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After finding a lump just before her 40th birthday, Helen Addis was diagnosed with breast cancer. This inspired her to throw herself into all sorts of campaigns, ultimately being awarded an MBE. Helen joins Laura to talk about how breast cancer radically changed her life, including parenting three young children during treatment and spearheading the Change + Check national awareness campaign. They discuss Helen's passion for breast awareness as well as her campaigning for access to the drug Enhertu, and reflect on how the friends she's lost within the breast cancer community have made her even more determined to campaign for change. Helen also shares how it felt when she found she'd been awarded an MBE, completely out of the blue. Helen discusses her personal experience of taking fezolinetant, also known as Veoza, for hot flushes. This medicine may not be suitable for everyone who has had breast cancer. Speak to your oncology team before starting or stopping any treatment. Find out more about the Change + Check campaign. Listen to Hannah Gardner's episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast.Listen to Caroline Leek talk about parenting with cancer. You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Key topics:02:53 Helen's breast cancer diagnosis06:03 Helen's treatment for breast cancer08:39 Change + Check campaign13:14 The importance of campaigning15:13 Helen's campaigning work19:55 Losing friends in the cancer community23:38 Finding meaning in your own life24:45 Parenting during treatment for breast cancer30:47 Genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer33:39 Helen talks about being awarded an MBE38:34 Helen's experience with fezolinetant42:08 The unexpected ways cancer can change your life43:53 How to follow Helen45:05 Helen's takeaways from this episode

What is metastatic breast cancer? How does it spread? What happens after diagnosis? In this episode, Breast Cancer Now nurse Catherine Priestley joins Laura for an informative chat about metastatic, or secondary, breast cancer. They discuss the signs and symptoms to look out for, and explain how and where it can spread around the body. Laura shares her own experience of a incurable breast cancer, including scan anxiety and the ways she's learned to live with it. She discusses with Catherine the importance of peer support and holding on to hope while living with uncertainty. They also explain how Breast Cancer Now’s nurses and support services can help people living with metastatic breast cancer, as well as their friends and families. Read more information about metastatic breast cancer.You can call the Breast Cancer Now helpline on 0808 800 6000.Ask our nurses a question.Talk to someone like you.Find group support for people with metastatic breast cancer. Support for parents with cancer from Fruitfly Collective.Listen to Caroline Leek on parenting with cancer. Listen to Caroline Leek on talking with children about death and grief. Support for people with metastatic cancer from Make 2nds Count.Listen to Claire from Make 2nds Count. You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Key topics:2:16 What is metastatic breast cancer?3:13 How does breast cancer spread to other parts of the body?6:16 What does 'terminal' mean?8:02 What does 'de novo' mean?11:05 The signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer21:54 How to get any concerns you have checked out24:58 I've been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. What now?27:39 Finding hope with a metastatic cancer diagnosis29:06 Coping with the emotional impact of a metastatic diagnosis38:03 How long am I going to live?42:39 Planning your life with metastatic breast cancer44:20 Treatments for metastatic breast cancer44:55 Treatment for ER+ metastatic breast cancer47:03 Treatment for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer48:08 Treatment for triple negative metastatic breast cancer49:16 What is disease progression?50:13 Coping with scanxiety, the worry before a scan53:57 Clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer58:00 What happens when treatment options run out?1:01:44 Financial support1:03:59 Further support for anyone affected by metastatic breast cancer

In this episode Laura speaks to Dani Binnington about the often overlooked impact of a cancer-induced menopause. They are also joined by Breast Cancer Now nurse Louise Grimsdell. They discuss their experiences of the menopause, and many symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, low libido, fatigue, joint pain, anxiety, depression, and weight gain, and the profound impact these symptoms can have on quality of life. They talk about practical ways to manage the symptoms and the importance of seeking support from healthcare professionals rather than suffering in silence. Laura, Dani and Lou talk about how significantly the menopause, especially after cancer, can affect so many aspects of life, and where to find support. Find Dani's organisation Menopause and cancer and @menopause_and_cancer Key Topics03:35 Dani's diagnosis07:11 What is menopause?08:10 Dani's experience of menopause13:07 Laura's experience of menopause17:12 Dani on the NFP Menopause and cancer 22:45 The ultimate goal25:17 Laura on the importance of acknowledging how the menopause affects you29:15 The most asked menopause questions34:27 What are hot flushes, and what can be done about them?43:04 The effect on menopause on sex and intimacy55:55 Dating and the menopause01:02:00 Affects on fertility 01:08:55 Mental health 01:13:35 Services of menopause and cancer01:14:35 The impact of exercise on symptoms of menopause01:21:14 Nutrition and diet 01:25:15 Weight gain through menopause and cancer treatment01:28:11 Where to find support and resources

Being diagnosed with breast cancer might leave you with so many questions. Why has this happened to me? How do I tell my children? What treatment will I have? Will I lose my hair? Where can I find support? In this episode, Breast Cancer Now nurse Jane Murphy answers your questions about primary breast cancer. She explains what to expect after a diagnosis, tips for surgery, genetic testing, diet, exercise, telling people about your diagnosis, and dealing with work. Jane also discusses how Breast Cancer Now can support you through this uncertain time. She shares what it's like to work on the helpline and ask our nurses services, provide reassurance and support to people for many years. You can call the Breast Cancer Now helpline on 0808 800 6000.Or ask our nurses a question on our website.You can talk to someone like you.Support and events for younger women.Support for moving forward after treatment. Support for parenting with cancer at Fruitfly Collective.Listen to our episode with Caroline Leek about parenting with cancer. Support for working with cancer at Working With Cancer.Listen to our episode with Barbara Wilson about working with cancer. Timestamps:1:26 Why did I get breast cancer?2:52 How do I tell people I have breast cancer?4:48 How do I tell my children about my diagnosis?6:40 What treatment will I have for breast cancer?8:26 Am I going to die?9:12 What does oestrogen positive (ER+) mean?10:08 What does triple negative mean?10:52 Do I need to stop taking HRT?11:41 Can I still take supplements during chemotherapy?12:24 Will I lose my hair with chemotherapy?13:50 Will the cancer spread while I wait for surgery?15:59 I want to have my breasts removed but my surgeon says I only need a lumpectomy.17:40 How do I choose my breast reconstruction?20:11 How can I talk to someone else who's been through this?20:48 How will treatment affect my fertility?22:05 How do I request genetic testing?23:34 Should I be worried about my children getting breast cancer?24:28 What it's like for Jane working at Breast Cancer Now.27:29 Do I need to change my diet?28:03 Can I still exercise?29:00 Can I still drink alcohol?29:46 Did I cause my breast cancer?31:22 How do I deal with work?32:47 What are the side effects of hormone therapy?34:21 What support is there?

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Laura speaks to her mum Christine. She joins us to talk about being the parent of an adult child with cancer, and their family’s long history with breast cancer. They talk about Christine’s mother Hetty, who died from breast cancer age 43, and her sister Heather, who also had breast cancer.  Laura reflects on her personal experiences of breast cancer, being first diagnosed when she was 29, and then again in 2022 with metastatic breast cancer, and the emotional impact this had on the family. They discuss discovering that they carry a gene mutation PALB2, which has helped to explain the pattern of breast cancer across generations.  Despite the challenges, they talk about what cancer has taught them, how they both focus on living life now, making memories and appreciating the support and treatments available today.  You can watch this episode on Youtube. Key topics:03:05 Christine's mother's diagnosis13:30 Awareness of breast cancer growing up14:35 Laura's primary diagnosis21:20 What it was like parenting a grown up child with cancer24:10 Fear of the breast cancer returning26:51 Christine's sister, Heather's diagnosis30:50 Laura's metastatic diagnosis35:30 How Christine felt about Laura's metastatic diagnosis37:10 What it feels like, as the person who hasn't had cancer39:10 Genetic mutations and implications48:00 Risk factors and differences in lifestyles contributing to breast cancer52:20 The impact of breast cancer on living life to the fullest53:14 What Christine has learnt about breast cancer 56:36 Laura's dad57:50 Laura reflecting on making decisions about her fertility treatment01:01:08 One thing to take away from this episode

Ashley Dalton, Labour MP and former Health Minister, joins Laura on the Breast Cancer Now podcast this week. In this episode, Ashley reflects on her breast cancer diagnoses, and what working with incurable metastatic disease is like. She also talks about leading the development of the National Cancer Plan for England and why patients' experiences are essential for creating cancer policy. Ashley discusses the importance of counting people with metastatic cancers, having a single patient file in the NHS, and pushing for real change. Read the National Cancer Plan here. Key Topics:01:18 Getting to know Ashley Dalton07:45 Ashley's breast cancer diagnoses14:14 Life between primary and metastatic breast cancer16:36 The Prime Minister's reaction to Ashley's cancer diagnosis18:43 Ashley resigns from her job as Health Minister20:40 What is the National Cancer Plan?22:06 Involving organisations and patients in the Cancer Plan25:40 The great ambition of the Cancer Plan31:52 What does the National Cancer Plan mean for metastatic breast cancer?33:02 We need to count people with metastatic breast cancer37:43 Improving access to treatment44:03 Identifying people with an increased risk of breast cancer45:32 Improving access to breast screening48:44 Ashley shares her highlights from the Cancer Plan51:24 Keeping hope in the face of metastatic breast cancer

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, we speak to Tamara about her diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer, cancer in Black communities, and the impact of discovering she carries the BRCA2 gene mutation. Tamara opens up about the emotional weight of having to explain her cancer and her behaviour to the people around her. She also explores the stigma and mistrust that surrounds cancer in Black communities, and why culturally sensitive education is the key to improving outcomes. The conversation explores the feeling of dismissal Black women face in healthcare settings, and the incredible support Tamara experienced when she found Black Women Rising. Find support at Breast Cancer NowMore info about Younger Women Together courses Find support at Black Women RisingFind support at UK Charity for Triple Negative Breast CancerFrom Me To You - Supporting Black Cancer Communities. You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Key Topics:2:50 Life before diagnosis5:36 Mara's breast cancer diagnosis11:08 Conversations about the BRCA gene mutation13:52 Understanding triple negative breast cancer20:37 Black women experiencing dismissal in healthcare22:48 What needs to be done to help improve healthcare for Black women?24:13 How Mara's diagnosis was received by her family and her community25:32 Mental health support at the point of cancer diagnosis28:58 Christian beliefs and breast cancer32:02 Difficulty talking with other people about your cancer diagnosis39:46 The power of the breast cancer community41:20 Body image after surgery for breast cancer44:01 Improving education in black Caribbean and black African communities51:18 Mara's work with Black Women Rising

In this episode Laura speaks to Pretti who was prompted to self-check by a friend, and was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 47. Pretti reflects on some of the misconceptions and taboos around breast cancer in the South Asian community. She speaks about the importance of encouraging open and honest conversations about breast cancer awareness and early detection. They discuss the physical effects of treatment such as hair loss during chemotherapy and how she coped with body image changes. Pretti also talks about how exercise, acupuncture, education and self-compassion have helped her recovery.  Pretti explains how sharing her story through social media has helped create a supportive community, encouraging women to check their breasts and attend mammograms, and providing hope to others undergoing treatment.  Key Topics02:05 Pretti's diagnosis, treatment and how she is now08:11 The cultural approach to health matters in the South Asian community13:13 Advice for speaking to parents16:50 Barriers to diagnosis for South Asian women17:45 Why you shouldn't be reluctant to go to a mammograms18:05 Empowering women to take control of their breast health18:30 Advice for someone struggling to talk to their family about their diagnosis22:05 South Asian beauty standards and body image during treatment26:10 Speaking to kids about breast cancer31:50 Fighting back feelings of shame and guilt around cancer, after being brought up with misconceptions and taboos around the topic36:35 (Surgically induced) Menopause39:15 Managing low mood43:14 Attitudes to food and nutrition47:45 Being a model in The Show by Breast Cancer Now48:57 Being a BCN voice51:00 Something you wish you'd known before your diagnosis53:54 What do you want people to take away from this episode? Find Pretti on Instagram at @hellobreastcancer

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, we explore the role of genetics in cancer risk, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, specifically in Jewish populations. Naomi shares her powerful story after discovering she carries the BRCA2 gene mutation following the loss of her mum to ovarian cancer. With an 80% lifetime risk of breast cancer, She faced life-changing decisions, and opted for risk-reducing surgery. Naomi speaks about what it’s like to live with that knowledge, how it shaped her choices, and why taking preventative action gave her a sense of control. She also shares the impact of her gene mutation on her children, and how they've dealt with it as a family. We’re also joined by Josh from Jnetics, a Jewish genetic disorders charity, who explains the science behind BRCA gene mutations, why they increase cancer risk, and why they are more common in people with Jewish ancestry. He also outlines how testing works, who may be eligible, and what support is available. Breast Cancer NowWebsite: https://breastcancernow.orgFree helpline: 0808 800 6000 Jewish BRCA Testing Programme (NHS England)Register interest: https://www.jewishbrca.orgHelpline: 020 3437 6001 Jneticshttps://www.jnetics.org Chai Cancer Carehttps://www.chaicancercare.org You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Key topics:1:29 Getting to know Naomi and Josh4:00 A history of cancer in Naomi's family7:50 Naomi is tested for the BRCA gene mutation9:35 What is a genetic mutation or gault?12:20 Why is the BRCA gene mutation more common in Jewish populations?17:24 What is BRCA, how does it work, and why does it break?20:38 Naomi's increased risk of cancer23:32 Naomi makes the choice to have risk-reducing surgery27:01 The psychological impact of risk-reducing surgery28:34 Support for carriers of gene mutations31:53 How to get tested for BRCA gene mutations35:52 Coping with the fear of having genetic testing37:52 Naomi decides how to deal with her daughters potentially being BRCA carriers39:47 Dealing with feelings of guilt passing on a genetic mutation to a child41:15 Preventing gene mutations with IVF42:20 Research into fixing faulty genes44:06 Cultural barriers to genetic testing within Jewish populations46:51 Hope for the future of genetic mutations50:08 More information for people with Jewish heritage BRCA gene, BRCA2, breast cancer risk, genetic testing UK, hereditary cancer, ovarian cancer risk, mastectomy prevention, cancer genetics, Jewish BRCA, NHS genetic testing, breast cancer awareness UK

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Nikki Wheatley talks to Laura about her experience being diagnosed with triple negative, and later metastatic breast cancer. Nikki shares how she both finds and spreads hope, five years on from her metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. She discusses her work with the change and check campaign.  They discuss what triple negative breast cancer means, and why it can be harder to treat. Nikki discusses how she manages living with metastatic breast cancer day-to-day, managing the side effects of her treatments and looking after her mental well-being. Nikki also talks about how she has found parenting with cancer and where she has found support, in places like the Fruitfly collective, Ruth Strauss foundation and Maggie's. They talk about the importance of self-advocacy and early detection, and how she hopes to help others by sharing her story.  Key Topics: 01:20 Getting to know Nikki02:10 Explaining what triple negative breast cancer is03:01 Nikki's diagnosis05:55 The word "aggressive" in relation to triple negative07:20 Finding out the cancer had spread11:40 Nikki's signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer16:38 Hearing "the cancer had spread to your brain" 18:50 Treatment and scanxiety25:40 How Nikki looks after herself emotionally27:55 Nutrition30:20 Feeling isolated having a triple negative diagnosis31:30 Parenting through cancer and finding support34:32 Finding hope40:30 What sorts of progress would you like to see in terms of treatment?42:25 Nikki's involvement in the change and check campaign48:20 Being an 'outlier'50:45 Knowing your normal52:10 What would you say to someone your has just been diagnosed with primary triple negative breast cancer?53:10 The online breast cancer community55:18 Looking to the future

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Jay shares her journey working in cancer research to receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer herself.  Jay opens up about discovering a lump in 2018 at age 47, navigating a stage 3 diagnosis, and dealing with chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. Drawing on her science background, she also explains how understanding the system helped her advocate for herself and regain some sense of control.  She reflects on the emotional realities of cancer, and the role of family, culture and her community in her experience. Jay also speaks about the challenges within the South Asian community, where cancer is often a taboo subject, and highlights the urgent need for better awareness and representation.  Jay is now a strong advocate for health literacy and inclusion, and tells Laura about her dedication to empowering women to listen to their bodies, ask questions, and speak up in healthcare settings. Breast Cancer Now support & information: https://breastcancernow.orgClinical trials database: https://clinicaltrials.gov Key topics:01:11 Let's get to know Jay02:19 Jay's background working in clinical trials03:52 Jay is diagnosed with breast cancer08:59 The loneliness of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment12:12 What Jay learned from her cancer diagnosis16:19 The importance of self advocacy and health literacy20:43 How Jay approached telling her parents about her cancer diagnosis26:53 Jay 8 years on from diagnosis28:38 Troubles with tamoxifen31:33 Ways Jay deals with life after cancer treatment34:45 Working towards better research representation in under-represented communities37:44 Jay's work educating people about breast cancer40:51 Cancer in the South Asian community42:59 Improving cancer outcomes in Black and South Asian populations

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy shares his experience of being diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. Chris discusses the shock of diagnosis, adapting to life with incurable cancer, and how his mindset as an elite athlete has helped him navigate uncertainty. He also introduces the Tour de 4, a community cycling event raising funds and awareness for metastatic cancers. Together with Laura Price—who is also living with metastatic breast cancer—the conversation explores resilience, the importance of healthy living, and finding meaning while living with an incurable diagnosis. Tour de 4 will take place on Sunday 6 September 2026 – sign up now. Breast cancer support and information on metastatic breast cancer from Breast Cancer Now.Prostate cancer support and information on metastatic prostate cancer from Prostate Cancer UK.Check your risk of prostate cancer in 30 seconds with Prostate Cancer UK's risk checker. You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Key topics01:37 Life before cancer03:52 Dealing with a diagnosis of metastatic cancer08:20 The mental resilience and drive of an athlete12:42 Tour de 4 – Sir Chris Hoy's cycling fundraiser14:28 The community of Tour de 417:40 Who can take part in Tour de 4?19:10 The impact of Tour de 421:32 How to sign up for Tour de 422:31 Laura's experience of last year's Tour de 424:58 Raising awareness about metastatic cancers28:02 Chris Hoy opens up about mental challenges posed by his diagnosis30:14 Chris Hoy's tips for dealing with fear and anxiety33:18 The importance of exercise with a cancer diagnosis35:36 Nutrition and avoiding sensational diets39:11 Chris Hoy shares the most important things he's learned since his cancer diagnosis46:38 How to get involved in Tour de 4

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, returning guest Laura Ashurst shares her experience of living nearly 20 years with metastatic breast cancer. Laura speaks about why she thinks she has survived so long with a metastatic diagnosis, about the importance of holistic care and the importance of mental wellbeing. Laura talks about her advocacy for improved treatment access, the need for more consistent support, and improved data collection for those with metastatic breast cancer.  Find out more about metupUKLaura Ashurst's website Key Topics02:35 Laura's diagnoses13:40 What happened next?14:40 How it felt to be told you had 3-6 months to live18:55 Reflections on treatment and knowledge20:18 Letrozole24:27 What needs to be done for in terms of treatment for breast cancer?26:00 What Laura thinks has contributed to her survival, mental wellbeing35:35 Survivors guilt38:37 The metup UK charity40:20 The importance of improving data collection for metastatic breast cancer diagnoses 41:40 Working with Rishi Sunak44:40 What Laura is working on with metup UK46:35 The importance of signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer 48:45 Where do you find hope? 50:18 "I will never say I am grateful that cancer entered my life." 50:43 How Laura's metastatic breast cancer diagnosis has affected her children56:00 Advice for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer56:46 What should people take away from this episode? 58:20 Information on metup UK

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, documentary filmmaker Victoria Mapplebeck shares her experience of raising her son as a solo parent while documenting the journey over 20 years. She talks to Laura about her film Motherboard, which captures the humour and heartbreak of parenting, and how her unexpected breast cancer diagnosis affected her teenage son Jim. Victoria opens up about navigating breast cancer treatment without a partner, and how she uses creativity as a way to cope with and process those challenges.  Motherboard is now streaming on Apple, Amazon, BFI Player, Rakuten and YouTube Movies & TV. Family Viewing – Capturing family life with your smartphone. A series of workshops for parents navigating family life with breast cancer – register for free. Parenting support from Fruitfly Collective.Breast cancer support from Breast Cancer Now. Listen to our episode with Caroline Leek from Fruitfly Collective, about parenting with cancer. 01:26 Getting to know Victoria03:00 Motherboard, filmed over 20 years10:19 Being a solo parent14:19 Victoria is diagnosed with breast cancer15:56 Talking to a child about a breast cancer diagnosis22:07 The emotional impact of Victoria's breast cancer26:12 Mutual support between a child and a parent32:06 The pitfalls searching for cancer information online37:08 Working with Fruitfly Collective to help parents with cancer40:19 How to get started documenting your experience48:13 How to watch Motherboard

Laura speaks to Breast Cancer Now’s chief executive, Claire Rowney, about our long-term vision, and her own recent experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer.  Claire talks about the importance of attending mammogram screenings, and how her diagnosis was discovered through a routine screening. She reflects on the emotional impact of diagnosis, the lack of control she felt, and how the experience has given her a deeper understanding of what patient empowerment really means. They also talk about how Breast Cancer Now’s new strategy and look will help us achieve our bold vision. That by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live and live well. Listen to Fran's episode about the benefits of exercise with cancer or watch on YouTube. Listen to Dr Sam Orange's episode on exercise after breast cancer or watch on YouTube. You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website: https://www.breastcancernow.org/podcast You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Key Topics:04:01 What do the charity's goals actually mean?05:10 Breast Cancer Now's new look 07:13 What does the charity's new strategy mean for people with breast cancer?15:23 Reaching that 2050 goal18:40 Claire's own breast cancer diagnosis23:30 What empowerment really is26:30 The importance of attending your breast cancer screening29:05 What Breast Cancer Now is doing to help younger people with breast cancer32:10 The importance of getting diagnosed early33:30 Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer36:40 How the charity is going to support people post-treatment38:50 How is Claire doing, now? 44:45 What work is being done into health inequalities46:05 How close is a cure for breast cancer?48:20 Research into what causes breast cancer49:30 The colour pink50:30 Why was it important to spend money on the new look?51:20 They importance of fundraising53:07 What did Claire learn as a result of her diagnosis?53:40 What should the listener take away from this episode?