Breast cancer ranks first among cancers affecting women throughout the world. The latest estimates suggest that more than a million breast cancer cases occur each year, with nearly 640,000 cases in developed countries and 514,000 cases in developing countries. For the growing number of women with breast cancer, the psychological, social and physical impact of diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming. This may include anxiety and depression, fears about self-image and femininity, disruptions in intimate and sexual relationships and physical side effects from treatment and from cultural taboos. Breast cancer has important implications for public health. While women rely on physicians and other health care professionals for treatment and medical care, many of their psychosocial needs can be addressed through peer support given face to face or by telephone or email.

The Reach to Recovery International Network seeks to improve the quality of life for women with breast cancer and their families by nurturing volunteer peer support and promoting other services to meet their needs, such as advocacy and consumer involvement in research. Membership is open to groups having the name Reach to Recovery or a recognized translation and groups having, or wanting to have, a Reach to Recovery element in their programmes. Membership is free of charge.