Breast Cancer Now

We asked you to share with us the things they left unsaid during their breast cancer experience. Thank you for telling us how you really felt. Talking openly about breast cancer can be difficult. Especially if it’s to your family and friends. We get it. That’s why you can talk to us. Follow the link to talk to us about whatever’s on your mind. https://lnkd.in/e7vm_KjE

We're looking for help to shape our input into the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) appraisal into trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) for treating HER2-positive unresectable or metastatic breast cancer. Enhertu has been available for this group of patients through the cancer drugs fund since 2023, allowing NICE and the pharmaceutical companies to collect more data on its effectiveness. The appraisal will consider whether it should be made routinely available on the NHS. This decision will affect a different group of patients to the ones we campaigned for in our #EnhertuEmergency campaign. We’re interested to hear from anyone with HER2+ secondary breast cancer who has received Enhertu. By sharing your experience of the treatment you’ll help to shape our input into NICE’s appraisal. If you’d be happy to share your experience, please email policy@breastcancernow.org by 5pm Friday 11 April.

Can we stop DCIS before it becomes invasive breast cancer? That’s what Professor Ian Kunkler and his team at The University of Edinburgh are working to find out. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is an early form of breast cancer. The cancer cells are contained within the milk ducts, and don’t have the ability to spread into the surrounding area. When DCIS is limited to a small area the treatment is usually breast-conserving surgery. It may be followed by a course of radiotherapy to the whole breast if there is a high chance it could return and become invasive breast cancer. In this project, the researchers are following up with UK participants of the international BIG 3.07 trial. This trial aims to find out if an additional boost of radiation to the area where DCIS has been removed from could help to reduce the chance that DCIS comes back. Ian and his team want to evaluate the long-term effects of radiotherapy boost on the risk of cancer coming back, breast appearance and quality of life. With thousands of people diagnosed with DCIS each year, this study will help identify the best treatment options. Ian's work is generously supported by funding from Asda Tickled Pink. https://lnkd.in/dK2-UvcP

“When the breast surgeon told me I had breast cancer, I said ‘I can't, my kids need me this year!’ My thoughts were ‘What if I die?’ “Our lives changed the moment we told the children (it was the hardest thing I have ever done). Nothing was the same but at the same time, we had to carry on as the boys had such a big year. We had mocks, interviews, Uni and sixth form open days, revision, sports fixtures, 18th and 16th birthdays, more exams and nerves from starting secondary school. I was also starting new projects at work which I had to pull out of. “We have become so close as a family, we always were but our bond is stronger because of cancer. Their empathy, love and kindness is incredible. “Sounds vain but it's my identity that changed, I feel like I look different. I have tried to remain positive and be kind to myself. I found inner strength I never knew I had but it is hard to always maintain it. “I found the chemotherapy really hard, I had never felt so broken and low. I tried my hardest to stay well so I could stick to my chemo dates, which I did. “Being a model in a show will allow me the opportunity to 'accept' myself, show my body off and be proud of my body as it has been through so much.” - Pretti Pretti 49, is a marketing manager from Ascot and will be walking as one of the models in The Show on 15 May. Pretti was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer in September 2023 and had a lumpectomy in November where they removed a 30mm tumour. She had to have chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, which was very difficult as initially she was told she would only need radiotherapy. As an Indian woman, Pretti feels it’s particularly important to represent women like her and raise awareness about breast cancer in her community. Reserve your virtual seat to support Pretti and the other incredible models taking to the catwalk https://brnw.ch/21wRJwF

“Being emotional is great because you’re role-modelling [to the child] that actually showing emotion is healthy... and it’s a valid response to what is happening” “I was playing with my little kids and thinking how they learn… I was perplexed why at school they learn all the sciencey things which they need to know. They need to know about space and magnetism and all that stuff. But really, is there anything about when a parent or a loved one in their family is sick?” Dr 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. Caroline gives helpful tips for explaining cancer to children of all ages, and highlights the resources available to help with parenting during treatment for breast cancer. You can subscribe to this podcast wherever you get your podcasts or watch it on YouTube at the link below. https://lnkd.in/dwJQkmuQ

“Following the surgery my mum had to go through an arduous and painful recovery that still provides some discomfort now, nearly 4 years on. My fabulous mum was an absolute rock during this time, remaining completely positive, taking a normal approach to each day. “In March 2021, my fabulous mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Needless to say the news was a colossal blow to my mother and also my father. But it was also an absolute bombshell to both myself and my brother, which, frankly I struggled to receive in terms of what the reality of the diagnosis could mean. “Following multiple scans and consultations it was determined that a mastectomy was the best option available to enable the best chance of a positive post treatment outcome. “My dad, brother and sister-in-law had a WhatsApp group so could communicate with her during that time and we each had a lucky clover keyring that we had got for her as a symbolic something in the hope it made her feel a little more like we were there with her. “Nearly 4 years on and what I hope to be many many more years to come, my mum is cancer free. “When she first became unwell, I made a point of going for walks with her in our local woodland so it seemed fitting to complete a walking fundraiser and she works with us, so made sense to combine the effort [with my office]. “We wanted to do something together as it acts as a team building exercise and raises money for a great cause." - Wesley This Mother’s Day we’re sharing Wesley and his mum’s story. Later this year, he’s getting his office together to do the Blenheim Palace 10 mile Pink Ribbon Walk to raise funds and support people like his mum. Join Wesley and sign up for a Pink Ribbon Walk at 1 of our 4 iconic locations. https://lnkd.in/dtex3jV5

"At 33 years old and 20 weeks pregnant with my second child, I discovered a lump in my left breast. My GP thought it was likely a milk duct due to my pregnancy, but she referred me for further investigation to be safe. During the ultrasound, the radiologist decided to take biopsies, and alarm bells started to ring. After an agonizing 2 week wait, I received the devastating news that I had triple-negative breast cancer. "I was in complete shock - pregnant and facing cancer at my age. My first thoughts were for my unborn baby and how my diagnosis might affect him. Things moved quickly. 6 days after my diagnosis, I had surgery to remove the tumour, followed by another surgery 4 weeks later to achieve clear margins. Then came the news that I carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, increasing my risk of further cancers. "Over the next months, I endured 3 rounds of chemotherapy, an induced labour at 39 weeks to deliver a healthy baby boy, 12 more rounds of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, and 15 sessions of radiotherapy. I completed 5 years of tamoxifen, and in May 2024, I had surgery to remove my ovaries and fallopian tubes, leaving me in medically induced menopause. "It’s been a tough journey, but I’m grateful I checked my breast that day and that my GP and radiologist acted swiftly. Early detection and prompt action saved my life and allowed me to be here for my children. "Regularly check your chest and if you notice anything unusual, trust your instincts - see a GP. It might feel daunting, but it could save your life. "Mother’s Day is a reminder that I have been fortunate enough to bring 2 babies into the world and be there for them every step of the way. A day where they can show their appreciation for what I do as a Mum and in turn for me to show my appreciation to my own Mum. A slower paced day away from the normal daily routine.” - Danielle This Mother’s Day Asda Tickled Pink is encouraging everyone to check your boobs, pecs or chest regularly and see a GP if you notice anything new or unusual.

"Like many, I thought I knew the typical signs and symptoms - lumps, changes in texture, or unusual pain. I had even recently had a clear mammogram. "My first symptoms were subtle: a feeling of heaviness, some redness, and a slight enlargement of 1 breast. At first, I dismissed them as stress-related or an infection. Even my GP initially treated me for mastitis with antibiotics. However, I was fortunate enough to also be referred to breast screening and subsequent biopsies confirmed my diagnosis. I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. "IBC accounts for only 1-5% of all breast cancer cases but is often diagnosed at stage 3 or higher because its symptoms mimic less serious conditions, such as mastitis or a breast abscess. "For months, I underwent intense chemotherapy. Despite some progress, the cancer spread to my breast skin, meaning surgery and radiotherapy were no longer options. My breast cancer is no longer curable and I am on a lifelong course of treatment aimed at managing the symptoms of locally advanced breast cancer. "The pain I feel at leaving my family and friends is beyond imaginable. This, and the shock of the diagnosis, taught me a vital lesson: awareness is key. "My journey is ongoing, but I’m determined to turn my experience into a message of hope and vigilance. By sharing my story, I hope to encourage others to act quickly by going to a GP if you notice any unusual symptoms. Early detection can make all the difference. “Mother’s Day for me, as a daughter was about showing my Mum how grateful I was for all her love, guidance and the sacrifices she made for me. For my Mum, it was all about receiving a card with lovely words. As a Mum, step-mum and grandparent it's all about spending time together and making memories. With my diagnosis this feels even more important.” - Sue This Mother’s Day we're working with Asda Tickled Pink and CoppaFeel!, to make checking your boobs, pecs and chests, whoever you are, as normal as your Asda shop. Together, we’re putting breast cancer awareness on everyone’s list.

If I get recalled after screening, does it mean I’ve got cancer? No, not necessarily. Around 4 out of every 100 women who get screened are asked to come back for more tests. This is usually because something has shown up on the mammogram that needs to be looked at further. The majority of these people don’t have breast cancer.

Everyone at Breast Cancer Now is extremely saddened to hear that Christina McKelvie MSP has died. Christina supported our wear it pink in the Scottish Parliament for more than a decade, even before her own diagnosis, championing the issues that matter most to people affected by breast cancer. She has been a strong advocate for women regularly checking their breasts and attending their breast screening appointments, and championed the importance of data around secondary breast cancer being collected to help improve treatment and care. We are so grateful to Christina for all she did to amplify the voices of women with breast cancer, and for all the incredible support she has given us over the years. Our thoughts are with her family, and everyone who knew and loved her. Photo credit: Scottish Parliament