Breast Cancer Now

“In my personal experience, people with a disability or a cancer diagnosis are still stigmatised in many parts of our society. And as a woman, you’re made to feel you’re a burden and that you’ve become less capable. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2018. It was completely out of the blue. I’d just turned 50 and was invited for a screening. “I decided on a mastectomy, which I found heartbreaking. I was losing a part of me. I was offered reconstruction surgery, but after discussing it my surgeon, I decided against it. “I got the all-clear in early 2019. The surgery had completely removed any cancer and all the tests had come back clear. “I had a phased return to work to get some normality. Work was quite supportive but I felt like I wanted to hide, still traumatised by what had happened to my body. “During and after my cancer journey, I had limited support from family and friends. They just didn’t want to talk to me about it. I think they were scared to bring it up. “I stopped attending local Asian events and family events for quite a while, hiding myself away. “Although our community can provide a great source of care and strength, and every family is different, traditional norms still pose serious barriers. So much more work needs to be done in the Asian community to raise awareness. “Some time after surgery, a nurse asked if I’d be interested in attending a Moving Forward course. I thought it sounded great: at last, I could share my story with other women who’d been through similar things. “All of us had different stories about the challenges that we faced and our fears for the future, but we all really related to each other and got on so well. “I really enjoyed the sessions and felt so positive after them. Some of us who met on the course set up a WhatsApp group, and we all still keep in touch. It gives us somewhere to reach out when we want to talk. “Not long after the course, I signed up to become a Moving forward volunteer. “I’ve met so many great people volunteering and it’s really built my confidence back up.” Rani faced anxiety during treatment and isolation after. The Moving Forward course helped her connect with people who understood what she was going through and inspired her to start volunteering. https://lnkd.in/eyWzPv2D

“To have access to the latest drugs is not just for me. It's for [my daughter], it's for my mum who doesn't want to bury a daughter too young. It's for everybody, it's for all of our loved ones... And obviously devastatingly for us, we're not at that point yet.” – Sophie Sophie Blake, who lives with secondary breast cancer, talks to Laura Price about our campaign to make sure everyone with breast cancer across the UK can get access to the drugs they need to survive. Eleanor, one of our policy managers also joins the conversation to explain the issues with the drug approval system and what work we’re doing to help change things. Listen to the episode now 👇 https://lnkd.in/e2Vwj8vB

“By understanding how the immune system interacts with triple negative [breast cancer], we hope to find ways to treat the disease and hopefully cure it in the future.” Last month, we headed to the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute in Glasgow for a special research lab tour. Lucky attendees met with Breast Cancer Now funded researcher Professor Seth Coffelt and got the opportunity to take part in some hands-on science in the lab! Seth and his team are finding ways to train the immune system to recognise and destroy triple-negative breast cancer cells. They believe this research will provide vital information to improve treatments for people living with this aggressive and harder-to-treat form of breast cancer. https://lnkd.in/ebDCg_6h

“I presented at the breast clinic with 2 lumps in March 2020. After a clear mammogram they were dismissed as cysts. I then presented with a third lump September 2021. Another clear mammogram but this time I had biopsies in several areas of my breast. I was alone when I received the diagnosis with my partner in the car park (during COVID times). “It was multiple lobular breast cancer including the cysts. The sneaky breast cancer. I had 11 small tumours and would need a mastectomy. “Nobody looks like me in your shows. Nobody looks like me in the breast cancer posters or adverts. I’m gothic aesthetic and tattooed. It’s not always bald heads, and it’s definitely not all pink and & fluffy. Breast cancer is not a 1 size or type fits all. “A lot of women have guilt because they’ve not had such a rough time with cancer treatment as another. I didn’t lose my hair but I still lost my breast. I still needed radiotherapy, ovarian suppression plunging me in to menopause and 10 years of hormone therapy (which isn’t easy). “We are all relevant and we all want to survive. “It was one of the best days of my life! I can’t thank you enough for picking me to walk that catwalk. It’s a memory I will treasure forever and I’ve made some of the best friends from it.” - Rachael, one of our models in The Show 2025 Rachael took to the catwalk in The Show this year to show that breast cancer can affect anyone, and it’s not “1 size or type fits all”. After a diagnosis at 47, Rachael wanted to embrace life and show that better days will come. You can apply to be a model for The Show 2026 via the link below or email specialevents@breastcancernow.org https://lnkd.in/e-2n_tAG

“Some women told us they didn’t really understand what a mammogram was – or that it’s free. Language barriers made it harder to reach those with limited English.” This Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month, we’re sharing Ugomma Nwadinigwe MSc. Health Econs and Public health policy work to develop resources that are multilingual, inclusive and grounded in community voices. With input from women with lived experience, the team is developing interventions that help break down language, cultural and systemic barriers to screening. Explore the project: https://lnkd.in/e_E47ctx

“I'm so lucky my normal life is 99.9% good vibes, but that's not been the case recently. “To be told you have cancer at any age is devastating. But when you're 33 with a chunk of life left to live (including a wedding to plan!), it's crushing. And to spend the initial weeks following my diagnosis not knowing how serious it was - I just kept thinking I didn’t want to leave a life I love so much, so soon. “Thankfully my breast cancer was caught early but it was aggressive, so the past 9 months have involved 3 surgeries/procedures, IVF, 18 weeks of chemo and then radiotherapy, amassing to over 50 hospital visits and almost 100 injections. I lost most of my ginger locks and I've popped so many pills I rattle when I walk, but I couldn't be more grateful for modern medicine and the NHS staff who deliver it. “I’m so blessed to have such amazing friends and family, who have been with me every step of the way. My mum, who checked in every day, and my rock, Lewis, who was at my side at my lowest moments - when everything seemed too much, and when I couldn't move for days after each hit of chemo. He's been so strong for me, despite it being impossibly hard for him. “The journey isn't quite over - I'm on meds for the foreseeable and need time to recover. But ringing the bell was amazing and brought closure to the hardest chapter of my life. I guess closure is part of the reason I’ve chosen to post about it, too - as well as recognising how far I've come and how strong I am, and letting people know I can be here if they are going through something similar (though I hope no one is!). “I'm taking nothing for granted from now on - especially health, and especially life! “And a final note to everyone: check your titties. Learn how to check them properly, know the signs to watch out for, and don't hesitate to book an appointment if something doesn't feel right. Early detection saves lives - I'm an example of that. “Now, to enjoy life again ☀️” - Danielle Anyone can get breast cancer. Get to know your normal by checking your breasts regularly. Touch your breasts. Look for changes. Check anything new or unusual with a GP. What's your normal? https://lnkd.in/eB8zi9AR

“To be part of this story has been absolutely amazing.” For 25 years our researchers at the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at The Institute of Cancer Research have been making life-changing breakthroughs in the treatment of breast cancer. Professor Pascal Meier and his team have spent the past 2 decades looking for new ways to help the immune system to recognise and react against breast cancer. They've focused some of their work on exploring Inhibitor of Apoptosis proteins (IAPs), which play a pivotal role in cell death and inflammation. They hoped that using drugs that stop these proteins from working would cause tumour cells to die and, crucially, alert the immune system to the cancer’s presence. And in Phase 1 clinical trials, held at the Royal Marsden Hospital, early results have already shown an impressive 40% treatment response rate. To everyone who’s supported our work over the last 25 years, thank you. Discover more of Pascal’s research. https://lnkd.in/eRK9QTyd

”I decided to do everything in my power to give myself the very best shot. I was a single mum of 3 and my children needed their mum. So, operation ‘beat this’ started. ”I first went to the GP with what I thought was ‘menopausal boobs’. He found a lump and I was referred to the 2-week breast cancer clinic. The mammogram and ultrasound were clear, but the lump remained. So, I called back for a 6-week biopsy and that showed no cancer. “9 months later, the lump was still there. I went back again and this time the biopsy showed stage 3 ductal cancer. ”I had 6 weeks to get ready for chemotherapy. I got stronger and fitter, with more cardio and, more importantly, more weights. I was already a weightlifter and generally a sporty person, but I knew that exercise would prepare me for treatment. ”2 weeks before my chemotherapy started, I competed in the British Masters Weightlifting Championships in Glasgow. and I won gold! Just recently, I became the English Champion for 2024. This focus was so important to keep me going and give me a purpose outside of cancer. “My mantra was always do something no matter how rubbish I felt. I knew that I’d feel so much better afterwards and that it was helping me fight the critter that came to visit…. having a plan gave me the focus I needed. ”Goals are good and they’re something you can control when there are things you can’t. Let’s kick cancer and give ourselves the best chance to live longer. Control what you can and be empowered to achieve your goals. This is your journey!” Read more about Dawn’s story and getting active after a breast cancer diagnosis in the comments below…

“The more I talked about my experience with fellow breast cancer patients, I could see how taboo it was in the Asian community and that really shocked me. “I’m quite an outspoken person. I’ve been very open about my diagnosis and my feelings right from the outset. My family were much more hesitant. They would whisper it. I’d think, if I’d broken my shoulder would you be whispering it? “I think women from our community sometimes delay seeking medical attention thinking it will go away. The breast is under the veil, it’s under cover. We also don’t talk about the mental health implications. We need to tell our families and other people how we’re feeling. “At my mum’s funeral I stood up with no hair on my head and my PICC line on show. I knew I was being stared at, but I refused to hide away. People needed to see what I’ve been living with. I was in the middle of chemo and there was a lack of understanding. I feel like there’s a lot of educating I have to do.” Anjali was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, in the same week that her mum was diagnosed with leukaemia. Sadly, Anjali’s mum died in February 2023. This Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month, Anjali speaks out about some of the challenges and taboos she faced after her diagnosis. To find out more about breast cancer in ethnic communities visit our website: https://lnkd.in/ez9a4YDW

Since 2012, Tour de Law has raised an incredible £1.4 million- enough to fund five 3-year research projects or help 48,000 people get vital answers through our free helpline. This year, as you cycle your way along this amazing virtual tour, you’ll be raising money for life-changing breast cancer research and support. We encourage each team to aim for £5,000. That’s enough to fund 2 days of work at our genome sequencing lab, helping researchers investigate which DNA changes can increase the chance of someone developing breast cancer and find new drug targets to stop it. With your team pulling together, you can achieve something truly amazing. With every kilometre you cycle, every pound raised helps make a difference to people affected by breast cancer. https://lnkd.in/e_NhCP88