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.

A little thing... for people with secondary breast cancer Toni, Southport
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Exercise Important?

Over the years I have tried a bit of everything but finding out about the secondary cancer was the perfect excuse. It didn’t matter what I ate, did or looked like.

How wrong was I? Yes the meds made me hungry so I put on 3 stone and felt I had the perfect excuse but it was only when I started walking that I got my energy.

My shoes used to hurt me so I treated myself to some new trainers and they changed everything. Having decent shoes made me venture a bit further and feel more independent, stronger and have more energy, something I never thought I would have again. I expected my legs to ache when I walked 5 miles but they didn’t. I expected to be tired but I’m not. I have more energy and want to do more.

So if you get the urge, venture out. Take it easy, this isn’t about getting fit or losing weight it’s about building your energy, confidence and independence. So go shopping and treat yourself and take control of your life again.

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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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