How we support the woman behind the cancer with our patient information

When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, very often they need help away from their medical appointments to understand what is happening, be informed about decisions they may face and to feel they are not alone in experiencing the impact of a the diagnosis. 

That’s where our Information Resources can be a huge support, as people are sometimes kind enough to tell us. Frances from Brighton, who was given one of our Secondary breast cancer resource packs by her breast care nurse, says: ‘It was so nice to get a little free pack, something special. It’s been an invaluable tool as I’ve gone through treatment.’

Over the past year alone we have sent out around a million free items of patient information, including booklets, factsheets, DVDs and magazines. At the same time, more than 70,000 people between them consulted pages nearly 300,000 times in our Breast cancer information section of the website, with thousands downloading further copies of booklets and factsheets. 

Our most frequently ordered items, which can all be requested via the website, include:

• Treating breast cancer
• Getting fitter, feeling stronger (exercises after breast surgery)
• Your operation and recovery
• Primary breast cancer resource pack.

So that people can be sure they are getting up-to-date, accurate and reliable information, it’s written or commissioned by our team of clinical nurse specialists, reviewed by other health professionals and by people affected by breast cancer. Only then does it go into print, under the careful eye of our dedicated Publishing team. On top of that, our quality standards are independently accredited by the Department of Health’s Information Standard. 

As part of the Publishing team, I can tell you that we love our work and feel it a privilege to be involved in offering comfort and support to the woman behind the cancer.