Together against breast cancer
Our association for holistic support for breast cancer
We are the non-profit association Kompetenz gegen Brustkrebs e. V. (Competence Against Breast Cancer), based in Olpe (North Rhine-Westphalia). Since our foundation in 2001, we have been committed to providing holistic support to women with breast cancer — from prevention to aftercare — with heart, expertise, and a strong network. Our catchment area extends far beyond the district of Olpe – to the Siegerland and Bergisches Land regions. Everyone is welcome – You don’t need to be a member of our association.
Everyone is welcome – You don’t need to be a member of our association.
Our association is supported by dedicated people who are committed to helping women with breast cancer with heart, experience and great solidarity. We are committed to promoting awareness, offering support, and strengthening social perception.
We are here for you
Together, we combine medical expertise, personal experience, and active support.
We are convinced that help is most effective when different experiences and skills come together.
What drives us
Our goal is to remove the taboo surrounding cancer. We want to encourage, share knowledge, and show those affected that they are not alone.
Through our medical, psychological, and practical support, we want to provide guidance, open up new possibilities and empower them in every phase of life.
Dr. med. Jürgen Schwickerath
Executive Board
Chief Physician at the Women’s Clinic / Breast Center Olpe, GFO Clinics South Westphalia
Katharina Schulte
Executive Board
Evamaria Weinbrenner
Executive Board
Doctor specializing in gynecology and obstetrics
Birgit Kemmerich
Patient Representative
Ursula Kalinowski-Krumm
Patient Representative
Christin-Marie Stamm
Ambassador, Member of the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia (MdL NRW), Association Ambassador
Why we are committed
After my initial diagnosis in 2003, I was very fortunate to have people by my side who helped me get through this difficult time.
I am involved in the Kompetenz gegen Brustkrebs (Competence Against Breast Cancer) association because I firmly believe that all those affected should have access to a good support network. Experts, patients, and supporters share their knowledge here, promoting self-care and education.
With our services, we contribute to making early detection, modern treatment, and emotional support a matter of course for everyone. We are united by the goal of sharing knowledge, raising awareness, and giving hope as affected “survivors.”
Ursula Kalinowski-Krumm, Patient Representative
My name is Katharina Massong, I was born as my parents’ fourth child and I live in Siegen. My sister and I were diagnosed with cancer in 2006 – she had lung cancer, I had breast cancer. I underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. One of us was always undergoing treatment. In Olpe, in addition to medical care, I quickly received psycho-oncological support and came into contact with the association.
My sister died in December 2007. Tears, tears, and more tears. To this day, I am not sure if I would have survived without the help I received at that time. For me, it was and is important to give something back.
Many people think that such groups are just a place for complaining, but that’s not true. In addition to the seriousness and dealing with fear and death, joy and solidarity play an important role. We also laugh a lot together. To this day, I find this togetherness to be greatly enriching.
I am doing well, and I want to offer other women a forum for exchange – no matter what situation they find themselves in. This association is a place of seriousness, of saying goodbye, but also of mutual support – and genuine joy of life.
I am curious about what life still has in store for me.
Katharina Massong, volunteer (16 years as patient representative)
I am involved with Kompetenz gegen Brustkrebs (Competence Against Breast Cancer) because volunteering really makes a difference here.
Informing, supporting, and accompanying women—all of this usually happens quietly, but with incredible power. This work deserves visibility and political backing.
As a young politician, it is important to me to show how much strength and solidarity there is in our volunteer work. I want education and prevention to be more than just words in brochures; I want them to be reflected in politics and society.
Because those who volunteer to help others support our society—and we should say that much more often.
Christin-Marie Stamm, Member of the State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia (MdL NRW),
Our core areas
Help
We support women with breast cancer by offering information events and individual consulting. Our goal is to accompany those affected through all phases of the disease, keeping them well informed, empowered, and confident.
Quality of life
Through a network of qualified therapists, we promote physical and mental well-being. With activities such as exercise, relaxation, creativity, and psychosocial support, we help maintain and improve quality of life during stressful times.
Knowledge
We provide understandable, up-to-date, and comprehensive knowledge about breast cancer. Lectures, informational materials, seminars, and our annual conference offer guidance and support in making informed decisions.
Exchange
Our events create a space for encounter, understanding, and mutual support. Women share their experiences, support one another, and find a supportive community.
Stronger together!
Below you will find reliable and helpful websites for people with cancer, their families, and anyone else who is interested. The collection is regularly expanded and updated to ensure that the information provided is always current and accurate.
