving people the tools they need to regain control and confidence one step at a time,” says Weldon.
Unite for HER’s wellness program provides care packages that are designed to help safely manage side effects and symptoms that come with treatment, including organic bath and beauty products, a cancer-friendly cookbook and healing tea. A wellness passport offers integrative therapies and services, with all bills covered by Unite for HER.
Patients continue to express their heartfelt gratitude for Unite for HER’s thoughtful approach to wellbeing: “It truly 'took a village' to provide me with the proper physical and mental health support I needed to navigate my breast cancer diagnosis, treatments and its impact on my everyday life. Unite for HER is an integral part of my trusted circle and has enabled powerful connections to so many women with shared experiences – the ups, the downs and everything in between. I have tremendous gratitude for them and all of the people they've brought into my life,” says Lisa Perry, a Unite for HER member.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer: MBC Patient Experience Initiative
For patients living with metastatic breast cancer, time is a precious resource because MBC remains an incurable disease. However, with effective treatments available, patients may live for many years and can delay progression of their disease.
To better understand the MBC patient experience, we recently partnered with Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC). "As treatment options evolve, we must maintain a deep understanding of the holistic patient experience. Since people living with MBC already have the weight of their diagnosis to bear, this study has been critical to understanding the impact of the disease on mental and physical health, and how we can better support the MBC community," said Jean Sachs, CEO of LBBC.
The report, “Making Every Moment Count,” found that on average, medical appointments take more than two hours per visit, including travel, wait times and treatment. Often, recovering from treatments can take even more time away from daily activities that bring normalcy and joy to the lives of patients.
Overall, the report’s findings emphasize the need for a holistic approach to physical and mental health for people living with breast cancer.
“It Takes a Village”
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every day—we echo Lisa’s words above that “it takes a village” to support people living with breast cancer. Our commitment to strengthening this community of patients, caregivers and providers is steadfast, and we continue to be inspired by the work of organizations like Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Unite for HER, that are exemplary proof of this vast and powerful village.
1 The Effectiveness of Psychoeducational Support Groups for Women With Breast Cancer and Their Caregivers: A Mixed Methods Study, Frontier in Psychology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6387958/