Secondary breast cancer resources for healthcare professionals

In 2006, Breast Cancer Care set up and coordinated the Secondary Breast Cancer Taskforce. It identified gaps in the treatment, support and care of people living with secondary breast cancer. Since then we've created specialised services, events and publications for people with secondary breast cancer.

The Secondary breast cancer nursing group was created as part of this ongoing work and an A4 toolkit for healthcare professionals working in secondary breast cancer. The current secondary breast cancer nursing toolkit is an online, dynamic version of the original created by the Taskforce in collaboration with the Secondary Breast Cancer Nursing group. The aim of the current toolkit is for members of the group to contribute and share good practice and tools with others. 

Access the toolkit here

Our Secondary. Not Second Rate campaign (2016-2018) gathered evidence and highlighted a number of inadequacies in the care and support of people living with secondary breast cancer.

The report puts forward potential solutions to the challenges identified in our campaign, presenting work around the UK and internationally that demonstrates better care and support in the areas of diagnosis, data collection, support, as well as nursing care.

Key findings include:

1. Some breast care teams are using a range of methods that ensure primary breast cancer patients are aware of the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer, aiding earlier diagnosis and treatment.
2. Teams who have taken active steps towards addressing key barriers in data collection have seen vast improvements in patient care and support.
3. Maximising resources within and outside the hospital setting results in more efficient, streamlined models of care and improved patient experience.

Read the full report here

Online information about secondary breast cancer
We have a range of information online about secondary breast cancer. This covers topics such as diagnosis, treatment, living with secondary breast cancer and support for you. 

Online services for people with secondary breast cancer
Monthly meet-up groups for women with secondary breast cancer.