Breast Cancer & Natural Disasters: Resource Guide
Dealing with cancer treatment is difficult, and adding a natural disaster to the mix can be extremely challenging. I live in the Los Angeles area and have been watching the devastation over the past several days. We are accustomed to fire, but not the loss of so many homes so quickly. The winds were extreme, and the dry air and brush fueled these disastrous fires with incredible speed.
As I watched the news and read in my support groups, I decided to put together a resource post to share with you so that you can have some ways to think ahead and be prepared should you need to evacuate.
If you know of a resource I haven’t included, please drop me a comment below, email me, or DM me on social media (@mmejendouglas) . I’ll keep this list as up-to-date as I can
Helpful Apps: Getting the Timely Information Without Overwhelm
informed is having the right tools to provide me with the information I need without adding to my anxiety.
SoCal is earthquake and fire country. As such, I rely on a few apps to get the targeted information I need. There are many excellent ones out there. Here are the ones I use. Links are to the iOS App store.
Earthquake:
- MyShake: Can offer early alerts for earthquakes in CA, Oregon, and Washington. (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/myshake/id1467058529)
- LastQuake: Worldwide earthquake reporting and the ability to self-report if you feel shaking. (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lastquake/id890799748)
Fire:
- Watch Duty: Alerts you to new fires in your area. You can toggle notifications on and off for each incident. This has been my go-to app for the January 2025 fires. I highly recommend it! (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/watch-duty-wildfire-maps/id1574452924)
- Pulse Point: Useful scanner app to monitor any incidents in your area. (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pulsepoint-respond/id500772134)
Cancer-Specific Evacuation Preparation Lists and Resources
There are many resources out there to help you prepare for evacuation. Below are some that are specifically designed for cancer patients:
- CDC Resources: Cancer Survivors Preparation https://www.cdc.gov/cancer-survivors/patients/be-prepared-for-an-emergency.html
- NCI Emergency Resources for Cancer Patients: https://www.cancer.gov/contact/emergency-preparedness
- American Cancer Society- Coping with Cancer after a natural disaster: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/making-treatment-decisions/coping-with-cancer-after-a-natural-disaster.html
- RxOpen: resource to find open pharmacy after a natural disaster https://healthcareready.org/rxopen/
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Disaster and Emergency Preparedness for People With Cancer: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/disaster-preparedness-people
- NCI Printable Card for your information (carry in your wallet): https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/nci-asco-wallet-card.pdf
- City of Hope Preparation guide: https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2023/08/cancer-patients-hurricane-prep
- BreastCancer.Org: Preparing for a Natural Disaster https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/preparing-for-natural-disaster
If you know of other resources, please share them, and I will update this list.
Emotional and Mental Well-Being - When Over isn’t Over
I have discovered that my nervous system gives me enough energy to cope with a crisis at the moment. I go into project mode and take care of the things that are needed, even when they are frightening.
The wave of anxiety and emotions typically hit me after the crisis. Sometimes, the impact of the worry will make me physically ill. I know this about myself, so it doesn’t surprise me when it happens.
If you are walking through a natural disaster and get through the immediate crisis, don’t forget to tend to your emotional and mental well-being even after it is over. It may be helpful to schedule a therapy appointment, write in your journal, walk, or meditate as you process what you’ve been through.
When we go through a traumatic situation, it can take time to process it. Below are a few resources that may be helpful for you as you walk through the aftermath of a disaster
-United States National Suicide And Crisis Hotline: Text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/
-Disaster Distress Hotline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/disaster-distress-helpline
- CDC Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event Factsheet: https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/communication-resources/coping-with-a-disaster-or-traumatic-event-factsheet.html
- Cleveland Clinic Protecting Your (and Your Kids’) Mental Health After a Natural Disaster: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mental-health-after-a-natural-disaster
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/disaster-preparedness/coping-tips
- Red Cross: Recovering Emotionally After a Disaster https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/recovering-emotionally.html
How to Help the LA Wildfire Recovery Efforts:
Below are a few ways to tangibly help the many who have lost their homes in the 2025 LA Wildfires.
- Red Cross: The Red Cross is supporting the efforts here in LA (https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2025/red-cross-helping-in-southern-california-as-wildfires-force-thousands-from-their-homes.html) You can donate here: https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/
- United Way LA: Donate to their Wildfire Response fund: https://unitedwayla.org/
- Salvation Army Southern CA: https://socal.salvationarmy.org/southern-california/wildfires-in-los-angeles/
Additional Ways to Support are listed here on these news sites:
- NBC4 LA: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/how-to-help-those-affected-by-the-wildfires/3598176/
- CNN: Donate to multiple nonprofits supporting LA https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/08/us/help-los-angeles-residents-during-unprecedented-wildfires/index.html
- CBS: How to help victims of California wildfires affecting Los Angeles County: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/help-victims-california-wildfires-affecting-los-angeles-county/
It is a challenge to cope with the double crises of cancer and a natural disaster. We may have appointments, treatments, and surgeries delayed due to the emergency. Our mental, physical, and emotional resources were already taxed before the disaster started.
Getting through one moment at a time as best as we can is sometimes all we can do. I am sending you my encouragement, hugs, and prayers as you navigate cancer and the emergency in front of you.
Jennifer Douglas
Jennifer is the author of "A Breast Cancer Journey: Living it One Step at a Time," breast cancer survivor, and patient advocate. Her book, published in 2023 by Bold Story Press, is an encouraging guide for breast cancer patients. It contains first-hand information, organized by topics, to help readers navigate the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from breast cancer. Her writing emphasizes emotional, mental, and physical well-being along with empowered decision-making.
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