13 October - Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day
The little things that make a big difference
A guide to living with secondary breast cancer

13 October is
Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Secondary breast cancer is when breast cancer cells spread to another part of the body, often the bones, lungs, liver and brain. It can’t be cured, but it can be controlled, sometimes for a number of years.

Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day is part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The day is dedicated to publicising the issues affecting people with secondary breast cancer.

The day also focuses on campaigning for improvements in the treatment and care of the tens of thousands of people living with secondary breast cancer in the UK.

…for friends and family

Find out what little things have made a big difference for friends and relatives of people living with secondary breast cancer below. Tell us which things you find helpful, and pass your favourites on to those around you.

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A little thing... for friends and family Lou, Chandlers Ford
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Opening up

I desperately try and protect my family and friends from all that secondary breast cancer involves. I like to put on a positive front and show everyone how well I…

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A little thing... for friends and family Mags, Glasgow
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How life changes

My friends and family fear the word cancer. Sometimes I believe, more than myself. Two years down the line, life has changed so much that fear of cancer is at…

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A little thing... for friends and family Lindsey, Surrey
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Explaining the term “Secondary”

People don’t seem to understand the words “secondary breast cancer” – I had not heard of it when I was diagnosed in 2006. I tell people that I have breast…

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A little thing... for friends and family Marina, Croydon
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Get in touch

Never be afraid of getting in touch with a friend or relative who has SBC, please don’t be afraid of saying the wrong thing far better that than to say…

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A little thing... for friends and family Eleanor, Folkestone
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Ask specific questions

Don’t ask open ended questions like “How are you?”. Instead ask things like “good day or bad day?” “Have you been able to get much done today?”, “Is the pain…

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A little thing... for friends and family Eleanor, Folkestone
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Tell me I look beatiful

Tell me I look beautiful. If I’m looking rough, you’re allowed to lie.

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A little thing... for friends and family Eleanor, Folkestone
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Before a scan

Prior to a scan I am paralysed with fear but can’t verbalise it.

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A little thing... for friends and family Nikki, Bournemouth
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Don’t forget

When I was first diagnosed my friends called all the time, sent cards & flowers and presents. Two years down the line their lives have got back to normal, I…

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A little thing... for friends and family Nikki, Bournemouth
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Really being helpful to a friend with SBC

I found that so many people said “If there’s anything I can do just let me know” I rarely did. The people who really helped were those who turned up…

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A little thing... for friends and family Francesca, London
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Saying ‘the right thing’

Often there is no right thing to say but sometimes the fact you want to say anything at all is right enough so don’t worry too much about getting it…

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All these tips have been written by people with secondary breast cancer, for people with secondary breast cancer. We hope that some of them make a difference for you.

Please remember that these tips are personal and are no substitute for the professional care of your medical team. Each tip expresses the views of its author, and doesn't necessarily reflect the views of Breast Cancer Care.

We reserve the right to publish, edit or decline tips. Read our full website terms and conditions. To order or download free information produced by Breast Cancer Care for people living with secondary breast cancer please visit our main website or phone our free Helpline on 0808 600 8000.

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