Breast cancer and your mental health

Being diagnosed with breast cancer and having treatment can put pressure on your mental health. Whether you're worried about recurrence or struggling with anxiety or depression, our information and tips are here to support you.

Get support from our nurses

If you want to talk things through or find more support, our breast care nurses are here for you. 

Women wearing face mask looking out of the window

Worries about COVID-19

Since COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, it’s natural to feel worried if you’re living with breast cancer or having treatment. Our tips include what you can do to help protect yourself and how to cope with worries.

Find out more

Tips from our breast care nurses

Our nurses are used to speaking to people on our Helpline who are anxious, worried or feeling low. Read their tips for looking after your mental wellbeing. 

depression, mental health and breast cancer

Depression and mental health

Nurse Jane Murphy explains how to spot the signs of depression, and what to do and where you can find help if you're struggling to cope.

overcoming anxiety

10 ways to overcome anxiety

Our senior clinical nurse specialist gives 10 things you can do when worry gets out of control, from self-help tips to finding support.

Five activities to try today

The benefits of exercise for mental wellbeing are well known. Here are some activities to try plus expert tips to get you started.

Woman looking concerned

Anxious about recurrence?

It can help to be aware of the symptoms of recurrence, and what to do if you have a concern.

Find support

talk to our nurses

Call our Helpline

If you have a particular concern about breast cancer, or just want to talk, our specialist nurses and trained staff are here for you. 

Helpline service

Speak to someone like you

Our Someone Like Me service will put you in touch with another person who has had a similar experience to you.

coping emotionally

Find more information

Read our information on how to cope with the emotions you may experience during your breast cancer treatment. 

Becca app

Get mobile support after treatment

It can be hard adapting to a new 'normal' after treatment. Find tips and personal stories in our free app, Becca.

Try Becca

Read personal stories of mental health and breast cancer

Amanda, a white woman with short curly hair and freckles, looks straight into the camera

I was determined that cancer wasn't going to take anything else from me

In 2002, actor Amanda Mealing discovered she had breast cancer within 24 hours of giving birth. Determined not to let her treatment interfere with motherhood, she buried a lot of her feelings. Years later, she began to suffer with what she now recognises as PSTD.

Jacqui, who has long blonde hair and leopard print top, smiles widely while standing in a football stadium

After cancer, I was so numb. I didn’t think I’d ever get better

Jacqui's diagnosis coincided with a number of other traumatic events. She tells us the impact this had on her, as well as the steps she took to seek help for her depression.

Beth, who has dark hair and wears sunglasses, smiles with her two young daughters

Being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age was so isolating

Beth was diagnosed during the pandemic at just 33 years old. Due to her age and restrictions in place at the time, she struggled to find support from other people like her.