Episodes

  • S5 Ep16: Everyone on their goals for the future of breast cancer

    S5 Ep16: Everyone on their goals for the future of breast cancer
    Jul 19 2024
    This season we asked all our guests the same question: if you could change one thing in terms of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond, what would it be?

    Their answers ranged from providing better mental health and exercise support, to making sure people from all backgrounds have access to the same treatments and resources. From more awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, to more funding and research to be put into extending the lives of secondary breast caner patients. From allowing all patients to make informed choices about their own health with reliable information, to being respected and allowed dignity by our doctors when it comes to our own bodies.

    Thank you for listening to the Breast Cancer Now Podcast and stay tuned for season 6, coming soon.

    We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

    Key topics:
    0:00 Introduction
    0:23 Laura introduces the episode
    1:09 Our guests' goals for the future of breast cancer
    16:23 Breast Cancer Now's goals
    16:42 Laura's hopes for the future of breast cancer
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    18 mins
  • S5 Ep15: Toral and Kreena on cancer in the South Asian community

    S5 Ep15: Toral and Kreena on cancer in the South Asian community
    Jul 5 2024
    In this episode, Laura talks to Toral and Kreena about breast cancer in the South Asian community, and the cultural expectations and taboos that surround a diagnosis.

    Toral and Kreena share their experiences being diagnosed with breast cancer as younger women. Toral describes the challenges of getting breast cancer three times, and Kreena talks about her infertility from breast cancer treatment. They both speak about issues they've faced during their cancer diagnosis and treatment, from the health system and within their community, focusing on the importance of self-advocating and challenging cultural norms. They also tell us about an organisation they set up, the South Asian Supernovas, which aims to improve breast cancer awareness and outcomes for the South Asian community.

    Follow South Asian Supernovas on:
    YouTube
    Instagram
    Facebook

    Find out more about The Intended Parent's podcast or listen on your usual podcast hosting platform.

    You can follow Kreena on her website or on Instagram.
    You can follow Toral on her website or on Instagram.

    Find out more about our Younger Women Together service, and also our Someone Like Me service.

    We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    0:24 Laura introduces Toral and Kreena
    1:39 Toral's story
    9:48 Kreena's story
    10:41 The Intended Parent
    13:00 Kreena's diagnosis
    22:35 Why the South Asian Supernovas organisation was set up
    23:32 Cultural expectations and taboos
    27:38 Challenges within breast cancer care for people of colour
    29:58 The effects of breast cancer on life in the South Asian community
    34:34 Tips for a South Asian person newly diagnosed with breast cancer
    39:27 The South Asian Supernovas' breast awareness campaign
    45:00 Now and the future for Toral and Kreena
    52:45 What needs to change in breast cancer?
    53:23 How to follow the South Asian Supernovas and get involved
    53:51 How to follow Kreena and Toral online
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    56 mins
  • S5 Ep14: Barbara on Working With Cancer

    S5 Ep14: Barbara on Working With Cancer
    Jun 21 2024
    In this episode, Laura talks to Barbara about working after a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

    Barbara shares her experience being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, and how she realised a need to support people with cancer going back to work. She also speaks about her organisation Working With Cancer, and describes the ways a person working with a diagnosis can access support, as well as some helpful practical tips.

    Read more information about work and breast cancer.
    Find more resources, support and information about Working With Cancer.

    We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    0:24 Laura introduces Barbara
    2:21 Why Barbara set up Working With Cancer
    4:21 The challenges a person with a breast cancer diagnosis can face returning to work
    7:27 Should you disclose your breast cancer diagnosis to a new employer?
    11:58 Can new employers look at your social media?
    12:51 Support and benefits available for people who can't work because of treatment for breast cancer
    14:15 What's the first thing to do when going back to work after a cancer diagnosis?
    19:03 Telling colleagues about a breast cancer diagnosis
    22:58 Dealing with redundancy when returning to work
    26:46 Making long-term adjustments at work after treatment
    30:25 Dealing with the mental side effects of breast cancer
    35:21 Overcoming obstacles when dealing with cancer and work
    38:13 Losing confidence because of cancer
    39:49 Career coaching service from Working With Cancer
    40:57 Resources for employers on supporting people with a breast cancer diagnosis
    42:29 Tips for speaking to a colleague who has cancer
    45:13 Supporting partners and families of people with cancer
    49:00 How to find out more about Working With Cancer
    49:26 What needs to change in breast cancer?
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    51 mins
  • S5 Ep13: Fiona on inspiring change in the face of adversity

    S5 Ep13: Fiona on inspiring change in the face of adversity
    Jun 7 2024
    In this episode, Laura talks to Fiona, a Breast Cancer Voice and active campaigner for disability issues.

    Fiona speaks about being diagnosed with breast cancer over 30 years ago, and the challenges she faced during her diagnosis and treatment. She tells Laura about her disability and wheelchair use, and how it created obstacles in treatment for breast cancer. Fiona also talks about her volunteering and fundraising for Breast Cancer Now, as well as founding the initiative Swimming After Surgery.

    Find out more about Swimming After Surgery
    Find out more about Flat Friends
    Take a look at what support is on offer from Breast Cancer Now's support service Someone Like Me

    We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    0:24 Laura introduces Fiona
    1:11 Fiona's diagnosis of breast cancer
    3:43 Fiona's reaction to her shock diagnosis
    5:26 Surgeries for breasts cancer, and unforeseen challenges
    8:28 Flat Friends, support charity
    9:43 How to talk to someone with a breast cancer diagnosis
    10:54 How Flat Friends has helped Fiona
    13:14 Fiona's disability diagnosis and its crossovers with breast cancer
    16:52 Disability and breast cancer
    21:16 Fiona's wheelchair usage
    22:52 Swimming After Surgery and other initiatives
    26:48 The beneficial impact of swimming
    27:37 The importance of dignity
    29:49 Getting involved with Breast Cancer Now
    32:29 The financial impact of breast cancer
    34:19 Fiona's experience with the benefits system
    39:51 Macmillan's cancer and domestic abuse initiative
    44:38 Tips for managing breast cancer care with a disability
    45:34 What needs to change in breast cancer?
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    48 mins
  • S5 Ep12: Claire on the services of Make 2nds Count

    S5 Ep12: Claire on the services of Make 2nds Count
    May 19 2024
    In this episode, Laura talks to Claire, support and patient engagement manager at Make 2nds Count, a UK-wide charity giving hope to people living with secondary breast cancer.

    Claire speaks about the work that Make 2nds Count does for people with secondary breast cancer, including their Patient Trials Advocate service helping patients with the exploration of clinical trials, and their many support services around the country for people navigating life with their diagnosis. Claire also talks about her own diagnosis of secondary breast cancer, how it informs her work at the charity, and how she copes with the challenges of supporting cancer patients when she is one herself.

    You can find out all about Make 2nds Count on their website.

    We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website https://www.breastcancernow.org or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    0:23 Laura introduces Claire
    1:11 Claire's diagnosis and experience of secondary breast cancer
    2:04 What is secondary breast cancer?
    5:24 Claire's treatment for secondary breast cancer
    6:13 Explaining what a 'line' of treatment is
    7:10 What the charity Make 2nds Count does
    9:42 Claire's role at Make 2nds Count
    10:15 Support services provided by Make 2nds Count
    13:24 How Claire's mindset helped her cope with her diagnosis
    16:52 The challenges working with secondary breast cancer patients while living with a secondary diagnosis
    21:02 Patient Trial Advocate service from Make 2nds Count
    25:43 Discussing clinical trials
    30:54 Mental health support and clinical trials
    32:38 Funding for secondary breast cancer research
    34:57 Dealing with the complicated information about clinical trials
    39:11 How to access Make 2nds Count's services
    40:02 What needs to change in breast cancer?
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    43 mins
  • S5 Ep11: Fran on the benefits of exercise with cancer

    S5 Ep11: Fran on the benefits of exercise with cancer
    May 10 2024
    In this episode, Laura talks to Fran, a cancer exercise and rehabilitation specialist.

    Fran speaks about her diagnosis of secondary breast cancer at the age of just 25 years old. She tells Laura about how she got back to exercising in incredible time after her surgery, and talks about the importance of 'prehab' before treatment. Fran also describes the work she does with other cancer patients focusing on exercise and strength-training, and lists the benefits of physical activity not only on the body, but also the mind.

    You can train with Fran at One Step Training, or follow her on Instagram @franwhitfield

    We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    0:24 Laura introduces Fran
    1:29 Fran's breast cancer diagnoses
    5:13 How Fran dealt with an alarming prognosis
    7:32 Self-advocating for your health
    8:32 Dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic
    11:01 Side effects of treatment
    13:38 Fran's background in fitness
    17:39 Managing an eating disorder with breast cancer
    25:01 Continuing exercise throughout chemotherapy and other treatment for breast cancer
    34:43 Fran's work as a cancer exercise specialist
    40:02 How Fran blamed her body for breast cancer
    41:34 The mental health benefits of exercise and training
    43:03 Fran explains 'one step training'
    45:51 The role of exercise in reducing recurrence of breast cancer
    49:08 How can anyone begin to do physical training?
    55:57 What needs to change in breast cancer?
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    59 mins
  • S5 Ep10: Sonia on 20 years of change in breast cancer

    S5 Ep10: Sonia on 20 years of change in breast cancer
    Apr 26 2024
    In this episode, Laura talks to Sonia, member of the board of trustees at Breast Cancer Now.

    Sonia speaks about her diagnosis of breast cancer and how it affected her personally and professionally. She tells Laura about how she believed black women don't get breast cancer, back when she was diagnosed in 2004, and how she works to improve diversity and awareness. Sonia also champions the importance of early detection of breast cancer and describes the promising research into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in breast screening.

    We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    Download our breast cancer support app Becca.

    You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    0:24 Laura introduces Sonia
    1:00 Sonia talks about being diagnosed with breast cancer
    11:30 20 years on from a breast cancer diagnosis
    15:49 Not realising that black women could get breast cancer
    21:06 Telling an employer about a breast cancer diagnosis
    24:53 How Sonia's co-workers reacted to her cancer
    28:05 Becoming a trustee at Breast Cancer Now
    30:28 Equality for people of colour
    38:44 The potential of AI in breast cancer
    41:05 Tips for discussing a cancer diagnosis with an employer
    48:52 Tips for employers who have an employee with cancer
    51:26 What needs to change in breast cancer?
    53:17 Final thoughts
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    56 mins
  • S5 Ep9: Erin Kennedy on early detection of breast cancer

    S5 Ep9: Erin Kennedy on early detection of breast cancer
    Apr 12 2024
    In this episode, Laura talks to Paralympic athlete Erin Kennedy, member of Team GB's Paralympic rowing squad and breast cancer awareness campaigner.

    Erin speaks about how she continued competing to win a gold medal during chemotherapy, then winning again after a double mastectomy the following year. She also voices her strong support for breast awareness, and the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Finally, Erin shares some insightful thoughts about how she felt it was important to write her own narrative, and not let breast cancer define her.

    You can follow Erin on Instagram @erinmwj and on X/Twitter @erinwysocki

    Visit Breast Cancer Now's website for more information on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

    Listen to the previous episode with Dr Liz O'Riordan, mentioned in this episode.

    We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    0:24 Laura introduces Erin Kennedy
    1:38 Erin talks about her life as a Paralympic athlete
    10:11 Erin's breast cancer diagnosis
    14:04 The impact of cancer on Erin's career as an athlete
    19:26 Erin's treatment for breast cancer
    20:26 Continuing to train through chemotherapy
    23:34 Telling family, friends and colleagues about your breast cancer diagnosis
    30:00 Adjusting to life after breast cancer
    31:23 Erin's tips for a good mental approach to a diagnosis
    33:16 Why Erin felt it important to talk about her breast cancer
    36:28 The importance of early detection of breast cancer
    39:36 Breast cancer and body image
    42:28 The challenges Erin experienced with her diagnosis
    44:35 Erin describes her 'prehab' routine before breast cancer surgery
    46:03 Erin looks to the future with her rowing now breast cancer treatment is finished
    49:43 Writing your own narrative in the face of adversity
    52:34 What needs to change in breast cancer?
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    57 mins