Metastatic Breast Cancer Support and Education

We offer patient- and family-centered care, which means that you and your loved ones are the focus of our attention. Your health care team will take the time to listen, understand your needs and preferences, and help give you a better sense of control over your life.

Educational Programs

Throughout the year, patients in the EMBRACE program receive updates on research and care through webinars, monthly emails, in-person events, and an annual newsletter. We encourage you to view our previous recordings and newsletters. If you would like to hear about upcoming events in the EMBRACE Program, please email embrace@dfci.harvard.edu to be added to our monthly emails.

View recordings from the 2025-2026 EMBRACE Program forum series.
View recordings from the 2024-2025 EMBRACE Program forum series.
View recordings from the 2023-2024 EMBRACE Program forum series.

EMBRACE Newsletters

• 2025-2026
• 2024-2025
• 2022-2023
• Spring 2021
• Fall 2019
• Winter 2019
• Summer 2018
• Summer 2017
• Fall/Winter 2016

Supportive Resources

An outreach coordinator meets EMBRACE patients on their first day, outlines resources available to them, and guides them at every step. Some of these resources include:

The Blum Patient and Family Resource Center

The Blum Center offers a lending library, workshops, computers for use, interpreters by phone, care bags for new patients, resources for parents with cancer and their children, a creative arts program, and more.

The Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living

The Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living is dedicated to the belief that cancer patients can improve their lives with integrative therapies like acupuncture and massage, along with healthy living programs such as exercise and nutrition counseling.

Financial Assistance

Limited financial assistance for basic needs and parking costs, as well as referrals for financial coaching to help review your financial situation and provide advice and guidance, are available at Dana-Farber. For eligibility information, please call 617-632-3301. The EMBRACE Program can also help connect you to external resources, such as financial grants for those impacted by metastatic breast cancer.

Pharmacy Resource Program

The Dana-Farber pharmacy fills prescriptions for all pediatric and adult patients. Our pharmacists are an extension of the patient care team and work closely with physicians to provide seamless, convenient, safe care. Medication access and co-pay assistance may be available for chemotherapy and other medications. Eligibility requirements may apply; for more information, please call 617-632-3526.

Resource Specialists

Resource specialists can help with concrete resource needs: short-term housing, transportation, food, insecurity, and limited financial assistance for patients receiving treatment at Dana-Farber. Eligibility requirements may apply; for more information, please call the Adult Resource Office at 617-632-3301 (press option 2).

Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Groups

Two monthly groups for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients are co-facilitated by a psychiatrist and a social worker. Members vary from people newly diagnosed with MBC to people who have been living with MBC for years. Attendees report powerful benefits of getting to know and being able to process with people who "get it." For more information, please call 617-632-5606.

Supportive clinical programs within the Breast Oncology Center also offer drop-in support groups:

EMBRACing Young and Strong Socials hosted by the Young and Strong Program

This virtual gathering is an opportunity to meet and connect with other young adults living with metastatic breast cancer (diagnosed age 44 or younger). Newcomers are always welcome; if this is your first time attending, please let the team know when you RSVP.

Email youngandstrong@dfci.harvard.edu for more information.

MBC Support Circle hosted by the EMBRACE Program

This is a virtual drop-in support group for adults living with metastatic breast cancer. Facilitated by breast oncology social workers, this group is designed to foster connection, support coping, and build community through shared experiences and meaningful conversation.

Email embrace@dfci.harvard.edu for more information.

OABC Coffee Hour for Patients with MBC hosted by the Older Adults with Breast Cancer Program

This is a virtual social support group for older patients (age 65 or older) with metastatic breast cancer to share experiences, resources, support, and community. Assistance with Zoom is available.

Email oabc@dfci.harvard.edu for more information.