Episodes

  • S6 Ep20: Caroline on talking with children about death and grief

    S6 Ep20: Caroline on talking with children about death and grief
    Nov 21 2025
    Caroline Leek is the founder of Fruitfly Collective, which empowers people with a cancer diagnosis to navigate family life and to support their children. Caroline set up Fruitfly Collective to give the kind of support she wished she’d had when her own father died when she was 12 years old.

    In this episode, Caroline focuses on talking to children and teenagers about death and grief, and how to communicate with children about being diagnosed with incurable cancer. She talks about strategies for communicating with teenagers, discusses whether it's OK to tell a white lie, and shares helpful tips and prompts to help children with death and grief.

    Find out more about Fruitfly Collective.

    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:
    0:16 Laura outlines the episode and shares her thoughts
    2:40 When a child visits a parent who is dying
    7:06 How to have a conversation with a child about an upcoming death
    9:42 How honest should you be when a child asks if you're going to die?
    14:10 Ways of starting a conversation with a child about the death of their parent
    25:54 Caroline reveals how her unprocessed grief came to light
    27:55 The tools Caroline used to process her grief and support her mental health
    31:15 "Pip" kits from Fruitfly Collective
    39:39 How to access Fruitfly Collective's excellent resources and support
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • S6 Ep19: Rosamund and Alice on writing through the breast cancer experience

    S6 Ep19: Rosamund and Alice on writing through the breast cancer experience
    Nov 7 2025
    In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Laura speaks to fellow authors and previous podcast guests, Rosamund Dean and Alice May Purkiss.


    They talk about writing, specifically how to put your own breast cancer experience into words. Laura talks to Rosamund and Alice about how they started writing and why they wanted to share their experience with others. They each discuss topics such as how writing affects their mental health, imposter syndrome and how anyone can be a writer. Both Rosamund and Alice also share their book and newsletter recommendations for people experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis.


    Key Topics:

    02:06 What made you decide to write about your cancer?
    06:40 What affect does writing have on your mental health?
    09:53 What do you find the most difficult part of writing?
    10:51 Getting started
    12:24 Rosamund talks about the process of writing her book, 'Reconstruction'
    14:40 Advice for someone interested in writing
    16:35 Book recommendations
    18:30 Which authors inspire Rosamund the most
    19:50 Rosamund's best tips for writing
    23:06 Where to find Rosamund's work
    23:35 Laura's thoughts
    24:40 How writing affects Alice's mental health
    26:48 Where should people start if they are interested in writing?
    30:15 Advice for someone looking to get published
    31:20 Long form writing, e.g. blogs
    33:31 Alice's self-publishing process and advice
    36:55 Tips for writing or creativity
    41:27 Book recommendations
    49:05 Inspiring authors books/blogs
    54:10 Where to find Alice's work



    Rosamund
    Well well well newsletter- rosamunddean.substack.com
    Rosamund’s books- Reconstruction + Mindful Drinking
    @rosamunddean

    Alice
    Alice's book- Life Lemons and Melons
    alicemaypurkiss.co.uk
    @alicemaypurkiss

    Laura
    Laura's book- Single Bald Female
    @laurapricewrites


    Book recommendations:

    Hattie Crissel - In Writing
    Oliver Burkeman - Four Thousand Weeks
    Miranda July - All Fours
    Fran Littlewood - Amazing Grace Adams
    Kris Hallenga - Glittering a Turd
    Bessel Van Der Kolk - The Body Keeps The Score
    Sophie Savage - Lifeshocks
    Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross -Your Brain on Art
    Rick Rubin - The Creative Act
    Will Storr - The Science of Storytelling


    Newletters (substack) :

    Alice Vincent - Savour
    Daisy Buchannan - Creative Confidence Clinic
    Porna Bell - As I Was Saying
    Hayley Nahman - Maybe Baby
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • S6 Ep18: Dr Hajra on being newly diagnosed with breast cancer

    S6 Ep18: Dr Hajra on being newly diagnosed with breast cancer
    Oct 24 2025
    Dr Hajra is a GP and aesthetic doctor who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, aged 37. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Hajra talks to Laura about the shock of her recent diagnosis, the effects of the chemotherapy treatment she’s undergoing, and the treatment plan coming up, including a double mastectomy.

    Hajra also shares the differences in experiencing cancer as a doctor, compared with as a patient, and the surprising ways it’s affected her. She tells Laura about her BRCA gene mutation, and how that news affected her outlook on her breast cancer diagnosis.

    You can find Dr Hajra on Instagram @drhajrasdiary

    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 Hajra's work as a GP and aesthetic doctor
    6:23 Practising breast awareness as a doctor
    9:02 Biopsies and scans, as a doctor
    16:18 Receiving biopsy results with friends and family
    18:09 Hajra is diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer
    19:19 The treatment plan for Hajra's breast cancer
    20:26 Being treated as a patient rather than as a doctor
    21:40 Hajra is the first in her family with breast cancer
    22:14 The physical effects of chemotherapy
    23:42 Genetic testing for breast cancer gene mutations
    29:03 Coping with the impact of a gene mutation diagnosis
    33:22 Breast cancer treatment and fertility
    39:22 The effect of chemotherapy on physical apperarance
    44:57 Hajra's plan for aesthetic treatments after chemotherapy
    47:28 Thoughts on the upcoming double mastectomy
    50:15 Mental health and breast cancer treatment
    53:17 Working during treatment for breast cancer
    54:53 The importance of sharing your story
    56:43 What it means to Hajra to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • S6 Ep17: Laura on founding Secondary Sisters

    S6 Ep17: Laura on founding Secondary Sisters
    Oct 10 2025
    Laura was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2016, aged 28. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Laura shares how she felt when she first received that diagnosis 9 years ago, and how it impacted her life. She goes on to talk about living her life to the full, and adjusting to an uncertain future.

    Later in the conversation, Laura talks about founding Secondary Sisters, an online community supporting people with secondary cancer. She also shares how it feels, after almost a decade of living with secondary breast cancer, when people look to her as an example for living well with an incurable disease.

    You can find Laura on Instagram @baldbooblessandbeautiful
    You can find Secondary Sisters on Instagram @secondary.sisters

    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:
    1:34 What is secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer?
    2:20 Laura's life before cancer
    3:24 Laura finds a lump and is diagnosed with primary breast cancer
    8:11 Treatment and surgery for breast cancer
    11:14 Ways of coping with hair loss and other visible effects of cancer treatment
    13:39 Laura is diagnosed with secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer
    20:29 Laura writes a living list
    24:35 How Laura is doing now
    26:25 Laura sets up Secondary Sisters
    37:37 How it feels losing friends to the same disease you have
    39:07 Having time and people away from cancer
    41:24 Laura's thoughts on how her story has given people hope and inspiration
    42:28 Not being able to have children after breast cancer
    48:10 Coping with a new diagnosis of secondary breast cancer
    49:46 Laura shares her vulnerability as well as her story
    56:23 What it means to Laura to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • S6 Ep16: Hayley on drawing the breast cancer experience

    S6 Ep16: Hayley on drawing the breast cancer experience
    Sep 25 2025
    Hayley Gullen is an illustrator who was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 37. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Hayley talks to Laura about her graphic memoir ‘This Might Surprise You’. She talks about why she decided to write a graphic memoir, and how she used her illustrations to express her identity whilst going through the “dehumanising” experience of breast cancer treatment.

    The conversation also goes into how Hayley’s book covers the ups and downs of a breast cancer diagnosis, from the painful, grim experiences to some of the more absurd and hopeful moments. Hayley talks about the importance of self-expression and using this to connect with others, and how she hopes her book will act as a companion for other people facing treatment, helping them feel less alone.

    You can find Hayley on Instagram @hayleygullen

    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:
    2:00 Hayley talks about her history of drawing
    3:26 Hayley's book, This May Surprise You
    6:50 Hayley is diagnosed with breast cancer
    11:52 The impact of breast cancer on Hayley's life
    13:37 Drawing the relatable parts of the breast cancer experience
    24:07 Hayley's history of writing
    30:30 Finding humour in the difficult times
    32:32 Looking after a young child alongside a breast cancer diagnosis
    37:20 Feeling guilty during breast cancer
    39:43 Breast cancer and mental health
    43:20 Taking the book to the public
    49:52 Meeting other people in the cancer community
    50:54 Reflecting on the cancer experience
    52:02 Hayley's next book
    53:17 What it means to Hayley to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • S6 Ep15: Sam on sex and intimacy after breast cancer

    S6 Ep15: Sam on sex and intimacy after breast cancer
    Sep 12 2025
    Sam Evans is an intimate health and pleasure expert who shares tips on intimacy during menopause and coping with the side effects of cancer treatment. This week on the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Sam talks candidly about the effects of breast cancer on our sex lives, and how these may be relieved to allow more enjoyment of sex and intimacy again. She also speaks about why she set up the online company Jo Divine, which sells sex products with a particular focus on safety and sexual health.

    Sam is joined by Jane, one of Breast Cancer Now’s nurses, who gives insight into the sex and intimacy concerns we hear about from people with breast cancer on our helpline and ask our nurses service.

    Jo Divine has kindly provided a discount to listeners: BCN10 (£5 minimum spend on full-priced products excluding P&P). This promo code expires on 30/11/25.

    You can visit the Jo Divine website
    You can find Sam on Instagram @samtalkssex

    Listen to Liz O'Riordan's episode here
    Listen to Dani Binnington's episode here

    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 Sam talks about her work in sex and intimacy
    2:55 Jane talks about her work as one of Breast Cancer Now's nurses
    3:45 The effects of breast cancer treatment on sex life
    5:51 Discussing the menopause and the perimenopause
    9:36 What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
    13:16 Discussing low libido after breast cancer treatment
    15:17 Dealing with vaginal dryness during sex
    16:59 The importance of checking ingredients of lubricants
    23:54 The effects on the vagina of lowered oestrogen levels
    25:39 The benefits of vaginal oestrogen for sex life
    28:06 The psychological effects of breast cancer treatment on sex and intimacy
    30:13 The importance of communication
    33:45 Approaching sex after breast cancer as a single person
    38:51 The benefits of sex toys
    48:02 Where to turn if you don't feel you can talk to your treatment team about sex and intimacy
    55:32 Useful resources
    1:03:09 What it means to Sam to "live well"
    1:03:24 What is means to Jane to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • S6 Ep14: Helen on dealing with grief

    S6 Ep14: Helen on dealing with grief
    Aug 29 2025
    Helen Skelton is a psychotherapist and campaigner who lives with secondary breast cancer. In this episode, Helen talks in depth with Laura about grief. How grief isn’t just about losing someone, but about the loss of anything; your hair, your body image, your friendships, the life you hoped you’d have.

    Drawing on her own experience, Helen shares the grief she’s experienced as part of her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and how that grief extends to losing friends in the breast cancer community she’s a part of. She also promotes acceptance of grief and anger as emotions that should be recognised and lived with, and shares some outlooks that may help others see their grief in a new light.

    You can find Helen on Instagram @secondary.psych
    You can read Helen's writing on Substack

    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 Helen is diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020
    5:51 Dealing with a cancer diagnosis during COVID
    8:22 Living with secondary breast cancer
    10:39 Getting a primary and secondary breast cancer diagnosis at the same time
    16:35 There's more to grief than just the dictionary definition
    23:19 Grief as a result of a cancer diagnosis
    25:49 Processing the grief from losing someone to the same disease you have
    29:17 Helen attends a grief retreat
    33:09 What is grief tending?
    34:05 Discussing rage and anger, and how to come to terms with them
    37:29 Why it's important to talk about emotions and feelings
    41:27 Helen shares tips and techniques for coping with grief
    46:14 Emotional triggers can cause you to reevaluate and make different decisions
    53:38 What it means to Helen to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • S6 Ep13: Kelly on acceptance and taking on challenges

    S6 Ep13: Kelly on acceptance and taking on challenges
    Aug 15 2025
    Kelly Crump is a model and influencer who lives with secondary breast cancer. On the Breast Cancer Now podcast she talks to Laura about finding out at the age of 40 that her cancer had spread, and how she feared she wouldn’t be able to continue doing the things she loves, like hiking and running.

    But Kelly also shares how exercise, positivity and talking openly and honestly all helped her to live life on her own terms, even while living with breast cancer. She speaks about her experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and how she was the first person to post with a mastectomy scar in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine.

    You can follow Kelly on Instagram @itskellycrump

    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:
    1:45 Kelly is first diagnosed with breast cancer
    3:44 Kelly is diagnosed with secondary breast cancer
    5:28 The impact of breast cancer treatment on fertility
    9:02 Kelly's lines of treatment for secondary breast cancer
    14:10 The experience of when a drug stops working
    15:45 Sharing a breast cancer story on social media
    17:17 Challenging the perceptions of what a person with cancer looks like
    19:10 Breast cancer and body image
    21:37 Kelly climbs Kilimanjaro, and other challenges
    26:36 Kelly's tips for taking on physical challenges
    34:09 Dealing with the physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis
    38:08 Dealing with death in the secondary breast cancer community
    40:42 Important to talk about experience, challenge media perceptions
    40:59 Kelly has to give up her career in fashion after her diagnosis
    43:47 Making plans living with secondary breast cancer
    48:51 Kelly models her mastectomy scars in Sports Illustrated
    52:48 Positive attitude to body image after breast cancer treatment
    54:40 What it means to Kelly to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins