New support for people living with secondary breast cancer
Leading research and support charity, Breast Cancer Now, is launching a new service with Big C in Norwich for people with incurable secondary breast cancer.
This follows a recommendation made by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) for more secondary breast cancer support in the area, after patients and staff took part in Breast Cancer Now’s Service Pledge programme to improve their breast cancer services.
The ‘Living with Secondary Breast Cancer’ group will bring together people with the disease to talk, listen and learn with others who understand the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings in a relaxed and supportive environment.
The free monthly group is the first from Breast Cancer Now in Norfolk and begins on Friday 10 November, 11am-1pm. The group will be held at our Norwich City Support Centre on Dereham Road.
‘Living with Secondary Breast Cancer’ sessions are facilitated by an experienced counsellor and every few months there is the chance to hear from an expert speaker on topics such as treatment side effects, fatigue and clinical trials.
Dr Melanie Pascale, Director of Charitable Operations at Big C, said:
“We are really looking forward to working with Breast Cancer Now and launching the new group at the Norwich City Cancer Support Centre, which opened earlier this year. These sessions will offer much needed support for local people dealing with the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings and we know from our service users how important this support will be.”
It is estimated that over 61,000 people are living with secondary breast cancer (also called metastatic, advanced, or stage 4 cancer) in the UK. The disease occurs when breast cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body, most commonly the bones, liver, lung or brain. While secondary breast cancer can be treated, it cannot currently be cured.
Susan Wood, Senior Manager, Secondary Breast Cancer Services at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“We are thrilled to be rolling out such an invaluable support service in Norwich to help us be there for people living with secondary breast cancer across Norfolk and it’s wonderful to be hosting these groups at the Big C Centre.
“Secondary breast cancer is full of uncertainties and people tell us that they often feel overlooked or forgotten once receiving the devastating diagnosis. Our Living with Secondary Breast Cancer group offers a warm, friendly space to share what’s on your mind with people who understand, to help people feel less alone, as well as provide vital support and crucial information.
“If anyone has any questions at all or would like to register to join the group please do get in touch with us at secondaryservice@breastcancernow.org or call 0345 077 1893.”
Joann Mcgrath, Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist for breast at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said:
“The breast cancer care team were so pleased that they took part in Breast Cancer Now’s Service Pledge Programme. It was so helpful to receive feedback about the experiences of breast cancer patients. We were able to reflect on and celebrate the areas that we felt we did well but also areas that we could improve upon, including support for patients with secondary breast cancer.
“With the involvement and guidance from Breast Cancer Now the Norwich secondary breast cancer group has come to fruition. The group will provide a safe place and supportive environment for patients to share any concerns and worries with facilitators and specialists. The group will also be an essential bridge from the NNUH to the community as a great deal of patients are living well with their disease and would like to meet other patients to talk about their experiences. The group is a big step forward in demonstrating that we have listened and validated our patients concerns and we are positive that the group will be a success going forward.”
Register online at breastcancernow.org/Living-with-Norwich or call Breast Cancer Now on 0345 077 1893.
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