Breathe brings together trusted research, practical guidance, and gentle support for people navigating cancer — patients, caregivers, and loved ones. You deserve both information and care.
This website provides educational and supportive information only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.
A cancer diagnosis changes everything — and it often comes with an avalanche of information, decisions, and emotions all at once. That is a completely human response. This page exists to slow things down, offer what research actually shows, and remind you that understanding your situation is one of the most empowering things you can do.
Tumor markers are substances found in your blood, urine, or tissue that may be produced by cancer cells. They help your care team monitor treatment progress and response — but they are one piece of a much larger picture.
Often elevated in ovarian cancer. Used to monitor treatment response and watch for recurrence. Levels can also rise due to endometriosis, fibroids, or inflammation — context from your doctor matters.
Carcinoembryonic antigen is used to monitor several cancers, especially colorectal. Elevated levels in a non-smoker with no infection may prompt further investigation by your care team.
Prostate-specific antigen is used for prostate cancer screening and monitoring. Rising PSA after treatment may signal recurrence, but trending direction over time is often more meaningful than a single number.
Primarily used to monitor pancreatic cancer treatment. Less useful for diagnosis alone, but valuable in tracking whether tumors are responding to therapy.
Alpha-fetoprotein is elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma and some testicular cancers. Also naturally elevated in pregnancy — your doctor will always consider the full clinical picture.
Used to monitor metastatic breast cancer response to treatment. These markers are most useful when tracked over time as part of an ongoing care plan.
While no lifestyle change replaces medical treatment, a growing body of research shows that how we eat, move, and sleep can meaningfully support treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Research consistently points to a plant-forward, anti-inflammatory diet as supportive of immune function and cancer recovery.
Sources: ASCO Nutrition Guidelines, WCRF 2022, JAMA Oncology
Exercise is one of the most evidence-backed supportive interventions for people living with cancer — even in small amounts.
Sources: ASCO 2022 Exercise Guidelines, Courneya et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology
Sleep is when the body repairs itself. For people in cancer treatment, protecting sleep quality has measurable benefits on immune function and mood.
Sources: NCI Sleep Research, Ancoli-Israel et al., Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
These approaches are evidence-informed and used widely in integrative oncology. They complement — never replace — your medical treatment plan.
One of the most common treatment side effects — and one of the most studied.
Sources: Zick et al. (2009), Cochrane Review on acupressure, ASCO antiemetic guidelines
Cancer-related fatigue affects up to 90% of patients — and is distinctly different from ordinary tiredness.
Sources: NCCN Cancer-Related Fatigue Guidelines, Bower et al. JAMA Oncology, 2019
Research in environmental psychology and integrative oncology shows that our surroundings and routines matter for healing.
Sources: Ulrich (1984), Carlson et al. JAMA Oncology, Kabat-Zinn MBSR research
These are real studies and clinical guidelines from trusted sources. We summarize them here so you can bring informed questions to your care team.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology issued landmark guidelines formally recommending integrative approaches — including acupuncture, mindfulness, yoga, and massage — as part of standard cancer care for symptom management.
Lyman et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2022 · asco.org
A meta-analysis of 67 studies found that physically active breast cancer survivors had a 40–50% lower risk of cancer recurrence and cancer-specific mortality compared to inactive survivors.
Ibrahim & Al-Homaidh, Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2011 · Updated in ASCO 2022 guidelines
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol levels in cancer patients across multiple randomized controlled trials, with benefits persisting at 6-month follow-up.
Carlson et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2013 · Psycho-Oncology meta-analysis, 2019
A study of 1,005 breast cancer survivors found those adhering to a Mediterranean dietary pattern had significantly lower all-cause mortality and improved disease-free survival over a 7-year follow-up period.
Castello et al., JAMA Oncology, 2022 · World Cancer Research Fund
Research shows that cancer patients with untreated sleep disturbances experience significantly greater fatigue, pain sensitivity, and immunosuppression — and that treating insomnia improves quality of life independent of cancer type.
Ancoli-Israel et al., Journal of Pain and Symptom Management · NCI Sleep Research Program
A landmark meta-analysis found that psychosocial interventions — including support groups, individual counseling, and educational programs — were associated with longer survival in cancer patients, not just improved wellbeing.
Fawzy et al. & Spiegel et al. · Updated in Cochrane Reviews on psychosocial cancer support
All research summaries are simplified for readability. Please read original sources and discuss findings with your care team before making any changes to your health plan.
Reading through all of this takes courage. If you'd like a quiet space to process how you're feeling — not for medical answers, just to breathe and be heard — our Support Companion is here whenever you're ready. No pressure, no expectations.
Emotional support only · Not medical advice
You don't need to silence your thoughts. You just need a moment to soften them.
Even one slow breath changes your body's response to stress. Follow the circle below, breathing in as it expands and out as it softens.
Breathe in… and out…
Name 5 things you can see. 4 you can touch. 3 you can hear. 2 you can smell. 1 you can taste. This gently returns you to the present moment.
Close your eyes. Notice your feet, then slowly bring attention up through your body. Release tension wherever you find it.
Place one hand gently on your chest. Take a slow breath. Silently say: "This is hard. I'm doing my best. I am enough."
Think of one small thing that wasn't terrible today. A warm cup of tea. A moment of quiet. Let yourself feel it for 10 seconds.
Roll your shoulders back slowly. Tilt your head side to side. Your body holds tension — give it permission to release.
Set a timer for 2 minutes. Don't scroll, don't plan — just sit. Look at the light. Let yourself simply exist for a moment.
Mindset and stress management can support well-being, but they do not replace medical treatment.
There are no wrong answers. Just notice.
Sounds to settle the nervous system. A journal to hold what you're feeling. A moment just for you.
Choose a sound and let it run softly in the background. These gentle sounds can help quiet anxiety and aid rest.
Slow, rhythmic waves washing over sand. Steady and endless — like breath itself.
Soft rainfall on leaves and windowpanes. The world outside, muffled and safe.
Birdsong, a light breeze, leaves rustling. A walk through somewhere still and green.
The warmth of a fireplace. Cozy, grounding, and deeply comforting.
Visual indicators only — connect your own ambient audio or Spotify for sound.
Write whatever needs to come out. No grammar, no rules. Just you and the page.
Tap for a new affirmation
A carefully curated list of organizations, helplines, and tools — chosen because they genuinely help.
Free support groups, counseling, education, and healthy lifestyle programs for people affected by cancer and their loved ones.
Emotional SupportCall or text 988 anytime. Confidential support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or mental health crisis.
Crisis LineFree professional support services including counseling, support groups, and navigation services for those impacted by cancer.
CounselingComprehensive, trusted information about cancer types, treatment options, clinical trials, and care planning.
InformationResources for treatment, practical support, transportation assistance, and local programs across the United States.
Practical SupportAssistance navigating insurance, financial barriers, and workplace rights for those dealing with serious illness.
NavigationResources, education, and peer support specifically for family caregivers who are often the invisible backbone of care.
CaregiversSupport for partners of those living with chronic illness — because caregivers carry an enormous, often unacknowledged weight.
CaregiversPractical tools, guides, and a helpline (1-877-333-5885) to support those caring for an adult with serious illness.
CaregiversNeed someone to talk to right now? Our Support Companion is here — calm, kind, and ready to listen.
A kind, calm presence — available whenever you need to share what you're carrying.
That everyone navigating cancer deserves a calm, gentle place to land.
Breathe was created for one reason: because cancer is hard, and hard things are easier when you don't have to face them in a noisy, clinical, overwhelming space. We wanted to build something different — a place that feels like a slow breath, like a warm cup of tea, like a friend who simply sits with you.
We believe that emotional wellbeing is not a luxury in the context of serious illness — it is essential. The way we feel affects our ability to cope, to connect, to find meaning in difficult moments. Breathe exists to tend to that inner landscape, with care.
Breathe is not a medical service. We don't offer diagnosis, treatment advice, or clinical care. What we offer is something different: a steady, gentle presence for the moments in between.
Our valuesEvery word, every design choice, every feature begins with the question: is this kind?
This space is judgment-free. You can say what you feel without it being fixed or minimized.
We are clear about what we are and what we aren't. We will always point you to real support when you need it.
Not fixing. Not advising. Just being here — steady, calm, and ready to listen.
Whether you're a patient, a caregiver, a partner, a parent, or a friend — you belong here.