Breast Cancer Now

By Breast Cancer NowHealth & Fitness Government Non-Profit

Breast Cancer Now episodes

May 08 S7 Ep3: Living with hope and metastatic breast cancer
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 metupUK
Laura Ashurst's website

Key Topics
02:35 Laura's diagnoses
13:40 What happened next?
14:40 How it felt to be told you had 3-6 months to live
18:55 Reflections on treatment and knowledge
20:18 Letrozole
24:27 What needs to be done for in terms of treatment for breast cancer?
26:00 What Laura thinks has contributed to her survival, mental wellbeing
35:35 Survivors guilt
38:37 The metup UK charity
40:20 The importance of improving data collection for metastatic breast cancer diagnoses
41:40 Working with Rishi Sunak
44:40 What Laura is working on with metup UK
46:35 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 children
56:00 Advice for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
56:46 What should people take away from this episode?
58:20 Information on metup UK
1 hr
April 24 S7 Ep2: Parenting doesn't stop when cancer starts (Victoria Mapplebeck)
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 Victoria
03:00 Motherboard, filmed over 20 years
10:19 Being a solo parent
14:19 Victoria is diagnosed with breast cancer
15:56 Talking to a child about a breast cancer diagnosis
22:07 The emotional impact of Victoria's breast cancer
26:12 Mutual support between a child and a parent
32:06 The pitfalls searching for cancer information online
37:08 Working with Fruitfly Collective to help parents with cancer
40:19 How to get started documenting your experience
48:13 How to watch Motherboard
51 min
March 27 S7 Ep1: A bold new chapter (Claire Rowney)
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/podcast
You 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 goal
18:40 Claire's own breast cancer diagnosis
23:30 What empowerment really is
26:30 The importance of attending your breast cancer screening
29:05 What Breast Cancer Now is doing to help younger people with breast cancer
32:10 The importance of getting diagnosed early
33:30 Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer
36:40 How the charity is going to support people post-treatment
38:50 How is Claire doing, now?
44:45 What work is being done into health inequalities
46:05 How close is a cure for breast cancer?
48:20 Research into what causes breast cancer
49:30 The colour pink
50:30 Why was it important to spend money on the new look?
51:20 They importance of fundraising
53:07 What did Claire learn as a result of her diagnosis?
53:40 What should the listener take away from this episode?
56 min
January 03 S6 Ep23: What does it mean to you to live well?
Breast Cancer Now's mission is that by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live, and be supported to live well. What does it mean to you to live well?

That's the question Laura asked each of our guests this season, and the answers were diverse, enlightening, and hinted at hope for the future.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you for listening to this season of the Breast Cancer Now podcast! We'll be back with more episodes soon.

We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).
25 min
December 19, 2025S6 Ep22: Travel insurance with breast cancer might be easier than you think – with Fiona Macrae
Planning a holiday when you’re living with or beyond breast cancer can feel daunting, especially when it comes to getting travel insurance. In this episode, Laura speaks with Fiona Macrae, founder of the travel insurance brand Insurancewith. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and living with metastatic (secondary) breast cancer since 2020, Fiona shares her personal journey and why freedom to travel is so important to her.

In a conversation full of hope and practical tips from their own experiences, Fiona and Laura get stuck into:
why travel insurance matters, especially when you have a cancer diagnosis,
how medical screening works and what insurers are really looking for,
common myths about being “uninsurable” after your treatment changes or a progression,
confusing terminology when applying for travel insurance and how to make sense of it,
practical tips for planning trips, timing holidays around treatment, and talking to your medical team,
Fiona’s own story, taking her frustration with the system and creating a travel insurance brand with people with cancer at its heart.

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.

The discount code IWCommunity gives 20%* off an Insurancewith premium.

* The discount code ‘IWCommunity’ offers you a 20% discount made up of our automatic 15% online discount price and an additional 5% discount against our Customer Service Centre prices. This is discounted from our core policy price before you add any additional cost of optional extensions or additional medical premium. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Insurancewith is a travel insurance brand. They are not an insurer or underwriter. Policies are underwritten by regulated insurers, and terms and conditions apply. Insurancewith is a trading name of Travel Insurance Facilities Plc, a travel insurance distributor. Policies are underwritten by FCA-authorised insurers. They do not offer personal advice. Always read your policy documents and ensure the cover meets your needs. Breast Cancer Now does not endorse, or recommend Insurancewith.

If you're struggling to get travel insurance, you can also try the MoneyHelper directory, which lists specialist providers who may be able to help – including Insurancewith.

Key Topics:
2:24 Why is it important that we travel?
3:33 Fiona's breast cancer diagnosis
6:50 Dealing with a cancer diagnosis as a new mother
7:44 Fiona's diagnosis of metastatic (secondary) breast cancer
12:21 Fiona sets up travel insurance brand Insurancewith
14:38 Do you need travel insurance?
18:25 Declaring breast cancer on your travel insurance
20:40 Getting cover with a new diagnosis or drug
24:33 The importance of the health questionnaire when buying travel insurance
31:45 More claims can be related back to cancer than you might think
33:28 The cost of repatriation
34:57 How does neutropenia affect travel insurance?
39:29 Is flying detrimental to our health?
42:07 Do you need travel insurance if you're staying within the UK?
43:33 When should you book your travel insurance?
44:55 Should you put friends and family on the same insurance policy as you?
46:29 Does the destination country change how expensive insurance is?
47:34 How does mental health work with travel insurance?
50:38 Unhelpful terminology in travel insurance policies
55:53 What about metastatic (secondary) breast cancer in the brain?
1:00:49 High risk activities and insurance with breast cancer
1:02:00 Going on holiday while on a clinical trial
1:02:48 Business insurance and cancer
1:04:57 Practical tips for travelling
1:10:05 What it means to Fiona to "live well"
1 hr 13 min
December 05, 2025 S6 Ep21: Lucy on being diagnosed as a younger woman
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 diagnosis
08:40 How are you now?
09:05 Family history of breast cancer
10:55 Support services for younger women
12:42 Fertility preservation treatment
16:00 Starting a family
19:15 Pregnancy after breast cancer
21:20 Breastfeeding
22:40 How did pregnancy feel for you?
24:15 How are you finding motherhood
25:00 How did your partner cope throughout your cancer and pregnancy
25:49 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 Walk
43:25 What does it mean to Lucy to 'live well'.

45 min
November 21, 2025 S6 Ep20: Caroline on talking with children about death and grief
Caroline Leek is the founder of Fruitfly Collective, which empowers people with a cancer diagnosis to navigate family life and to support their children. Caroline set up Fruitfly Collective to give the kind of support she wished she’d had when her own father died when she was 12 years old.

In this episode, Caroline focuses on talking to children and teenagers about death and grief, and how to communicate with children about being diagnosed with incurable cancer. She talks about strategies for communicating with teenagers, discusses whether it's OK to tell a white lie, and shares helpful tips and prompts to help children with death and grief.

Find out more about Fruitfly Collective.

Listen to Caroline's previous episode about parenting with cancer, or watch on YouTube.

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:
0:16 Laura outlines the episode and shares her thoughts
2:40 When a child visits a parent who is dying
7:06 How to have a conversation with a child about an upcoming death
9:42 How honest should you be when a child asks if you're going to die?
14:10 Ways of starting a conversation with a child about the death of their parent
25:54 Caroline reveals how her unprocessed grief came to light
27:55 The tools Caroline used to process her grief and support her mental health
31:15 "Pip" kits from Fruitfly Collective
39:39 How to access Fruitfly Collective's excellent resources and support

Links:
Griefcast
Kids' Guide to Cancer app
44 min
November 07, 2025 S6 Ep19: Rosamund and Alice on writing through the breast cancer experience
In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Laura speaks to fellow authors and previous podcast guests, Rosamund Dean and Alice May Purkiss.

They talk about writing, specifically how to put your own breast cancer experience into words. Laura talks to Rosamund and Alice about how they started writing and why they wanted to share their experience with others. They each discuss topics such as how writing affects their mental health, imposter syndrome and how anyone can be a writer. Both Rosamund and Alice also share their book and newsletter recommendations for people experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis.

Key Topics:

02:06 What made you decide to write about your cancer?
06:40 What affect does writing have on your mental health?
09:53 What do you find the most difficult part of writing?
10:51 Getting started
12:24 Rosamund talks about the process of writing her book, 'Reconstruction'
14:40 Advice for someone interested in writing
16:35 Book recommendations
18:30 Which authors inspire Rosamund the most
19:50 Rosamund's best tips for writing
23:06 Where to find Rosamund's work
23:35 Laura's thoughts
24:40 How writing affects Alice's mental health
26:48 Where should people start if they are interested in writing?
30:15 Advice for someone looking to get published
31:20 Long form writing, e.g. blogs
33:31 Alice's self-publishing process and advice
36:55 Tips for writing or creativity
41:27 Book recommendations
49:05 Inspiring authors books/blogs
54:10 Where to find Alice's work

Rosamund
Well well well newsletter- rosamunddean.substack.com
Rosamund’s books- Reconstruction + Mindful Drinking
@rosamunddean

Alice
Alice's book- Life Lemons and Melons
alicemaypurkiss.co.uk
@alicemaypurkiss

Laura
Laura's book- Single Bald Female
@laurapricewrites

Book recommendations:

Hattie Crissel - In Writing
Oliver Burkeman - Four Thousand Weeks
Miranda July - All Fours
Fran Littlewood - Amazing Grace Adams
Kris Hallenga - Glittering a Turd
Bessel Van Der Kolk - The Body Keeps The Score
Sophie Savage - Lifeshocks
Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross -Your Brain on Art
Rick Rubin - The Creative Act
Will Storr - The Science of Storytelling

Newletters (substack) :

Alice Vincent - Savour
Daisy Buchannan - Creative Confidence Clinic
Porna Bell - As I Was Saying
Hayley Nahman - Maybe Baby

56 min
October 24, 2025 S6 Ep18: Dr Hajra on being newly diagnosed with breast cancer
Dr Hajra is a GP and aesthetic doctor who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, aged 37. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Hajra talks to Laura about the shock of her recent diagnosis, the effects of the chemotherapy treatment she’s undergoing, and the treatment plan coming up, including a double mastectomy.

Hajra also shares the differences in experiencing cancer as a doctor, compared with as a patient, and the surprising ways it’s affected her. She tells Laura about her BRCA gene mutation, and how that news affected her outlook on her breast cancer diagnosis.

You can find Dr Hajra on Instagram @drhajrasdiary

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:
1:56 Hajra's work as a GP and aesthetic doctor
6:23 Practising breast awareness as a doctor
9:02 Biopsies and scans, as a doctor
16:18 Receiving biopsy results with friends and family
18:09 Hajra is diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer
19:19 The treatment plan for Hajra's breast cancer
20:26 Being treated as a patient rather than as a doctor
21:40 Hajra is the first in her family with breast cancer
22:14 The physical effects of chemotherapy
23:42 Genetic testing for breast cancer gene mutations
29:03 Coping with the impact of a gene mutation diagnosis
33:22 Breast cancer treatment and fertility
39:22 The effect of chemotherapy on physical apperarance
44:57 Hajra's plan for aesthetic treatments after chemotherapy
47:28 Thoughts on the upcoming double mastectomy
50:15 Mental health and breast cancer treatment
53:17 Working during treatment for breast cancer
54:53 The importance of sharing your story
56:43 What it means to Hajra to "live well"
1 hr
October 10, 2025 S6 Ep17: Laura on founding Secondary Sisters
Laura was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2016, aged 28. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Laura shares how she felt when she first received that diagnosis 9 years ago, and how it impacted her life. She goes on to talk about living her life to the full, and adjusting to an uncertain future.

Later in the conversation, Laura talks about founding Secondary Sisters, an online community supporting people with secondary cancer. She also shares how it feels, after almost a decade of living with secondary breast cancer, when people look to her as an example for living well with an incurable disease.

You can find Laura on Instagram @baldbooblessandbeautiful
You can find Secondary Sisters on Instagram @secondary.sisters

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:
1:34 What is secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer?
2:20 Laura's life before cancer
3:24 Laura finds a lump and is diagnosed with primary breast cancer
8:11 Treatment and surgery for breast cancer
11:14 Ways of coping with hair loss and other visible effects of cancer treatment
13:39 Laura is diagnosed with secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer
20:29 Laura writes a living list
24:35 How Laura is doing now
26:25 Laura sets up Secondary Sisters
37:37 How it feels losing friends to the same disease you have
39:07 Having time and people away from cancer
41:24 Laura's thoughts on how her story has given people hope and inspiration
42:28 Not being able to have children after breast cancer
48:10 Coping with a new diagnosis of secondary breast cancer
49:46 Laura shares her vulnerability as well as her story
56:23 What it means to Laura to "live well"
1 hr