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 healthcare professionals

Find out what little things have made a big difference for healthcare professionals who work with people with secondary breast cancer. Tell us which things you find helpful, and pass your favourites on to those around you.

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A little thing... for healthcare professionals Katy, Northampton
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Information

Please do not assume what we want or need to know. Often information. Isn’t given, only to be read in a letter following clinic appointment when there is nobody to…

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A little thing... for healthcare professionals Lindsey, Surrey
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Patients use the Internet too :)

Oncologists, BCNs etc: Many patients use the Internet as an important source of information about research, new treatments, clinical trials etc. Some of us have a scientific or medical background….

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A little thing... for healthcare professionals Vicky, Birmingham
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Giving your patients psychological support

Please don’t forget how scary and bewildering this diagnosis can be. No matter how calm and collected the patient seems, they must be given access to psychological support – preferably…

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A little thing... for healthcare professionals Eleanor, Folkestone
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Talk to me during tests

When having certain tests, for instance scans, I may not be able to see you. Reassure me by chatting. Tell me where you are. Touch me lightly on the arm…

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A little thing... for healthcare professionals Eleanor, Folkestone
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Don’t be afraid to touch me

Do not be afraid to touch me. It’s very comforting.

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A little thing... for healthcare professionals Eleanor, Folkestone
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Introduce yourself

Always acknowledge every person in the room. Say hello and introduce yourself by name.

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A little thing... for healthcare professionals Eleanor, Folkestone
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Be honest about side effects

Quality of life is as important as quantity of life. Be honest about side-effects of drugs you want me to take and listen to my concerns. Don’t dismiss worries that…

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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.

Other tips...