Beating Breast Cancer
We talk to the breast cancer charity whose mission is to improve the lives of those affected by the disease
Rachael Franklin, Breast Cancer Now
Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the earth-shattering words: “You have breast cancer”.
“That’s why Breast Cancer Now is here,” says Rachael Franklin of Breast Cancer Now. “We want to create a world where the words ‘breast cancer’ aren’t met with fear.
“By combining the power of world-class research, care and support, we’re changing the lives of people affected by breast cancer and giving hope for the future.”
Breast Cancer Now aims to ensure that, by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live – and be supported to live well.
For the next six months, My Weekly will be helping Breast Cancer Now realise this incredible vision.
“We’re very proud to announce our partnership with Breast Cancer Now,” Susan, editor of My Weekly, reveals. “Breast Cancer Now is an amazing charity which provides outstanding care and support, as well as funding vital, ground-breaking research.
As part of our partnership, every month until October, My Weekly will feature everything from the most up-to-date health information from Breast Cancer Now’s experts, to moving stories from people who’ve been affected by breast cancer, to ways you can help – whether that’s signing up for a Pink Ribbon Walk or baking for a fundraising afternoon tea.
“By partnering with Breast Cancer Now, we not only want to support women living with breast cancer, we also want to help play a small part in changing the future of breast cancer in the UK.”
50 years of support from the breast cancer charity
For over 50 years, Breast Cancer Now has been leading the way in breast cancer research and support.
The roots of the charity stretch back to 1973, a time when breast cancer was rarely discussed. A London teacher who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, Betty Westgate, founded the Mastectomy Association.
From her home, Betty offered support, education and information about breast cancer. Betty’s charity was the first of its kind and grew to become Breast Cancer Now – the UK’s most comprehensive source of support for people affected by the disease.
Today, its vital services give thousands of people affected by breast cancer the support they need in the way that suits them, whether that’s one-to-one or in a group; face-to-face, on the phone or online; as a one-off or continuously.
“Breast Cancer Now is also driving forward life-saving research into this disease,” Rachael continues.
We’re currently funding over 80 cutting-edge research projects which will help lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life for everyone affected by breast cancer.
“We’ve grown from a volunteer-led helpline to providing expert information, specialist nurses and a range of support services to thousands of people every year – and not only those diagnosed with breast cancer.
“We also help their friends and families. We’re determined no-one faces breast cancer alone.
At the moment, around 55,000 women and 400 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
“However,” Rachael adds, “due to improvements in treatment and care, earlier detection and faster diagnosis, breast cancer survival has doubled in the past 40 years.”
Yet, despite improvements in outcomes for people with breast cancer, a heart-breaking 11,600 people in the UK still die from the disease every year, while an estimated 61,000 people are living with secondary (or metastatic) breast cancer, when breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, making it treatable but incurable.
“Breast Cancer Now is working tirelessly to fund new research projects and support services for those living with secondary breast cancer,” says Rachael.
The charity supports world class research
Almost nine in 10 women survive breast cancer for five years or more, although the overwhelming physical and emotional effects of the disease can be long-lasting. However, Breast Cancer Now’s researchers are working on new and targeted treatments that will take less of a toll on patients’ physical and emotional health.
“In addition, we run support services, such as the Moving Forward course, to support the 600,000 people in the UK who are currently living with or beyond breast cancer,” adds Rachael.
“Breast Cancer Now is building a better future for everyone affected by breast cancer.”
Lurline Thomas’s story of survival
Lurline Thomas
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2016,” Lurline Thomas (60) says.
“It hit me like a thunderbolt. I was shocked. And scared.
“I had a lumpectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. It was a difficult time but my husband and our daughters were with me all the way through my treatment, and my Christian faith also kept me strong.
“I will always be beyond grateful to the researchers and scientists at Breast Cancer Now who were instrumental in developing the treatments I received.
“I had excellent support from Breast Cancer Now. I was assigned to a Breast Care Nurse and attended several of their courses, including a make-up course, which helped me cope when my hair fell out, and the Moving Forward course, getting together with women who’d experienced a similar breast cancer journey.
“Due to complications, I was left with health problems including fatigue, chronic pain, headaches and lymphoedema, and had to give up my career as a dental hygienist.
“Then I became a Breast Cancer Now volunteer, supporting women with breast cancer, which has given me back my sense of purpose.
“Thanks to Breast Cancer Now, I’m not only living beyond breast cancer, I’m thriving.”
Eight out of 10 breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women aged 50+ while one in four cases is diagnosed in women aged 75 and over.
Breast Cancer Now funds over £27 million-worth of world-class research projects to discover how to prevent breast cancer, save lives and help people live with – and beyond – the disease.
Prevention and cure
Dr Kotryna Temcinaite
“Although breast cancer survival has doubled in the last 40 years, the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer is rising,” Dr Kotryna Temcinaite, Breast Cancer Now’s head of research communications, says.
“Everyone knows somebody affected by the disease.
“If we want to change this and reduce the burden that breast cancer puts on individuals and society, we need research.
“Only by understanding breast cancer better can we find ways to prevent it, discover its weaknesses and develop more effective, kinder treatments.
“For example, in 2023, olaparib, which is a ground-breaking treatment for some people with early-stage primary breast cancer, was approved for use in the NHS.
“Crucially, this treatment can reduce the risk of cancer returning or progressing to incurable secondary breast cancer, and can stop people dying from this devastating disease.
“The discovery of this type of drug followed decades of work, which Breast Cancer Now-funded researchers were involved with from the very beginning.
“Recently, Breast Cancer Now-funded scientists discovered that artificial intelligence (AI) can predict if an aggressive type of breast cancer will spread, based on changes in a patient’s lymph nodes,” adds Dr Temcinaite.
“The team involved in this research hope the AI model will now be tested in clinical trials and will one day assist doctors in planning treatment.
“This could lead to more tailored treatment and care, help save lives and reduce stress and worry for people diagnosed with this aggressive type of breast cancer.
Breast cancer work is “far from done”, says the charity
“With breast cancer being one of the leading causes of death in women under 50 in the UK, we know our work is far from done.
“It’s so inspiring to work for a charity like Breast Cancer Now, where people are at the heart of everything we do.
“Breast Cancer Now has a bold vision to change the future of breast cancer by making sure that, by 2050, everyone diagnosed with the disease lives and is supported to live well.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of this vision.”
Vital support
Changing lives and giving hope
Breast Cancer Now is the research and support charity for anyone affected by breast cancer.
Through its support services, trusted breast cancer information and specialist nurses, the charity is there for anyone who needs them with free information and support.
Backed by world-class research, Breast Cancer Now also works tirelessly to find the best possible treatment, services and care for everyone affected by breast cancer.
If you’re worried about breast cancer, or have a question about breast health, call Breast Cancer Now’s free helpline on 0808 800 600.
Alternatively, visit breastcancernow.org for more information and details on how to support the charity.
Images: Breast Cancer Now, Sarah Holmes, Shutterstock
My Weekly Magazine Subscription With A Contribution To Breast Cancer Now
Why not enjoy all that a subscription to My Weekly magazine has to offer whilst also making a fantastic contribution to the vital work of Breast Cancer Now? We will donate £5 to Breast Cancer Now with every subscription sold at this special offer price. Subscribe today – only £20 for 12 issues!
Here is the details of this special subscription deal.
Look out for more information and advice over the coming months from Breast Cancer Now in My Weekly magazine and here on our website.
