Breast Cancer Now

Laura speaks to Breast Cancer Now’s chief executive, Claire Rowney, about our long-term vision, and her own recent experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer.  Claire talks about the importance of attending mammogram screenings, and how her diagnosis was discovered through a routine screening. She reflects on the emotional impact of diagnosis, the lack of control she felt, and how the experience has given her a deeper understanding of what patient empowerment really means. They also talk about how Breast Cancer Now’s new strategy and look will help us achieve our bold vision. That by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live and live well.Listen to Fran's episode about the benefits of exercise with cancer or watch on YouTube.Listen to Dr Sam Orange's episode on exercise after breast cancer or watch on YouTube. You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website: https://www.breastcancernow.org/podcastYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.Key Topics:04:01 What do the charity's goals actually mean?05:10 Breast Cancer Now's new look 07:13 What does the charity's new strategy mean for people with breast cancer?15:23 Reaching that 2050 goal18:40 Claire's own breast cancer diagnosis23:30 What empowerment really is26:30 The importance of attending your breast cancer screening29:05 What Breast Cancer Now is doing to help younger people with breast cancer32:10 The importance of getting diagnosed early33:30 Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer36:40 How the charity is going to support people post-treatment38:50 How is Claire doing, now? 44:45 What work is being done into health inequalities46:05 How close is a cure for breast cancer?48:20 Research into what causes breast cancer49:30 The colour pink50:30 Why was it important to spend money on the new look?51:20 They importance of fundraising53:07 What did Claire learn as a result of her diagnosis?53:40 What should the listener take away from this episode?

Breast Cancer Now's mission is that by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live, and be supported to live well. What does it mean to you to live well? That's the question Laura asked each of our guests this season, and the answers were diverse, enlightening, and hinted at hope for the future. You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for listening to this season of the Breast Cancer Now podcast! We'll be back with more episodes soon. We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

Planning a holiday when you’re living with or beyond breast cancer can feel daunting, especially when it comes to getting travel insurance. In this episode, Laura speaks with Fiona Macrae, founder of the travel insurance brand Insurancewith. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and living with metastatic (secondary) breast cancer since 2020, Fiona shares her personal journey and why freedom to travel is so important to her. In a conversation full of hope and practical tips from their own experiences, Fiona and Laura get stuck into: why travel insurance matters, especially when you have a cancer diagnosis, how medical screening works and what insurers are really looking for, common myths about being “uninsurable” after your treatment changes or a progression, confusing terminology when applying for travel insurance and how to make sense of it, practical tips for planning trips, timing holidays around treatment, and talking to your medical team, Fiona’s own story, taking her frustration with the system and creating a travel insurance brand with people with cancer at its heart. If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. The discount code IWCommunity gives 20%* off an Insurancewith premium.  * The discount code ‘IWCommunity’ offers you a 20% discount made up of our automatic 15% online discount price and an additional 5% discount against our Customer Service Centre prices. This is discounted from our core policy price before you add any additional cost of optional extensions or additional medical premium. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Insurancewith is a travel insurance brand. They are not an insurer or underwriter. Policies are underwritten by regulated insurers, and terms and conditions apply. Insurancewith is a trading name of Travel Insurance Facilities Plc, a travel insurance distributor. Policies are underwritten by FCA-authorised insurers. They do not offer personal advice. Always read your policy documents and ensure the cover meets your needs. Breast Cancer Now does not endorse, or recommend Insurancewith. If you're struggling to get travel insurance, you can also try the MoneyHelper directory, which lists specialist providers who may be able to help – including Insurancewith. Key Topics: 2:24 Why is it important that we travel? 3:33 Fiona's breast cancer diagnosis 6:50 Dealing with a cancer diagnosis as a new mother 7:44 Fiona's diagnosis of metastatic (secondary) breast cancer 12:21 Fiona sets up travel insurance brand Insurancewith 14:38 Do you need travel insurance? 18:25 Declaring breast cancer on your travel insurance 20:40 Getting cover with a new diagnosis or drug 24:33 The importance of the health questionnaire when buying travel insurance 31:45 More claims can be related back to cancer than you might think 33:28 The cost of repatriation 34:57 How does neutropenia affect travel insurance? 39:29 Is flying detrimental to our health? 42:07 Do you need travel insurance if you're staying within the UK? 43:33 When should you book your travel insurance? 44:55 Should you put friends and family on the same insurance policy as you? 46:29 Does the destination country change how expensive insurance is? 47:34 How does mental health work with travel insurance? 50:38 Unhelpful terminology in travel insurance policies 55:53 What about metastatic (secondary) breast cancer in the brain? 1:00:49 High risk activities and insurance with breast cancer 1:02:00 Going on holiday while on a clinical trial 1:02:48 Business insurance and cancer 1:04:57 Practical tips for travelling 1:10:05 What it means to Fiona to "live well"

 Lucy Dawson was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 25.  In this episode she talks to Laura about her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer as a younger woman, and having fertility preservation treatment as a result of her breast cancer diagnosis. They talk about the importance of sharing positive stories, pregnancy, and starting a family after breast cancer. They also talk about the importance of spreading awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and having the confidence to advocate for yourself in a medical setting. If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 02:00 Lucy's diagnosis 08:40 How are you now? 09:05 Family history of breast cancer 10:55 Support services for younger women 12:42 Fertility preservation treatment 16:00 Starting a family 19:15 Pregnancy after breast cancer 21:20 Breastfeeding 22:40 How did pregnancy feel for you? 24:15 How are you finding motherhood 25:00 How did your partner cope throughout your cancer and pregnancy 25:49 What would you say to other younger women facing fertility challenges as a result of breast cancer treatment? 26:45 Advocating for herself as a younger woman to be diagnosed and being confident in a medical setting. 33:56 How do you look after your mental health  38:57 Posters of the signs & symptoms of breast cancer in M&S changing rooms. 42:15 Taking part in BCN's Pink Ribbon Walk 43:25 What does it mean to Lucy to 'live well'.

Caroline Leek is the founder of Fruitfly Collective, which empowers people with a cancer diagnosis to navigate family life and to support their children. Caroline set up Fruitfly Collective to give the kind of support she wished she’d had when her own father died when she was 12 years old. In this episode, Caroline focuses on talking to children and teenagers about death and grief, and how to communicate with children about being diagnosed with incurable cancer. She talks about strategies for communicating with teenagers, discusses whether it's OK to tell a white lie, and shares helpful tips and prompts to help children with death and grief. Find out more about Fruitfly Collective. Listen to Caroline's previous episode about parenting with cancer, or watch on YouTube. If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 0:16 Laura outlines the episode and shares her thoughts 2:40 When a child visits a parent who is dying 7:06 How to have a conversation with a child about an upcoming death 9:42 How honest should you be when a child asks if you're going to die? 14:10 Ways of starting a conversation with a child about the death of their parent 25:54 Caroline reveals how her unprocessed grief came to light 27:55 The tools Caroline used to process her grief and support her mental health 31:15 "Pip" kits from Fruitfly Collective 39:39 How to access Fruitfly Collective's excellent resources and support Links: Griefcast Kids' Guide to Cancer app

 In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Laura speaks to fellow authors and previous podcast guests, Rosamund Dean and Alice May Purkiss.  They talk about writing, specifically how to put your own breast cancer experience into words. Laura talks to Rosamund and Alice about how they started writing and why they wanted to share their experience with others. They each discuss topics such as how writing affects their mental health, imposter syndrome and how anyone can be a writer. Both Rosamund and Alice also share their book and newsletter recommendations for people experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis.   Key Topics: 02:06 What made you decide to write about your cancer? 06:40 What affect does writing have on your mental health? 09:53 What do you find the most difficult part of writing? 10:51 Getting started 12:24 Rosamund talks about the process of writing her book, 'Reconstruction' 14:40 Advice for someone interested in writing 16:35 Book recommendations 18:30 Which authors inspire Rosamund the most 19:50 Rosamund's best tips for writing 23:06 Where to find Rosamund's work 23:35 Laura's thoughts 24:40 How writing affects Alice's mental health 26:48 Where should people start if they are interested in writing? 30:15 Advice for someone looking to get published 31:20 Long form writing, e.g. blogs 33:31 Alice's self-publishing process and advice 36:55 Tips for writing or creativity 41:27 Book recommendations 49:05 Inspiring authors books/blogs 54:10 Where to find Alice's work Rosamund Well well well newsletter- rosamunddean.substack.com Rosamund’s books- Reconstruction + Mindful Drinking @rosamunddean Alice  Alice's book- Life Lemons and Melons alicemaypurkiss.co.uk  @alicemaypurkiss  Laura Laura's book- Single Bald Female @laurapricewrites Book recommendations: Hattie Crissel - In Writing Oliver Burkeman - Four Thousand Weeks Miranda July - All Fours Fran Littlewood - Amazing Grace Adams Kris Hallenga - Glittering a Turd Bessel Van Der Kolk - The Body Keeps The Score Sophie Savage - Lifeshocks Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross -Your Brain on Art Rick Rubin - The Creative Act Will Storr - The Science of Storytelling Newletters (substack) : Alice Vincent - Savour Daisy Buchannan - Creative Confidence Clinic Porna Bell - As I Was Saying Hayley Nahman - Maybe Baby

Dr Hajra is a GP and aesthetic doctor who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, aged 37. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Hajra talks to Laura about the shock of her recent diagnosis, the effects of the chemotherapy treatment she’s undergoing, and the treatment plan coming up, including a double mastectomy. Hajra also shares the differences in experiencing cancer as a doctor, compared with as a patient, and the surprising ways it’s affected her. She tells Laura about her BRCA gene mutation, and how that news affected her outlook on her breast cancer diagnosis. You can find Dr Hajra on Instagram @drhajrasdiary If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 1:56 Hajra's work as a GP and aesthetic doctor 6:23 Practising breast awareness as a doctor 9:02 Biopsies and scans, as a doctor 16:18 Receiving biopsy results with friends and family 18:09 Hajra is diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer 19:19 The treatment plan for Hajra's breast cancer 20:26 Being treated as a patient rather than as a doctor 21:40 Hajra is the first in her family with breast cancer 22:14 The physical effects of chemotherapy 23:42 Genetic testing for breast cancer gene mutations 29:03 Coping with the impact of a gene mutation diagnosis 33:22 Breast cancer treatment and fertility 39:22 The effect of chemotherapy on physical apperarance 44:57 Hajra's plan for aesthetic treatments after chemotherapy 47:28 Thoughts on the upcoming double mastectomy 50:15 Mental health and breast cancer treatment 53:17 Working during treatment for breast cancer 54:53 The importance of sharing your story 56:43 What it means to Hajra to "live well"

Laura was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2016, aged 28. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Laura shares how she felt when she first received that diagnosis 9 years ago, and how it impacted her life. She goes on to talk about living her life to the full, and adjusting to an uncertain future.   Later in the conversation, Laura talks about founding Secondary Sisters, an online community supporting people with secondary cancer. She also shares how it feels, after almost a decade of living with secondary breast cancer, when people look to her as an example for living well with an incurable disease.   You can find Laura on Instagram @baldbooblessandbeautiful You can find Secondary Sisters on Instagram @secondary.sisters If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 1:34 What is secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer? 2:20 Laura's life before cancer 3:24 Laura finds a lump and is diagnosed with primary breast cancer 8:11 Treatment and surgery for breast cancer 11:14 Ways of coping with hair loss and other visible effects of cancer treatment 13:39 Laura is diagnosed with secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer 20:29 Laura writes a living list 24:35 How Laura is doing now 26:25 Laura sets up Secondary Sisters 37:37 How it feels losing friends to the same disease you have 39:07 Having time and people away from cancer 41:24 Laura's thoughts on how her story has given people hope and inspiration 42:28 Not being able to have children after breast cancer 48:10 Coping with a new diagnosis of secondary breast cancer 49:46 Laura shares her vulnerability as well as her story 56:23 What it means to Laura to "live well"

Hayley Gullen is an illustrator who was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 37.  In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Hayley talks to Laura about her graphic memoir ‘This Might Surprise You’. She talks about why she decided to write a graphic memoir, and how she used her illustrations to express her identity whilst going through the “dehumanising” experience of breast cancer treatment. The conversation also goes into how Hayley’s book covers the ups and downs of a breast cancer diagnosis, from the painful, grim experiences to some of the more absurd and hopeful moments. Hayley talks about the importance of self-expression and using this to connect with others, and how she hopes her book will act as a companion for other people facing treatment, helping them feel less alone. You can find Hayley on Instagram @hayleygullen If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 2:00 Hayley talks about her history of drawing 3:26 Hayley's book, This May Surprise You 6:50 Hayley is diagnosed with breast cancer 11:52 The impact of breast cancer on Hayley's life 13:37 Drawing the relatable parts of the breast cancer experience 24:07 Hayley's history of writing 30:30 Finding humour in the difficult times 32:32 Looking after a young child alongside a breast cancer diagnosis 37:20 Feeling guilty during breast cancer 39:43 Breast cancer and mental health 43:20 Taking the book to the public 49:52 Meeting other people in the cancer community 50:54 Reflecting on the cancer experience 52:02 Hayley's next book 53:17 What it means to Hayley to "live well"

Sam Evans is an intimate health and pleasure expert who shares tips on intimacy during menopause and coping with the side effects of cancer treatment. This week on the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Sam talks candidly about the effects of breast cancer on our sex lives, and how these may be relieved to allow more enjoyment of sex and intimacy again. She also speaks about why she set up the online company Jo Divine, which sells sex products with a particular focus on safety and sexual health.Sam is joined by Jane, one of Breast Cancer Now’s nurses, who gives insight into the sex and intimacy concerns we hear about from people with breast cancer on our helpline and ask our nurses service.You can visit the Jo Divine websiteYou can find Sam on Instagram @samtalkssexListen to Liz O'Riordan's episode hereListen to Dani Binnington's episode hereIf you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.Key Topics:2:01 Sam talks about her work in sex and intimacy2:55 Jane talks about her work as one of Breast Cancer Now's nurses3:45 The effects of breast cancer treatment on sex life5:51 Discussing the menopause and the perimenopause9:36 What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?13:16 Discussing low libido after breast cancer treatment15:17 Dealing with vaginal dryness during sex16:59 The importance of checking ingredients of lubricants23:54 The effects on the vagina of lowered oestrogen levels25:39 The benefits of vaginal oestrogen for sex life28:06 The psychological effects of breast cancer treatment on sex and intimacy30:13 The importance of communication33:45 Approaching sex after breast cancer as a single person38:51 The benefits of sex toys48:02 Where to turn if you don't feel you can talk to your treatment team about sex and intimacy55:32 Useful resources1:03:09 What it means to Sam to "live well"1:03:24 What is means to Jane to "live well"

Helen Skelton is a psychotherapist and campaigner who lives with secondary breast cancer. In this episode, Helen talks in depth with Laura about grief. How grief isn’t just about losing someone, but about the loss of anything; your hair, your body image, your friendships, the life you hoped you’d have. Drawing on her own experience, Helen shares the grief she’s experienced as part of her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and how that grief extends to losing friends in the breast cancer community she’s a part of. She also promotes acceptance of grief and anger as emotions that should be recognised and lived with, and shares some outlooks that may help others see their grief in a new light. You can find Helen on Instagram @secondary.psych You can read Helen's writing on Substack If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 2:08 Helen is diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 5:51 Dealing with a cancer diagnosis during COVID 8:22 Living with secondary breast cancer 10:39 Getting a primary and secondary breast cancer diagnosis at the same time 16:35 There's more to grief than just the dictionary definition 23:19 Grief as a result of a cancer diagnosis 25:49 Processing the grief from losing someone to the same disease you have 29:17 Helen attends a grief retreat 33:09 What is grief tending? 34:05 Discussing rage and anger, and how to come to terms with them 37:29 Why it's important to talk about emotions and feelings 41:27 Helen shares tips and techniques for coping with grief 46:14 Emotional triggers can cause you to reevaluate and make different decisions 53:38 What it means to Helen to "live well"

Kelly Crump is a model and influencer who lives with secondary breast cancer. On the Breast Cancer Now podcast she talks to Laura about finding out at the age of 40 that her cancer had spread, and how she feared she wouldn’t be able to continue doing the things she loves, like hiking and running. But Kelly also shares how exercise, positivity and talking openly and honestly all helped her to live life on her own terms, even while living with breast cancer. She speaks about her experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and how she was the first person to post with a mastectomy scar in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine. You can follow Kelly on Instagram @itskellycrump If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 1:45 Kelly is first diagnosed with breast cancer 3:44 Kelly is diagnosed with secondary breast cancer 5:28 The impact of breast cancer treatment on fertility 9:02 Kelly's lines of treatment for secondary breast cancer 14:10 The experience of when a drug stops working 15:45 Sharing a breast cancer story on social media 17:17 Challenging the perceptions of what a person with cancer looks like 19:10 Breast cancer and body image 21:37 Kelly climbs Kilimanjaro, and other challenges 26:36 Kelly's tips for taking on physical challenges 34:09 Dealing with the physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis 38:08 Dealing with death in the secondary breast cancer community 40:42 Important to talk about experience, challenge media perceptions 40:59 Kelly has to give up her career in fashion after her diagnosis 43:47 Making plans living with secondary breast cancer 48:51 Kelly models her mastectomy scars in Sports Illustrated 52:48 Positive attitude to body image after breast cancer treatment 54:40 What it means to Kelly to "live well"

Sophie Blake, who lives with secondary breast cancer, talks to Laura about Breast Cancer Now's campaign to make sure everyone with breast cancer across the UK can get access to the drugs they need to survive. Eleanor from Breast Cancer Now also joins the conversation to explain the issues with the drug approval system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and what work Breast Cancer Now is doing to help change things. Help us take action now with our automatic form that contacts your MP asking them to help fix the system. Find out more about Breast Cancer Now's campaign, #MoreTimeToLive You can follow Sophie Blake on X @sophieRblake and Instagram @sophieblake72. If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 2:01 Sophie explains what secondary breast cancer means to her 3:23 The importance of access to breast cancer drugs 4:54 The meaning of "More Time To Live" 6:44 Enhertu: a drug that was rejected for use on the NHS in England 10:10 Eleanor outlines the problem with drugs not being approved 13:07 The Severity Modifier, explained 18:38 The reality that people are dying of breast cancer every day 22:23 Breast Cancer Now's recommendations to MPs to help change the system 25:49 The response to the campaign so far from Wes Streeting and NICE 28:21 The timescales required for change 34:33 How listeners can get involved in the More Time To Live campaign 37:31 Sophie talks about the impact of her campaigning on her family 42:39 What it means to Eleanor to live well 44:30 What it means to Sophie to live well

Faye and Rebecca join Laura in the podcast studio to talk about The Show by Breast Cancer Now. At The Show, they joined 21 other people who live with or beyond breast cancer, as models for the day. They speak about the nerves and excitement of taking to the catwalk in stylish outfits, the importance of support and friendship between all their fellow models, and how they feel several weeks after the big night! Faye also talks about how her diagnosis of breast cancer affected her body image, and how it gave her a new perspective on her career. Rebecca talks about the difficulties of going through cancer treatment when her body reacted badly to the drugs, and the importance of sharing her story to help others. You can watch The Show 2025. Apply to be a model in The Show 2026. If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 2:18 Rebecca's diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer 5:03 Faye's diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer 9:49 Looking back at The Show by Breast Cancer Now 19:26 Overcoming a breast cancer diagnosis 21:48 Taking part in The Show while going through active treatment for breast cancer 24:29 Experience of breast cancer in a West African community 27:13 Cultural taboos around breast cancer 28:04 Taking to the catwalk in The Show! 30:58 Working with a fashion stylist 33:05 The experience of having hair and make up done for The Show 35:50 Losing body confidence after breast cancer 36:40 Rebecca's bodybuilding career 39:51 Making your own choice regarding cancer drugs 42:40 Faye's body image after breast cancer 44:35 Faye changes career after her cancer diagnosis 46:45 The feeling of community as a model in The Show 51:41 What it means to Rebecca to "live well" 52:55 What it means to Faye to "live well"

Donna Fraser OBE, Team GB athlete, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36, with no family history. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Donna talks to Laura about how this shock diagnosis affected her and the tough decisions she had to make about her world-class athletics career. Donna also speaks about being an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now, and her work to improve breast cancer diagnosis and treatment more accessible for people in ethnically diverse communities. You can follow Donna on Instagram: @donnalegz and @donnafraserobe If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 2:08 Donna is diagnosed with breast cancer 6:05 Introducing "Diane", Donna's voice of determination 7:37 Making the decision to have a mastectomy 9:20 Recovering from a mastectomy 11:21 The effects of breast cancer surgery on body image 15:18 Donna's new relationship with her body after breast cancer 18:23 Donna makes the decision to go public about her breast cancer 20:21 Black women and breast screening attendance 23:48 Donna's work raising breast awareness among younger women 24:37 The barriers to accessing breast cancer diagnosis and care 27:58 Donna becomes an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now 31:05 Pink Ribbonwalks – a charity fundraiser 34:39 Sport and exercise after breast cancer 36:12 Tips for getting back into exercising after surgery 39:23 Staying breast aware after active treatment for breast cancer 40:07 Donna makes the decision to retire 45:05 The highlights of Donna's athletics career 46:18 What it means to Donna to "live well"

Paula was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, and found out just 2 months later that it had spread to her lungs. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Paula chats with Laura about how she dealt with the shock of a secondary breast cancer diagnosis, and how she copes with the continued impact on her and her family. She’s joined by one of our nurses, Catherine, who talks with Paula about Breast Cancer Now’s face-to-face support services. They discuss how these and other services helped Paula come to terms with her diagnosis, and the many ways to live well with secondary breast cancer. You can find Paula on instagram @yourflowers1 Check out our episode with Claire from Make 2nds Count talking about clinical trials. Check out our episode with Caroline Leek from Fruitfly Collective on talking with children about breast cancer. Watch Paula talk with Catherine about more topics, such as palliative care, on Breast Cancer Now chats. Find out more about Breast Cancer Now's Living with Secondary Breast Cancer service. If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 1:56 Paula is diagnosed with breast cancer 4:36 Paula's cancer spreads to her lungs 5:36 The emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis 7:27 What is secondary breast cancer? 8:14 "Treatable but not curable" 9:58 What it means for cancer to be "stable" 10:50 Paula has treatment for secondary breast cancer 12:28 The role of a clinical nurse specialist 20:39 Face-to-face support while living with secondary breast cancer 26:50 The need for support beyond family 28:34 Talking to children about secondary breast cancer 34:27 When a partner is in denial about your secondary breast cancer 36:49 Waiting for scans: scanxiety 40:20 Paula learns to deal with anxiety 40:59 Looking after your mental health 45:28 Considering clinical trials 50:28 Travel insurance with secondary breast cancer 53:09 What it means to Paula to live well 54:16 What it means to Catherine to live well 55:11 Finding support with Breast Cancer Now

Alice-May Purkiss is a wellbeing creativity coach and author who was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 26. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, she chats with Laura about the language we use to talk about cancer, and if there is better language we can use.  Alice also talks about the impact her breast cancer diagnosis had on her mental health, and shares tips and tricks she has learnt to help her live well with depression.   You can find Alice on instagram @alicemaypurkiss You can also find Alice at her website, www.alicemaypurkiss.co.uk The Media Guidelines. Key Topics: 02:12 Alice talks about her diagnosis 08:05 How does it feel approaching your 10 year anniversary (since diagnosis)? 09:40 Importance of raising awareness of breast cancer in younger women 11:00 The effect of a breast cancer diagnosis on mental health 13:00 Alice on writing her book, 'Life Lemons and Melons' 18:10 Alice talks about her experience of depression 22:50 The difference in having mental health illness vs a physical illness like cancer 24:40- 26:17 TW: Suicidal thoughts alongside going through cancer treatment 27:22 Any tools you can share with people to cope with depression, specifically after a breast cancer diagnosis? 35:40 The importance of community 37:08 What tools can you suggest for someone to help get on with life post-diagnosis? 39:28 The difference between coaching and therapy 41:50 Working with Coppafeel to create the Media Guidelines regarding cancer language 44:30  Using military language to talk about cancer and the potential harm that causes, 54:00 How better to talk to or about someone who has breast cancer 59:35 Making the language around breast cancer more inclusive 01:00:25 The difference between looking for signs and symptoms and being aware of change  01:03:04 What living well means to Alice If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.

Richard was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, and Stuart was diagnosed in 2005 and now lives with secondary breast cancer. They are both involved with the Men’s VMU, an online group aimed at supporting men with a breast cancer diagnosis, promoting research into breast cancer in men, and raising awareness of the signs and symptoms. Only around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. Richard and Stuart talk about how their diagnoses took them by surprise, and share their work in the Men’s VMU trying to get the message to as many people as possible. Find out more about the Men's VMU. Find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support service Someone Like Me. If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. Key Topics: 2:15 Richard's breast cancer diagnosis 5:38 Stuart's breast cancer diagnosis 7:56 Campaigning to receive Herceptin as a man 13:13 Stuart's secondary breast cancer diagnosis 15:51 Looking out for the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer 16:32 Living with secondary breast cancer 20:32 The Men's VMU – support for men with breast cancer 24:22 The use of tamoxifen in men 27:58 The "pinkness" and femininity of breast cancer 31:44 The erosion of male identity after a breast cancer diagnosis 36:10 How the Men's VMU encourages talking about difficult topics 37:11 Find out more about the Men's VMU 37:49 Someone Like Me service from Breast Cancer Now 39:01 The accessibility of resources and support to men with breast cancer 43:51 The importance of family support 45:39 Richard and Stuart's tips for a man just diagnosed 46:39 Getting involved with fundraising and awareness events 47:57 What it means to Richard and Stuart to live well 51:01 How to get in touch with the Men's VMU

Anna was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer when she was 34. After having an adverse reaction to her treatment she was hospitalised, and that trauma continued to affect her long afterwards. Anna talks about the effects of her diagnosis and PTSD on her family and the ways she’s discovering to cope with them. We’re also joined by Vic, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, who provides expert support to people with a breast cancer diagnosis through our many support services. She talks with Anna about the difficulties that can arise with a breast cancer diagnosis and PTSD, and signposts to the support that’s available. You can follow Anna on instagram @abholistichealing.yorkshire You can also read Anna's blog. If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube. Key Topics: 1:28 Laura introduces Anna and Vic 2:01 Anna's breast cancer diagnosis 8:02 Having a negative reaction to chemotherapy 9:48 Fears around recurrence, and the trouble with googling 13:06 Reducing the risk of recurrence, and finding support after treatment 18:36 Anna's children react to her diagnosis 23:28 Dealing with breast cancer as a younger woman 29:32 How the body's memory of trauma can linger 32:27 Anna's experience of PTSD 40:57 How treatment can differ person to person 46:53 The tools Anna has used to cope with her PTSD 49:22 Anna's tips for anyone going through a breast cancer diagnosis 52:39 Where to find out more about breast cancer 53:23 How to find out more from Anna 54:04 What it means to Anna to "live well" 55:24 What it means to Vic to "live well"

Rosamund Dean is an author and journalist who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. In this episode, Rosamund talks to Laura about her mental and physical health, what she’s learned from her diagnosis, and how she deals with the fear of her breast cancer returning.  Rosamund was diagnosed at the age of 40 and she documented her journey with a column in the Sunday Times Style magazine. Since appearing on this podcast back in 2021, Rosamund has completed her treatment and come a very long way.   Follow Rosamund's newsletter "Well Well Well". Find her books, Reconstruction and Mindful Drinking. Find her on instagram @rosamunddean Listen to Rosamund's previous episode on our podcast. Listen to the episode with Dr Liz O'Riordan. Find Dani Bininngton's podcast here. We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website breastcancernow.org or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Key Topics 02:02 A recap of Rosamund's diagnosis and breast cancer treatment 03:55 What is triple negative breast cancer? 06:14 What does the fear of recurrence mean for your mental health? 10:08 What mechanisms have you developed to cope emotionally, living beyond breast cancer? 16:30 Do you still speak to your children about cancer? 21:54 Rosamund's newsletter "Well, Well Well". What does wellness mean to you? 27:23 Is there a single biggest learning you've had? 30:34 What techniques have you learned through your research? 31:36 The impact of social media on mental health 36:25 Rosamund's book, "Mindful Drinking" and the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer 42:02 Having no room for blame in a cancer diagnosis 42:45 Hearing advice of things that can reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence  45:40 Sexual health being affected by a breast cancer diagnosis 49:00 Rosamund's book, "Reconstruction" 52:20 If you could speak to your newly diagnosed self, what would you say? 55:10 What it means to Rosamund to live well