Breast Cancer Now

“We want to understand why some patients with invasive lobular breast cancer relapse and gain more insight of how HRT and inherited genetic changes influence someone’s chances of developing this type of disease. “If successful, our research will help doctors identify those patients with lobular breast cancer that are more likely to relapse. They could then be offered more intensive treatment at the time of diagnosis.’’ Professor Elinor Sawyer is looking for new ways to tell which lobular breast cancer patients may benefit from personalised therapies. This project could help reduce ineffective treatments and minimise negative side effects, improving quality of life for thousands of breast cancer patients. https://lnkd.in/e37cBUDT

While the drug companies, NICE and NHS England point fingers and play the blame game, it's the women who desperately need access to Enhertu who will lose out. Lives will be cut short because of this. The hope of precious time to create special moments has been snatched away. With Enhertu available to women in Scotland, and 18 other European countries, a deep injustice is at play. No-one should ever be in a position of considering moving to another country as the only way to access a life-extending treatment. The Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP given your clear support for finding a solution to make Enhertu available, we need urgent clarification on how this could be achieved.

“I feel like myself again for the first time since my cancer diagnosis. It was a long process, but the outcome is so fabulous that it’s all been worth it. All that’s left is my nipple reconstruction when my new breast is healed. “I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in my right breast in August 2018. Due to the multifocal nature of the tumour, I couldn’t have a lumpectomy. A month later, I had a mastectomy on my right breast. “I had surgery to reduce the size of my left breast in 2020, after being put on a waiting list. But even after this surgery, there was still a substantial difference in the size and shape of my breasts. I hated seeing myself in a mirror. “The breast plastic surgeon put me on the waiting list for DIEP flap surgery. DIEP flap reconstruction uses a flap of skin and fat from the lower abdomen to form a new breast shape. “In May 2024, I finally had my DIEP flap reconstruction. It all went well and the surgeon was remarkable. I now have 2 breasts that are symmetrical, soft, and feel like part of my body. I’m pain free and loving my new look.” – Helen Read more about Helen’s involvement with the Task and Finish group, and her 5 pieces of advice around reconstructive surgery. https://lnkd.in/dXSW6F9F

We Are Undefeatable have teamed up with Carers UK to create a new physical activity resource for carers. Their Bridging the gap report unearthed a confidence gap in carers when supporting the person they care for to be active. And we know that carers are less likely than non-carers to move more too. That’s why this new resource contains useful hints and tips about how carers can support someone they care for to get moving, as well as inspiration to support them to be active too. Head to the link below to download the resource from their website. #WeAreUndefeatable #CarersActive https://lnkd.in/eKKDMU_k

We’re devastated that despite Wes Streeting's intervention and renewed talks over the last few weeks, NICE, NHS England, Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca have failed to find a solution to make Enhertu available to the women who need it, across the UK. This was an avoidable tragedy. And it means women with HER2-low secondary breast cancer, who have already faced more than a year of stress, worry and fear, will now be denied the hope of more time to live. Their voices and those of everyone who campaigned with them have been ignored. With Enhertu available to women in Scotland and 18 other European countries, a deep injustice is at play here. Given the Health Secretary’s clear support for finding a solution to make Enhertu available, we're requesting his urgent clarification on how this could be achieved. https://lnkd.in/eaVSpQps

Did you know around 400 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year? Many people don’t know that men can get breast cancer because they don’t think that men have breasts. But everyone has breast tissue. This is why it’s important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. This International Men’s Day, learn more about breast cancer in men and what signs and symptoms to look out for on our website. https://lnkd.in/e3wz_zgc

This week we’re hearing from our Director of Fundraising, Communications and Engagement, Rachael Franklin. Rachael shares the need for partnering with companies within the finance and property sector to spread awareness that breast cancer impacts us all. Do you work in these sectors? We’d love to work together! Reach our team on corporate@breastcancernow.org.

“In 2013, I went to see my GP after finding a lump in my left breast. Within 2 weeks, I was called back to see a consultant. They told me that I had breast cancer, but it was actually in my right breast. The lump I’d originally felt was just a cyst. The consultant recommended that I have a mastectomy of the right breast and an immediate reconstruction. “I was left reeling. I had a couple more meetings with the consultant and asked for a second opinion. I wasn’t offered the choice of a lumpectomy, and I thought it was quick for the surgeon to decide that a mastectomy was the only option. It was such a shock. “It took some time, but I finally came to terms with the fact that I had breast cancer. The consultant explained to me that a lumpectomy wasn’t an option, as there were too many cancerous areas, and they were too widespread. I would be disfigured, so the only option was the mastectomy. “I was offered immediate breast reconstruction, which I agreed to as I couldn’t imagine having part of me missing. I wanted everything completed in one operation. “In May 2014, I had a mastectomy and reconstruction. It was a big operation that took 10 and a half hours. It took me a while to recover from the whole process, physically and mentally. But the results were excellent. My plastic surgeon did a fantastic job. “I’m involved in some Breast Cancer Now forums. And I’ve taken part in discussions as a Breast Cancer Voice, where I can draw on my own experience of breast reconstruction. “Breast Cancer Now is fighting to achieve so many aims, and as a Voice I’ve been involved in some of these research projects. “My advice is to take time to decide exactly what you want. Speak to your breast cancer nurse, your consultant, and any breast cancer groups you belong to. Don’t be afraid to speak to people and tell them about any worries or concerns that you have. “It takes time to get over a reconstruction, but you’ve been through the worst part.” - Suzanne https://lnkd.in/er4Vu5Wm

“Women in the UK simply can't wait.” Our chief exec Claire Rowney makes it clear: NICE, NHS England Daiichi Sankyo and ASTRAZENECA must urgently find a solution to make secondary breast cancer drug Enhertu available to the women who need it, across the UK.

Triple negative breast cancer can be more aggressive, and there are currently limited targeted treatments available. Dr Niamh Buckley’s research is using the latest vaccine technology to develop a new way of treating this type of breast cancer. Their innovative approach aims to stimulate the immune system to recognise and fight the cancer with minimal side effects. It targets the p53 protein, which is found at high levels in nearly 90% of triple negative cancers. Niamh hopes the vaccine treatment could potentially not only treat primary breast cancer, also if it returns. Find out more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eKH6AD9x