35 Uplifting Breast Cancer Quotes (for Inspiration and Strength)
If you are looking for uplifting breast cancer quotes and positive words of encouragement for a breast cancer survivor, you’re in the right place! A breast cancer diagnosis can be the most terrifying feeling. Whether you are searching for empowering words for your best friend, a family member, or yourself, uplifting quotes really help survivors maintain a positive mindset.
In this post, I will highlight my top 35 quotes that kept me sane at times as I battled surgery, chemo, and radiation therapy. If you have an additional uplifting quote to add, please feel free to comment below. Sharing words of encouragement and personal experiences is a great way to help readers realize they aren’t alone in this journey.
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Inspiration
I first decided to write this post after watching Hoda Kotb share a story on her NBC morning show during breast cancer awareness month in October. Hoda, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, discussed her experience of sharing her life-changing news with her boss at the time.
While in tears, Hoda confided in her boss that she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. His response was so motivational that she remembers it to this day. He said, “I just want you to know something. I know a lot of women with breast cancer and they all have one thing in common – They’re all still here.”
Isn’t that just the best thing to say to someone with this awful diagnosis! I’m so grateful to Hoda for sharing that and for raising awareness of the disease. What an awesome boss (and person) to have in your life! So, after hearing that inspirational quote, I decided to write this post on inspirational quotes for breast cancer patients. I hope that they brighten your day!
My Breast Cancer Story
On a personal note, before we delve into the uplifting breast cancer quotes, I wanted to explain my own experience as a breast cancer fighter. I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in September of 2018, just a few months after having my second baby. I spent the remainder of the year and a significant part of the following year receiving breast cancer treatment.
This treatment started with a double mastectomy including breast reconstruction with tissue expanders. I also went through six months of chemotherapy treatment, which included AC chemo and Taxol. A couple months after finishing chemo, I spent six weeks completing radiation therapy, and I am now doing hormone therapy.
As you can imagine, I was completely stunned to get this diagnosis at the age of 36, and it became a life-changing experience. Thankfully I had a lot of support from family and friends who helped me through the most difficult times. My husband came up with a great idea to create a journal of quotes to help motivate us all on this breast cancer journey.
He reached out to my family and friends and asked them to submit quotes for his journal. I have included some of the best breast cancer awareness quotes below along with other inspirational words of wisdom that helped me along the way!
Funny Breast Cancer Quotes
These are some of my favorite quotes because they belong to people who I find hilarious. Sometimes you have to try to find the humor in unpleasant situations to help you get through them. These funny breast cancer quotes helped me do that.
It’s our challenges and obstacles that give us layers of depth and make us interesting. Are they fun when they happen? No. But they are what make us unique. And that’s what I know for sure… I think.
Ellen Degeneres
You have no idea how high I can fly.
Michael Scott on The Office
Yes my boobs are fake. The real ones tried to kill me!
Anonymous
Dear Scientists: You gave us Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. How about you stop playing with your d*cks and give us something for cancer?
Anonymous
Inspirational Cancer Quotes
Cancer is one of the most frightening diseases in the world. Despite the fear that cancer invokes, there are also stories of hope and courage. These inspiring cancer quotes show that even in the face of this terrible disease, people can find the strength to keep going. Whether you’re fighting cancer yourself or know someone who is, these quotes will help you stay positive and hopeful.
The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.
C.C. Scott
You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live. Live your life by your own terms, not cancer’s.
Stuart Scott
Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. You may not be where you want to be neither are you where you used to be.
Rick Warren
Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.
Voltaire
Worry does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes away today’s peace.
Anonymous
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
Helen Keller
Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.
Anonymous
If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.
HG Wells
I am too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful, and too determined to be defeated.
Anonymous
It’s okay to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave.
Mandy Hale
The potential within you is greater than the obstacles around you.
Matshona Dhliwayo
With a new day comes new strength and new thoughts.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Breast Cancer Words of Encouragement
Hearing that you have breast cancer is one of the worst things a woman can hear. It feels like your world has been turned upside down and you’re suddenly faced with all this uncertainty. But don’t lose hope!
There are so many women who have gone through this and come out on the other side stronger than ever. Keep your head up, focus on your treatment, and surround yourself with loved ones who will support you every step of the way. Breast cancer can be scary, but you can overcome it!
Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.
Helen Keller
An obstacle is often a stepping stone.
Prescott Bush
Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
Joshua J. Marine
Hope is stronger than fear.
Anonymous
Life isn’t meant to be easy, it’s meant to be lived. But with every up and down you learn lessons that make you strong.
Anonymous
We cannot direct the wind but we can change the sails.
Anonymous
The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.
Peter Pan
The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up.
Timothy the Mouse (Dumbo)
If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, keep moving forward.
MLK
There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do, and mostly live.
Dalai Lama
You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and how you can still come out of it.
Maya Angelou
Life is tough my darling, but so are you.
Stephanie Bennett Henry
The battle of life is, in most cases, fought uphill; and to win it without a struggle were to perhaps win it without honor. If there were no difficulties there would be no success; if there were nothing to struggle for, there would be nothing achieved.
Samuel Smiles
A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.
Jim Watkins
At the end of the day all you need is hope and strength. Hope that it will get better and strength to hang on until it does.
Anonymous
Gift Idea for Positive Thoughts
If you are looking for an additional resource for spiritual inspiration, I cannot recommend the book Jesus Calling enough! Several of my friends mentioned this devotional book to me after I was diagnosed. I had it on my Amazon list for a while, but never followed through with ordering it.
Then, I checked my mail one day and it was literally in my mailbox. (One of my husband’s friends from work had sent it as a gift.) This book was so helpful to me during treatment; but, it is especially helpful now as I try to move on with my life. Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer will tell you that cancer is something she/he thinks about every single day.
The physical and mental side effects (that no one else sees) from the disease are always present. The book Jesus Calling is a compilation of really short daily devotions that are super easy to read. It really helps those trying to navigate their way through uncontrollable circumstances by helping you train that little voice in your head to think positively.
Fear knocks you down sometimes, but this book was the very thing to help keep me focused on the big picture. I particularly like the readings in the book that are dedicated to moving past self-pity, letting go of worry, and focusing on living in the moment. All of those things are obviously easier said than done. But, I find myself repeating quotes and scriptures from the book in my head. It has really helped me with trying to move on and having a more positive outlook.
You can find Jesus Calling here if you would like to purchase the book. (Amazon Affiliate Link) It also makes a great gift! Out of all the things I have bought on my breast cancer journey, this book would be my number one recommendation to someone. People often focus on the physical aspects of cancer, but your emotional and mental well-being are a huge part of recovering as well!
Spiritual Quotes for Strength
Looking for a little spiritual support? Here are some of our favorite quotes to give you strength when you need it most. Keep them close to your heart when you’re feeling down. We hope they help you find peace and happiness during challenging times.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5: 3-4
The wound is the place where the light enters you!” Reminding us that God is ever more present when we are wounded.
Rumi
As I have always told anyone who was dear to my heart and was feeling discouraged, I would say the only difference between you and me is that you have a diagnosis. We all only have one day at a time. Just waking up to this perfect thing we call life is truly a blessing! Stay positive, trust in the Lord, and believe with all your heart that God hears your prayers… He holds the answers for all of us every day.
Family Friend
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Final Thoughts on Breast Cancer Awareness Quotes
Cancer is a word that no one ever wants to hear. For those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be an incredibly scary and confusing time. You can feel like you are the only person facing this hard battle. However, you are not alone, and your diagnosis could even cause a positive change in your life.
The important thing to remember is there are many people who support you and want to help in any way they can. Take some time to read through these positive breast cancer quotes for strength and motivation – they may just help get you through this difficult time.
I am five years out of my initial diagnosis, and I still enjoy going back to read them. They really help remind you to stay strong as you journey through surgery, chemo, radiation, etc. You will have good days and bad. But it’s important to remember that it’s a good thing you caught the cancer when you did so that you could seek treatment. I can’t speak highly enough of the importance of early detection!
And if you need more support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends, family, or even a professional counselor. You will get through this! If you’re looking for additional inspiration while going through chemotherapy, you can check out my post with monthly pictures of hair growing out after chemo!
I can only find Jesus Calling on Amazon. I cannot find any other books I would like to order ASAP! My mother just found out, and they are treating it quickly, but I would still like to have some of these. PLEASE HELP!! If you could give me a true link, or the author’s names, that may be helpful! Thank you so much Shari!
Hi Melissa,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s cancer diagnosis. I am sure you are all in shock, but I’m glad they are treating it quickly. The book I recommend is Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Amazon usually has it in stock, and it’s definitely worth it. I continue to read it daily to remind myself to think positively. Off the top of my head, I am not sure of any additional books that I have recommended. Let me re-read through my posts and see if I can find any other book titles, If I come up with anything, I’ll add the titles and authors I find under this comment. Thank you for reaching out. I wish you and your mom all the best!