New support in Orpington for people living with secondary breast cancer

The new ‘Living with Secondary Breast Cancer’ group will bring together people with secondary breast cancer to talk, listen and learn with others who understand the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings, in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The free monthly group will begin on Monday 4 November between 11.00am and 1pm at The Primrose Centre, Prudence Lane, Orpington, a local breast cancer charity offering support and holistic treatments.

The service will continue at the same time on the first Monday of every month.

The first ‘Living with Secondary Breast Cancer’ session will be a relaxed introductory coffee morning to meet the counsellor who will facilitate the group and the group coordinator. Nurses from the Princess Royal University Hospital will also be attending to answer any questions people may have about the disease.

Every few months at the group there will be longer sessions offering the chance to hear from an expert speaker on topics such as treatment side effects, fatigue and clinical trials. Wellbeing sessions about complementary therapies and other local support services will also be arranged.

It’s estimated that over 61,000 people are living with secondary breast cancer (also called metastatic, advanced, or stage 4 cancer) in the UK. The disease occurs when breast cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body, most commonly the bones, liver, lung or brain. While secondary breast cancer can be treated, it cannot currently be cured.

Emily Jobson, services coordinator, secondary breast cancer, at Breast Cancer Now, said:

 “We are delighted to be launching such an invaluable support service in Orpington to help us be there for more people living with secondary breast cancer in the area.

“Secondary breast cancer is full of uncertainties and people often tell us they feel overlooked after receiving the devastating diagnosis. That’s why our Living with Secondary Breast Cancer group offers a friendly space to share what’s on your mind with people who understand, as well as provide vital support and crucial information to help people feel less alone.

“If anyone has any questions please get in touch with us at secondaryservices@breastcancernow.org or call 0345 077 1893.”

Jo Gallier, Centre Manager at The Primrose Centre in Orpington, said:

"We're really looking forward to working with Breast Cancer Now and launching this new group at The Primrose Centre, to support those with a secondary breast cancer diagnosis in Orpington.

"These sessions will provide a safe space to openly and honestly share any challenges people may be facing, or chat through however they might be feeling with others who 'get it'. We hope it will help people feel less isolated and they'll come away with new friends and feeling supported."

Hannah Ford, Lead Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, based at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), will be sharing information about the new service with secondary breast cancer patients at the hospital. Hannah said:

 “I am delighted that this new service has been set up in Orpington. It will help the work we are doing to support those patients who have been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. It provides an opportunity for patients to come together in a safe space for peer support with people who are in a similar position to them, and this can be really beneficial for their emotional and social wellbeing.”