Episodes

  • S6 Ep12: Giving breast cancer patients #MoreTimeToLive

    S6 Ep12: Giving breast cancer patients #MoreTimeToLive
    Aug 1 2025
    Sophie Blake, who lives with secondary breast cancer, talks to Laura about Breast Cancer Now's campaign to make sure everyone with breast cancer across the UK can get access to the drugs they need to survive.

    Eleanor from Breast Cancer Now also joins the conversation to explain the issues with the drug approval system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and what work Breast Cancer Now is doing to help change things.

    Help us take action now with our automatic form that contacts your MP asking them to help fix the system.

    Find out more about Breast Cancer Now's campaign, #MoreTimeToLive

    You can follow Sophie Blake on X @sophieRblake and Instagram @sophieblake72.

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    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. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    2:01 Sophie explains what secondary breast cancer means to her
    3:23 The importance of access to breast cancer drugs
    4:54 The meaning of "More Time To Live"
    6:44 Enhertu: a drug that was rejected for use on the NHS in England
    10:10 Eleanor outlines the problem with drugs not being approved
    13:07 The Severity Modifier, explained
    18:38 The reality that people are dying of breast cancer every day
    22:23 Breast Cancer Now's recommendations to MPs to help change the system
    25:49 The response to the campaign so far from Wes Streeting and NICE
    28:21 The timescales required for change
    34:33 How listeners can get involved in the More Time To Live campaign
    37:31 Sophie talks about the impact of her campaigning on her family
    42:39 What it means to Eleanor to live well
    44:30 What it means to Sophie to live well
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • S6 Ep11: Faye and Rebecca on The Show by Breast Cancer Now

    S6 Ep11: Faye and Rebecca on The Show by Breast Cancer Now
    Jul 18 2025
    Faye and Rebecca join Laura in the podcast studio to talk about The Show by Breast Cancer Now. At The Show, they joined 21 other people who live with or beyond breast cancer, as models for the day.

    They speak about the nerves and excitement of taking to the catwalk in stylish outfits, the importance of support and friendship between all their fellow models, and how they feel several weeks after the big night!

    Faye also talks about how her diagnosis of breast cancer affected her body image, and how it gave her a new perspective on her career. Rebecca talks about the difficulties of going through cancer treatment when her body reacted badly to the drugs, and the importance of sharing her story to help others.

    You can watch The Show 2025.
    Apply to be a model in The Show 2026.

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    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. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    2:18 Rebecca's diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer
    5:03 Faye's diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer
    9:49 Looking back at The Show by Breast Cancer Now
    19:26 Overcoming a breast cancer diagnosis
    21:48 Taking part in The Show while going through active treatment for breast cancer
    24:29 Experience of breast cancer in a West African community
    27:13 Cultural taboos around breast cancer
    28:04 Taking to the catwalk in The Show!
    30:58 Working with a fashion stylist
    33:05 The experience of having hair and make up done for The Show
    35:50 Losing body confidence after breast cancer
    36:40 Rebecca's bodybuilding career
    39:51 Making your own choice regarding cancer drugs
    42:40 Faye's body image after breast cancer
    44:35 Faye changes career after her cancer diagnosis
    46:45 The feeling of community as a model in The Show
    51:41 What it means to Rebecca to "live well"
    52:55 What it means to Faye to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • S6 Ep10: Donna Fraser on mental attitude towards breast cancer

    S6 Ep10: Donna Fraser on mental attitude towards breast cancer
    Jul 4 2025
    Donna Fraser OBE, Team GB athlete, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36, with no family history. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Donna talks to Laura about how this shock diagnosis affected her and the tough decisions she had to make about her world-class athletics career.

    Donna also speaks about being an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now, and her work to improve breast cancer diagnosis and treatment more accessible for people in ethnically diverse communities.

    You can follow Donna on Instagram: @donnalegz and @donnafraserobe

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    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. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    2:08 Donna is diagnosed with breast cancer
    6:05 Introducing "Diane", Donna's voice of determination
    7:37 Making the decision to have a mastectomy
    9:20 Recovering from a mastectomy
    11:21 The effects of breast cancer surgery on body image
    15:18 Donna's new relationship with her body after breast cancer
    18:23 Donna makes the decision to go public about her breast cancer
    20:21 Black women and breast screening attendance
    23:48 Donna's work raising breast awareness among younger women
    24:37 The barriers to accessing breast cancer diagnosis and care
    27:58 Donna becomes an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now
    31:05 Pink Ribbonwalks – a charity fundraiser
    34:39 Sport and exercise after breast cancer
    36:12 Tips for getting back into exercising after surgery
    39:23 Staying breast aware after active treatment for breast cancer
    40:07 Donna makes the decision to retire
    45:05 The highlights of Donna's athletics career
    46:18 What it means to Donna to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • S6 Ep9: Paula on living well with secondary breast cancer

    S6 Ep9: Paula on living well with secondary breast cancer
    Jun 20 2025
    Paula was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, and found out just 2 months later that it had spread to her lungs. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Paula chats with Laura about how she dealt with the shock of a secondary breast cancer diagnosis, and how she copes with the continued impact on her and her family.

    She’s joined by one of our nurses, Catherine, who talks with Paula about Breast Cancer Now’s face-to-face support services. They discuss how these and other services helped Paula come to terms with her diagnosis, and the many ways to live well with secondary breast cancer.

    You can find Paula on instagram @yourflowers1
    Check out our episode with Claire from Make 2nds Count talking about clinical trials.
    Check out our episode with Caroline Leek from Fruitfly Collective on talking with children about breast cancer.
    Watch Paula talk with Catherine about more topics, such as palliative care, on Breast Cancer Now chats.
    Find out more about Breast Cancer Now's Living with Secondary Breast Cancer service.

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    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. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    1:56 Paula is diagnosed with breast cancer
    4:36 Paula's cancer spreads to her lungs
    5:36 The emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis
    7:27 What is secondary breast cancer?
    8:14 "Treatable but not curable"
    9:58 What it means for cancer to be "stable"
    10:50 Paula has treatment for secondary breast cancer
    12:28 The role of a clinical nurse specialist
    20:39 Face-to-face support while living with secondary breast cancer
    26:50 The need for support beyond family
    28:34 Talking to children about secondary breast cancer
    34:27 When a partner is in denial about your secondary breast cancer
    36:49 Waiting for scans: scanxiety
    40:20 Paula learns to deal with anxiety
    40:59 Looking after your mental health
    45:28 Considering clinical trials
    50:28 Travel insurance with secondary breast cancer
    53:09 What it means to Paula to live well
    54:16 What it means to Catherine to live well
    55:11 Finding support with Breast Cancer Now
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • S6 Ep8: Alice on breast cancer language and wellness

    S6 Ep8: Alice on breast cancer language and wellness
    Jun 6 2025
    Alice-May Purkiss is a wellbeing creativity coach and author who was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 26. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, she chats with Laura about the language we use to talk about cancer, and if there is better language we can use.

    Alice also talks about the impact her breast cancer diagnosis had on her mental health, and shares tips and tricks she has learnt to help her live well with depression.

    You can find Alice on instagram @alicemaypurkiss
    You can also find Alice at her website, www.alicemaypurkiss.co.uk
    The Media Guidelines.

    Key Topics:
    02:12 Alice talks about her diagnosis
    08:05 How does it feel approaching your 10 year anniversary (since diagnosis)?
    09:40 Importance of raising awareness of breast cancer in younger women
    11:00 The effect of a breast cancer diagnosis on mental health
    13:00 Alice on writing her book, 'Life Lemons and Melons'
    18:10 Alice talks about her experience of depression
    22:50 The difference in having mental health illness vs a physical illness like cancer
    24:40- 26:17 TW: Suicidal thoughts alongside going through cancer treatment
    27:22 Any tools you can share with people to cope with depression, specifically after a breast cancer diagnosis?
    35:40 The importance of community
    37:08 What tools can you suggest for someone to help get on with life post-diagnosis?
    39:28 The difference between coaching and therapy
    41:50 Working with Coppafeel to create the Media Guidelines regarding cancer language
    44:30 Using military language to talk about cancer and the potential harm that causes,
    54:00 How better to talk to or about someone who has breast cancer
    59:35 Making the language around breast cancer more inclusive
    01:00:25 The difference between looking for signs and symptoms and being aware of change
    01:03:04 What living well means to Alice



    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    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. You can also watch it on YouTube.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • S6 Ep7: Richard and Stuart on breast cancer in men

    S6 Ep7: Richard and Stuart on breast cancer in men
    May 23 2025
    Richard was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, and Stuart was diagnosed in 2005 and now lives with secondary breast cancer.

    They are both involved with the Men’s VMU, an online group aimed at supporting men with a breast cancer diagnosis, promoting research into breast cancer in men, and raising awareness of the signs and symptoms.

    Only around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year.

    Richard and Stuart talk about how their diagnoses took them by surprise, and share their work in the Men’s VMU trying to get the message to as many people as possible.

    Find out more about the Men's VMU.
    Find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support service Someone Like Me.

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    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.

    Key Topics:
    2:15 Richard's breast cancer diagnosis
    5:38 Stuart's breast cancer diagnosis
    7:56 Campaigning to receive Herceptin as a man
    13:13 Stuart's secondary breast cancer diagnosis
    15:51 Looking out for the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer
    16:32 Living with secondary breast cancer
    20:32 The Men's VMU – support for men with breast cancer
    24:22 The use of tamoxifen in men
    27:58 The "pinkness" and femininity of breast cancer
    31:44 The erosion of male identity after a breast cancer diagnosis
    36:10 How the Men's VMU encourages talking about difficult topics
    37:11 Find out more about the Men's VMU
    37:49 Someone Like Me service from Breast Cancer Now
    39:01 The accessibility of resources and support to men with breast cancer
    43:51 The importance of family support
    45:39 Richard and Stuart's tips for a man just diagnosed
    46:39 Getting involved with fundraising and awareness events
    47:57 What it means to Richard and Stuart to live well
    51:01 How to get in touch with the Men's VMU
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • S6 Ep6: Anna on coping with PTSD

    S6 Ep6: Anna on coping with PTSD
    May 12 2025
    Anna was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer when she was 34. After having an adverse reaction to her treatment she was hospitalised, and that trauma continued to affect her long afterwards. Anna talks about the effects of her diagnosis and PTSD on her family and the ways she’s discovering to cope with them.

    We’re also joined by Vic, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, who provides expert support to people with a breast cancer diagnosis through our many support services. She talks with Anna about the difficulties that can arise with a breast cancer diagnosis and PTSD, and signposts to the support that’s available.

    You can follow Anna on instagram @abholistichealing.yorkshire
    You can also read Anna's blog.

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    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. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    1:28 Laura introduces Anna and Vic
    2:01 Anna's breast cancer diagnosis
    8:02 Having a negative reaction to chemotherapy
    9:48 Fears around recurrence, and the trouble with googling
    13:06 Reducing the risk of recurrence, and finding support after treatment
    18:36 Anna's children react to her diagnosis
    23:28 Dealing with breast cancer as a younger woman
    29:32 How the body's memory of trauma can linger
    32:27 Anna's experience of PTSD
    40:57 How treatment can differ person to person
    46:53 The tools Anna has used to cope with her PTSD
    49:22 Anna's tips for anyone going through a breast cancer diagnosis
    52:39 Where to find out more about breast cancer
    53:23 How to find out more from Anna
    54:04 What it means to Anna to "live well"
    55:24 What it means to Vic to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • S6 Ep5: Rosamund Dean on wellness

    S6 Ep5: Rosamund Dean on wellness
    Apr 25 2025
    Rosamund Dean is an author and journalist who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. In this episode, Rosamund talks to Laura about her mental and physical health, what she’s learned from her diagnosis, and how she deals with the fear of her breast cancer returning.

    Rosamund was diagnosed at the age of 40 and she documented her journey with a column in the Sunday Times Style magazine. Since appearing on this podcast back in 2021, Rosamund has completed her treatment and come a very long way.

    Follow Rosamund's newsletter "Well Well Well".
    Find her books, Reconstruction and Mindful Drinking.
    Find her on instagram @rosamunddean
    Listen to Rosamund's previous episode on our podcast.
    Listen to the episode with Dr Liz O'Riordan.
    Find Dani Bininngton's podcast here.


    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 breastcancernow.org or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

    Key Topics
    02:02 A recap of Rosamund's diagnosis and breast cancer treatment
    03:55 What is triple negative breast cancer?
    06:14 What does the fear of recurrence mean for your mental health?
    10:08 What mechanisms have you developed to cope emotionally, living beyond breast cancer?
    16:30 Do you still speak to your children about cancer?
    21:54 Rosamund's newsletter "Well, Well Well". What does wellness mean to you?
    27:23 Is there a single biggest learning you've had?
    30:34 What techniques have you learned through your research?
    31:36 The impact of social media on mental health
    36:25 Rosamund's book, "Mindful Drinking" and the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer
    42:02 Having no room for blame in a cancer diagnosis
    42:45 Hearing advice of things that can reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence
    45:40 Sexual health being affected by a breast cancer diagnosis
    49:00 Rosamund's book, "Reconstruction"
    52:20 If you could speak to your newly diagnosed self, what would you say?
    55:10 What it means to Rosamund to live well
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins