The difference you can make

There are more than half a million people in the UK today who have been treated for breast cancer and every year another 50,000 or so – including around 300 men – hear the devastating news that they have the disease. They’ll probably feel frightened and confused – and their family and friends might need help too.

'Physically and psychologically, I was about to go through a huge change and I had to know what was going to happen to me. Having information on the most up-to-date developments in breast cancer treatments really helped me decide which treatment option was right for me and my family. Breast Cancer Care’s services really were invaluable, giving me extra information just when I needed it.' 
Breast Cancer Care service user

Breast Cancer Care is just a phone call or mouse click away for anyone affected by breast cancer. Our free Helpline and information-packed website offer a friendly ear and expert guidance to anyone dealing with the turmoil of this life-threatening illness. Across the UK, we also provide skilled emotional and practical support through a range of confidential, face-to-face services, helping people every step of the way.

Our unique strength lies in the way we combine our understanding of people's experience of breast cancer with the clinical expertise of our team of specialist nurses. We care because we’ve been there, and we know how to help.

'Breast Cancer Care was there for me at every stage of my breast cancer journey, offering support depending on my needs at the time.'
Breast Cancer Care service user

Our services are free and widely available thanks to the generosity of individuals and corporate supporters. By working with us, you can help to ensure that we are there whenever people need our expert help.

To find our more about how your company could help us make a significant difference to the lives of people affected by breast cancer, please email our Corporate Partnerships team at corporate.partnerships@breastcancercare.org.uk or call on 0845 092 0835.

Here’s a few examples of how your money could help:

£10 pays to provide a comprehensive, easy-to-understand information pack for someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

‘This pack was excellent from the time I was diagnosed and all the way through my treatment. Whenever I wasn’t sure of anything, I would go back to this pack and always found an answer. It is very reassuring to know what to expect next, and to be ready for it. I’d like to thank you very much.’ 
Patient 2009

£24 pays for our expert Helpline team to talk with a caller in confidence about any questions or worries they may have about breast health or as a result of their breast cancer diagnosis or treatment.

‘I cannot explain how much it helped talking to someone so caring, who knew exactly how you were feeling. The call was not rushed and I was able to ask all the questions that I wanted to. I cannot thank you enough for being there.’  
Helpline user, 2009

£52 pays for a personal appointment with our HeadStrong service to help women cope with the distress of hair loss from cancer treatment. As well as practical advice and information, clients have the chance to try scarves and hats and find something which suits them.

‘I found talking to other people who had experienced hair loss and who could offer specific advice and suggestions for overcoming what may seem trivial problems was invaluable. A little support and reassurance can work wonders.’ 
HeadStrong attendee

£132 pays to connect someone going through breast cancer with a trained volunteer who has had a similar experience to them. We know how much reassurance and encouragement people can get from talking to someone who has been there, so we take care to find the best match we can for each individual.

'Breast Cancer Care put me in touch with someone with first hand experience of breast cancer, so I could talk through how I felt after treatment. I was able to ask this person all the questions that had been running through my mind - were my feelings post-treatment normal – did they feel the same way when their treatment finished. It was so reassuring to speak to someone who shared similar fears and feelings of isolation.' 
Janet, Leeds

£192 pays for us to train a health worker to run breast health workshops in their community. The two-day course builds the skills and confidence to promote breast awareness, covering signs, symptoms and risks, and promoting the importance of early detection and breast screening.

£1,842 pays for up to 20 people to attend a tailored Information and Support Session where they will hear from experts or specialist nurses and share experiences with other people in a similar situation.

£11,519 pays for up to 40 women to attend a Younger Women’s Forum. These unique two-day events provide support and information specially tailored to the needs of younger women, who may have concerns about issues including fertility, body image and the effect on children or partners as a result of their breast cancer.

Making a difference

Last year, we provided information or support to around 1.7 million people online, over the phone, in person and via our expert publications.

How we spend your money

Read how we spend your money, how we fundraise and the difference we’re making in our Annual Review.