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Hello. My name is Denise Delaney and in September 2012 I joined Breast Cancer Care as Helpline and Ask the Nurse Manager.
Since then I've seen amazing work every day and I feel proud to be part of an organisation that makes such a difference to the lives of so many people.
Each year we carry out a survey of Helpline users to find out what callers think of the service. In 2012, 214 surveys were returned.
Reassurance and confidence
'The fear of the unknown is very scary. The lovely nurse made me feel that I could work through my fear and I did. It turned out fine and made me feel in control again.'
'I gained considerable comfort and great understanding particularly of the treatments that were being administered to my daughter.'
'It made me feel I was not alone and... had somewhere to turn should I need any related information.'
Someone to talk to
'A feeling of hope and not being alone. The [person] I spoke to was wonderful she was reassuring with a sense of humour... I felt she really cared about my wellbeing. I came away feeling very positive.'
Coping skills and self-management
'I learnt quite a lot from the conversation and now I feel better able to cope with and understand my situation. I just wish I had phoned sooner. It would have saved a lot of suffering emotionally.'
Knowledgeable relevant and personalised information
'Support and understanding from someone who had factual medical knowledge about my situation I was in…'
'I was very scared and the clinic I was attending always busy but the Helpline had time to answer my questions. I got information about my treatment and if I should have chemo. I was given two choices of chemo. I was pointed in the right direction.'
Value of the Helpline
Researchers based at the Institute of Cancer Research have discovered a link between infertility and breast cancer in men. This could help us better understand the disease and lead to better ways to treat or prevent it.
Proposed changes to cancer waiting times in England and what this could mean for people who are referred to a breast clinic with possible signs of cancer.
Last week, Breast Cancer Now was invited to give evidence to the Health and Social Care Select Committee’s inquiry on cancer services.