Breast cancer made me feel like I had to rebuild myself
During her recovery from breast cancer treatment, Angela decided to write Rebel Boob, a show about the real-life experiences of women with b...
Hormone treatment can feel daunting, but at least I can use my experience to help with new research
Tracy recently took part in the SWEET project, which hopes to build a new platform of resources for women undergoing long-term hormone thera...
I love my body even more since having a mastectomy
When Clare was told she needed a mastectomy, she expected to be upset. Approaching her treatment with positivity, however, she now feels bet...
For a long time, I didn’t want to acknowledge my breast cancer diagnosis. I just wanted to be ‘normal’
When Natasha was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer at the age of 43, she tried to keep it at arm’s length. Now, she sees the value of c...
My body confidence plummeted after having breast cancer, but now it’s better than ever before
When Cassie went through breast cancer treatment at 34, it changed how she felt about her body. She challenged herself to build back her con...
When my wife died of secondary breast cancer, I felt robbed of a future we could have had
Nick’s wife, Dawn, died just a month after being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. He tells us about the life they shared, and how sup...
There is still a lack of information about BRCA genes – for patients and health professionals
Tony found out he had an altered BRCA2 gene after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. Before that, he had no idea what it could enta...
Even in her final days with breast cancer, Emma was thinking of others
As Philippa and Wilma reflect on their friend Emma and her gregarious way of life, they are grateful to be able to remember her in a way tha...
I'm sharing my story to remind others to make their health a priority
Meera is 33 years old and having treatment for breast cancer. She has been documenting her story in the hope of reaching other young people ...
Having a breast cancer diagnosis feels like being put on a train with no idea of the destination
When Nana was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, she felt overwhelmed by uncertainty. She shares how she consciously adopted a po...
The unfairness of waiting two years for a diagnosis turned my world upside down
Nicky struggled with her mental health after breast cancer treatment. She shares what she struggled with, what helped her, and where she is ...
Being diagnosed just before Christmas was hard, but being out of treatment was even more difficult
Louise found out she had breast cancer after a routine scan last December and began treatment just before Christmas. She reflects on the tou...
People with breast cancer need support – but what about their partners?
Chris’ wife, Miriam, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. When she began supporting others after her treatment, Chris realised that he ...
The hardest part was when my breast cancer treatment finished
When Jenny was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2019, her treatment went by in a blur. After it was finished, she suddenly felt lo...
I sought medical help for years before finally being diagnosed with breast cancer
Despite multiple visits to GPs, Nicky was told for more than a year that the change in her breast was nothing to worry about. She tells us a...
It may sound weird, but I almost enjoyed the time I had during my cancer treatment
Catherine was determined to stay positive during her breast cancer treatment. She filled her time with friends and family, and now uses that...
The emotional and practical support from Living with Secondary Breast Cancer meet-ups was invaluable
When Anne was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, she found it invaluable to meet up with others with the same diagnosis.
I want people to see the true picture of cancer
In 2013, Esther had a mastectomy to treat primary breast cancer. Following a secondary (metastatic) breast cancer diagnosis earlier this yea...
When I first noticed a change in my breast, I thought nothing of it
Lorraine’s breast cancer symptoms were not what she expected, so she didn’t see a doctor. When she was eventually diagnosed, she worried it ...
I was diagnosed 15 months after losing my husband to cancer
When Judi found out she had breast cancer in January 2021, she worried about navigating treatment alone. More than anything, she needed to f...
My mum hid her breast cancer symptoms for so long – by the time she was diagnosed, it was already too late
Chris’ mum, Gill, died of secondary breast cancer in March this year. He tells us about the wonderful person she was, as well as how he is r...
I use my breast cancer experience to raise awareness and money for others
When Dawn was diagnosed with breast cancer in March last year, she went on walks to maintain her physical and mental health. She tells us ho...
Talking to children about death or cancer can be difficult, so I wrote books to help them understand
Elke was diagnosed with breast cancer three years after her husband died. In both instances, she worked hard to be honest with her children ...
Going through breast cancer treatment as a man is intimidating at times
When Richard was diagnosed with breast cancer he found that treatment was female-focused. Now, he is working to raise awareness for other me...
I was told I had secondary breast cancer, but nobody explained what that meant
When Anne found a lump in her neck, she had no idea it could be linked to the breast cancer she had years earlier. She tells us how she got ...
My doctor told me I had inflammation, but it was actually secondary breast cancer
After finishing treatment for primary breast cancer, Jac began feeling a pressure in her chest. It was eventually diagnosed as metastatic br...
My marathon training was interrupted by breast cancer treatment, but that won’t stop me from running
Despite unpleasant treatment side effects and surgery recovery time, Danielle persevered with her training. Now, 18 months after her diagnos...
My treatment was tough, but the emotional support I received had a huge impact on my recovery
Toria Kendrick was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after having a baby and seeing her own mother go through treatment. Once she felt we...
2 months after being told I was cancer-free, I discovered I had secondary breast cancer
When Pam was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in October 2020, she was overwhelmed physically and emotionally. She tells us what she’...
Breast Cancer Now did so much to help me physically and mentally through my treatment
Tracy Armstrong was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2019. After three operations, and with the COVID-19 pandemic creating even mo...
Chemotherapy took so much from me, but I’ve found a way to take back control
While going through treatment for stage three breast cancer, Bal experienced hair loss, fatigue and ongoing brain fog. Thanks to support and...
Having breast cancer has given me a new zest for life
When she was diagnosed 5 years ago, Fran decided to approach her treatment with positivity. Now she looks back at the things that helped her...
My secondary breast cancer was misdiagnosed as a chest infection
When Joy initially started experiencing symptoms of secondary breast cancer, her doctors thought it was asthma-related. A decade later, she ...
After being part of a medical trial, I now help to approve future clinical trials for breast cancer patients
Opting to take part in a clinical trial has helped Hilary to realise the importance of research and motivated her to do more to represent pa...
Waiting for reconstruction has been hard, but I’ve got through it with humour
Carole was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 37. After a tough experience with chemotherapy, she’s also had to wait a long time for ...
I used to think I was a victim of secondary breast cancer, now I see myself thriving
Jennifer struggled when she was diagnosed with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, but has worked hard to change her attitude and to advoc...
A year after a clear mammogram, I had grade 3 cancer in my breast and lymph nodes
Vicks' diagnosis was a shock, and she found it difficult to manage treatment on top of being a single mum and starting a new job. Thankfully...
Being diagnosed with breast cancer while supporting a young family changed everything
When Dawn was diagnosed with breast cancer, she worried about how her young daughter, Eve, might react.
It took 6 months for doctors to diagnose me with secondary breast cancer
Aliya experienced a long delay when seeking help for her secondary (metastatic) breast cancer symptoms. By speaking about her experience, sh...
I put off seeing a doctor because I believed that breast cancer was incurable
When Lorraine found a lump, she thought nothing could be done to help her. After her treatment and recovery, she turned her attention to hel...
I hid my breast cancer diagnosis for years, but now I’m speaking out to help others
When Zahida discovered she had cancer, it was difficult to find support amongst friends and family because it was seen as a taboo topic. She...
Getting breast cancer led me back into writing and onto a new career path
Jo discovered she had breast cancer and was a carrier of an altered BRCA2 gene. She had always enjoyed writing but after diagnosis she turne...
I took on a 100k running challenge while undergoing chemotherapy
Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in the midst of the pandemic, and took on the 100k challenge while having treatment.
Having cancer 4 times over 17 years has given me a greater awareness of life
Angela was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989. Since then, she has done what she can to help others by volunteering and raising mone...
We turn our golf green into a sea of pink once a year for Breast Cancer Now
Every year, Turnhouse Golf Club hosts a special event to raise money for Breast Cancer Now - and it's always a smashing success!
I had to learn to be my own advocate when I had breast cancer
Verite was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, but still has side effects of treatment today. She explains here the importance of speaking...
We shouldn’t think of breast cancer as a woman’s disease
10 years ago, Tony discovered he had breast cancer. Since then, he’s got involved with Breast Cancer Now to make other men aware of the risk...
After losing two loved ones and developing breast cancer myself, I wanted to educate others
Breast cancer has been in Bami’s life ever since her mother was diagnosed. She uses her experience to make others aware of symptoms.
Having secondary breast cancer does not make me brave, but I have been able to live well with my diagnosis
Jane was initially diagnosed with breast cancer 14 years ago, then found out she had secondary breast cancer in 2012. She tells us about wha...
Volunteering helps the people I work with, but it's also been invaluable to me
Amanda, a retired radiographer who sadly lost her daughter to breast cancer, has been volunteering with university students to share her kno...