Surviving cancer allows survivors to share their struggles and experiences while engaging in healthful activities to promote physical well-being. Many retreats also include alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage for an added boost.
These retreats are tailored to provide women with emotional comfort, educate on symptoms and healthcare management, alter attitudes about survival, as well as provide support to spouses and children.
1. A Place for Healing
Breast cancer retreats bring together patients, family members and volunteers for an enriching and supportive experience. These events offer emotional comfort while providing education on symptoms and healthcare management; navigation tools to their medical treatments; pampering through spa services, etc.
Content for retreats varies, with common topics discussed during sessions facilitated by a survivor advocate or doctor. Participants also learn to manage physical side effects, reduce stress levels and sleep better through healthy methods, as well as explore creative outlets like writing or art.
Some breast cancer retreats are tailored exclusively for survivors while others invite spouses and friends as well. Casting for Recovery provides women a weekend of fly-fishing that allows them to bond with fellow cancer patients as well as their partners through this outdoor adventure program which takes place across 33 states, offering lodging, meals and activities. Other specialized retreats may focus more on women’s wellness or metastatic breast cancer focus.
2. A Place for Learning
At these retreats, participants learn about emotional healing and self-care practices. Women also find comfort from connecting with other survivors as well as nature – whether in treatment or years post, these gatherings welcome all breast cancer patients and survivors alike.
These three-day gatherings provide participants with educational sessions from leading doctors presenting the latest medical research, workshops by cancer type, yoga and movement classes, time for reflection and relaxation as well as time for restful reflection and respite. NBCF offers both in-person and virtual retreats throughout the year.
Metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer patients and survivors can feel isolated. Pink Lemonade Project has created a custom retreat specifically tailored for this group, to facilitate discussions around issues specific to MBC such as making life and medical decisions, managing difficult emotions and decreasing stress levels. Participation is free of charge and includes meals and lodging at the resort as well as transportation from/to airport.
3. A Place for Support
Surviving of all types and stages can find support through these retreat programs, some free while others require payment.
Retreats designed specifically for women coping with breast cancer offer pampering sessions and discussions among peers who understand. Activities may include yoga and expressive arts classes. Participants often stay together in mountainous regions.
This weekend retreat for male and female breast cancer survivors held annually in Stowe, Vermont features seminars covering all areas of current medical research as well as workshops tailored specifically to each cancer type, plus a three-mile run. First-time attendees receive free entry.
Pink Lemonade Project’s retreats provide patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) an opportunity to gather, learn, and support one another. A gala fundraiser helps ensure retreats remain free for survivors – providing an ideal choice for anyone living with MBC who may feel misunderstood, neglected, or alone on their journey.
4. A Place for Hope
Breast cancer patients in metastatic stages experience great fear, anxiety and loss of self-esteem. Unfortunately, this population remains underserved – that’s why The Breast Cancer Options Retreat exists – providing women with renewed hope, increased knowledge and an affirming reminder that they’re not alone.
Little Pink Houses of Hope provides free beach retreats held at private homes for survivors and their immediate family members during cancer treatments, to offer these families respite from all the appointments, doctor visits and meetings they must attend during this difficult period.
Women of Color Retreats are held annually. This specialized retreat addresses the disproportionate cancer and survival rates among black and brown women. It focuses on the emotional side of healing by strengthening relationships and encouraging attendees to live each day beyond their boundaries. These retreats feature group sessions, yoga movements, low impact physical activities, restorative massages as well as optional companionship for an additional fee.