Living with secondary breast cancer

Each person’s experience of secondary breast cancer is unique and everyone will deal with their particular diagnosis and the impact it has on their life in their own way. Having secondary breast cancer doesn’t necessarily mean that you are going to have to make big changes in your life; some people are able to carry on with their lives much as they lived them before their diagnosis.

However, many people find that a secondary diagnosis results in them taking time to think about their life and the things that are important to them. From speaking with people who have secondary breast cancer we know that the diagnosis will have some impact on the those around you, the things you do and how you see the future.

Breast Cancer Voice Carolyn Hall was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer at 41. Here she talks about how breast cancer has affected her life.

Finding support

The following health care professionals may be able assist and support you to live with secondary breast cancer and will know what is available in your area.

• Breast care nurse.
• GP - family doctor.
• District nurse - you can access this service via your GP, hospital or hospice.
• Macmillan or palliative care nurse - you can assess this service as above.
• Occupational therapist - access via district nurse or GP.
• Social worker - access via hospital, hospice, or social services.
• Health visitor/school nurse - access via GP or school.
• Hospice/home care teams/day unit - access via GP, nurse or hospital.

Useful links

• Macmillan Cancer Support www.macmillan.org.uk
• Winston's Wish - Help for bereaved children and their families www.winstonswish.org.uk
• Department for Work and Pensions UK www.dwp.gov.uk
• Citizens Advice Bureaux UK www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• Breast Cancer Network Australia www.bcna.org.au
• Metastatic Breast Cancer Information and Support www.bcmets.org
• Nice (Advanced breast cancer: understanding NICE guidance) http://www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/CG81/PublicInfo/pdf/English