The Breast Cancer Network of Strength, formerly Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization was founded over a kitchen table in 1978 by the late Ann Marcou and Mimi Kaplan, two breast cancer patients who sought to provide support for fellow breast cancer patients and their loved ones. From these humble beginnings, Network of Strength has transformed into a national organization that has helped revolutionize the way breast cancer patients access information and make decisions about their healthcare. Today, Network of Strength is a premier resource for breast cancer information and services, all provided completely free of charge. Did You Know?

• At the center of our mission is YourShoes 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center, which includes the country's only 24/7 toll-free hotline staffed exclusively by trained peer counselors who are breast cancer survivors.
• YourShoes peer counselors do not give medical advice, but they do provide immediate emotional relief by giving breast cancer information and support.
• Interpreters are available 24/7 in more than 150 languages when you call YourShoes.
• For support via e-mail, send us your questions and concerns at www.networkofstrength.org/yourshoes.
• To learn about all our programs and services, please visit www.networkofstrength.org.
• Making a difference: Nearly 80% of every dollar raised directly benefits the free programs and services provided by Network of Strength
• There are 2.4 million women living in the U.S. who have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. There are another 1 million women living with breast cancer who have not yet been diagnosed.
• Every woman is at risk for breast cancer, and that risk increases with age. Ninety-five percent of breast cancer diagnoses occur in women age 40 and older.
• Seventy percent of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of the disease.
• More than 80 percent of breast lumps are benign (not cancerous).