Naomi shares how she discovered she carries the BRCA2 gene mutation and has an 80% lifetime risk of breast cancer. We explore genetic testing, risk-reducing surgery, and what it means to live with inherited cancer risk, with expert insight from Jnetics, Jewish genetic disorders charity.

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Nikki Wheatley talks to Laura about her experience being diagnosed with triple negative, and later metastatic breast cancer. Nikki shares how she both finds and spreads hope, five years on from her metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. She discusses her work with the change and check campaign. They discuss what triple negative breast cancer means, and why it can be harder to treat. Nikki discusses how she manages living with metastatic breast cancer day-to-day, managing the side effects of her treatments and looking after her mental well-being.Nikki also talks about how she has found parenting with cancer and where she has found support, in places like the Fruitfly collective, Ruth Strauss foundation and Maggie's. They talk about the importance of self-advocacy and early detection, and how she hopes to help others by sharing her story. Key Topics: 01:20 Getting to know Nikki02:10 Explaining what triple negative breast cancer is03:01 Nikki's diagnosis05:55 The word "aggressive" in relation to triple negative07:20 Finding out the cancer had spread11:40 Nikki's signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer16:38 Hearing "the cancer had spread to your brain" 18:50 Treatment and scanxiety25:40 How Nikki looks after herself emotionally27:55 Nutrition30:20 Feeling isolated having a triple negative diagnosis31:30 Parenting through cancer and finding support34:32 Finding hope40:30 What sorts of progress would you like to see in terms of treatment?42:25 Nikki's involvement in the change and check campaign48:20 Being an 'outlier'50:45 Knowing your normal52:10 What would you say to someone your has just been diagnosed with primary triple negative breast cancer?53:10 The online breast cancer community55:18 Looking to the future

Cancer genetics scientist Jay Tatla shares her journey from researcher to breast cancer patient, and how it reshaped her life. From diagnosis and treatment to tackling cultural stigma and advocating for better representation, Jay explores the power of self‑advocacy, early detection, and using your voice in healthcare.

Sir Chris Hoy speaks about his incurable cancer diagnosis, finding hope and resilience, living for today, and raising money and awareness with cycling event Tour de 4.

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, returning guest Laura Ashurst shares her experience of living nearly 20 years with metastatic breast cancer.Laura speaks about why she thinks she has survived so long with a metastatic diagnosis, about the importance of holistic care and the importance of mental wellbeing. Laura talks about her advocacy for improved treatment access, the need for more consistent support, and improved data collection for those with metastatic breast cancer.  Find out more about metupUKLaura Ashurst's website Key Topics02:35 Laura's diagnoses13:40 What happened next?14:40 How it felt to be told you had 3-6 months to live18:55 Reflections on treatment and knowledge20:18 Letrozole24:27 What needs to be done for in terms of treatment for breast cancer?26:00 What Laura thinks has contributed to her survival, mental wellbeing35:35 Survivors guilt38:37 The metup UK charity40:20 The importance of improving data collection for metastatic breast cancer diagnoses 41:40 Working with Rishi Sunak44:40 What Laura is working on with metup UK46:35 The importance of signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer 48:45 Where do you find hope? 50:18 "I will never say I am grateful that cancer entered my life." 50:43 How Laura's metastatic breast cancer diagnosis has affected her children56:00 Advice for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer56:46 What should people take away from this episode? 58:20 Information on metup UK

In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, documentary filmmaker Victoria Mapplebeck shares her experience of raising her son as a solo parent while documenting the journey over 20 years.She talks to Laura about her film Motherboard, which captures the humour and heartbreak of parenting, and how her unexpected breast cancer diagnosis affected her teenage son Jim.Victoria opens up about navigating breast cancer treatment without a partner, and how she uses creativity as a way to cope with and process those challenges. Motherboard is now streaming on Apple, Amazon, BFI Player, Rakuten and YouTube Movies & TV.Family Viewing – Capturing family life with your smartphone. A series of workshops for parents navigating family life with breast cancer – register for free. Parenting support from Fruitfly Collective.Breast cancer support from Breast Cancer Now.Listen to our episode with Caroline Leek from Fruitfly Collective, about parenting with cancer.01:26 Getting to know Victoria03:00 Motherboard, filmed over 20 years10:19 Being a solo parent14:19 Victoria is diagnosed with breast cancer15:56 Talking to a child about a breast cancer diagnosis22:07 The emotional impact of Victoria's breast cancer26:12 Mutual support between a child and a parent32:06 The pitfalls searching for cancer information online37:08 Working with Fruitfly Collective to help parents with cancer40:19 How to get started documenting your experience48:13 How to watch Motherboard

Laura speaks to Breast Cancer Now’s chief executive, Claire Rowney, about our long-term vision, and her own recent experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer.  Claire talks about the importance of attending mammogram screenings, and how her diagnosis was discovered through a routine screening. She reflects on the emotional impact of diagnosis, the lack of control she felt, and how the experience has given her a deeper understanding of what patient empowerment really means. They also talk about how Breast Cancer Now’s new strategy and look will help us achieve our bold vision. That by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live and live well.Listen to Fran's episode about the benefits of exercise with cancer or watch on YouTube.Listen to Dr Sam Orange's episode on exercise after breast cancer or watch on YouTube. You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website: https://www.breastcancernow.org/podcastYou can also watch this episode on YouTube.Key Topics:04:01 What do the charity's goals actually mean?05:10 Breast Cancer Now's new look 07:13 What does the charity's new strategy mean for people with breast cancer?15:23 Reaching that 2050 goal18:40 Claire's own breast cancer diagnosis23:30 What empowerment really is26:30 The importance of attending your breast cancer screening29:05 What Breast Cancer Now is doing to help younger people with breast cancer32:10 The importance of getting diagnosed early33:30 Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer36:40 How the charity is going to support people post-treatment38:50 How is Claire doing, now? 44:45 What work is being done into health inequalities46:05 How close is a cure for breast cancer?48:20 Research into what causes breast cancer49:30 The colour pink50:30 Why was it important to spend money on the new look?51:20 They importance of fundraising53:07 What did Claire learn as a result of her diagnosis?53:40 What should the listener take away from this episode?

All our guests answer Laura's question: what does it mean to you to live well?

Travel insurance after breast cancer isn’t always out of reach. In this hopeful conversation, Fiona Macrae shares her personal journey of living with secondary breast cancer and its challenges when it comes to travel. Discover practical tips, myth‑busting insights, and why travel can still be part of life after diagnosis.

 Lucy Dawson was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 25. In this episode she talks to Laura about her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer as a younger woman, and having fertility preservation treatment as a result of her breast cancer diagnosis. They talk about the importance of sharing positive stories, pregnancy, and starting a family after breast cancer.They also talk about the importance of spreading awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and having the confidence to advocate for yourself in a medical setting.If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.Key Topics:02:00 Lucy's diagnosis08:40 How are you now?09:05 Family history of breast cancer10:55 Support services for younger women12:42 Fertility preservation treatment16:00 Starting a family19:15 Pregnancy after breast cancer21:20 Breastfeeding22:40 How did pregnancy feel for you?24:15 How are you finding motherhood25:00 How did your partner cope throughout your cancer and pregnancy25:49 What would you say to other younger women facing fertility challenges as a result of breast cancer treatment?26:45 Advocating for herself as a younger woman to be diagnosed and being confident in a medical setting.33:56 How do you look after your mental health 38:57 Posters of the signs & symptoms of breast cancer in M&S changing rooms.42:15 Taking part in BCN's Pink Ribbon Walk43:25 What does it mean to Lucy to 'live well'.