In this episode, Laura talks to Fiona, a Breast Cancer Voice and active campaigner for disability issues.

Fiona speaks about being diagnosed with breast cancer over 30 years ago, and the challenges she faced during her diagnosis and treatment. She tells Laura about her disability and wheelchair use, and how it created obstacles in treatment for breast cancer. Fiona also talks about her volunteering and fundraising for Breast Cancer Now, as well as founding the initiative Swimming After Surgery.

Find out more about Swimming After Surgery

Find out more about Flat Friends

Take a look at what support is on offer from Breast Cancer Now's support service Someone Like Me

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).

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

0:24 Laura introduces Fiona

1:11 Fiona's diagnosis of breast cancer

3:43 Fiona's reaction to her shock diagnosis

5:26 Surgeries for breasts cancer, and unforeseen challenges

8:28 Flat Friends, support charity

9:43 How to talk to someone with a breast cancer diagnosis

10:54 How Flat Friends has helped Fiona

13:14 Fiona's disability diagnosis and its crossovers with breast cancer

16:52 Disability and breast cancer

21:16 Fiona's wheelchair usage

22:52 Swimming After Surgery and other initiatives

26:48 The beneficial impact of swimming

27:37 The importance of dignity

29:49 Getting involved with Breast Cancer Now

32:29 The financial impact of breast cancer

34:19 Fiona's experience with the benefits system

39:51 Macmillan's cancer and domestic abuse initiative

44:38 Tips for managing breast cancer care with a disability

45:34 What needs to change in breast cancer?