In this episode, Laura asks Dr Liz O'Riordan questions about breast cancer ranging from diet and exercise to treatment and drugs, from signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer to how to reduce a risk of recurrence, from what cancer actually is to whether it can be cured, and many more.

Dr Liz is a breast cancer expert who worked as a breast surgeon before receiving a diagnosis herself. She's now an accredited Trusted Information Creator, podcast host and author. You can follow Liz on Instagram @oriordanliz and find all her links on her Linktree.

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.

Listen to Liz's previous episode on the Breast Cancer Now podcast where she talks about how to find reliable information about cancer in a world of misinformation.

You can visit NHS Predict, as mentioned in this episode, to see how different treatments for early invasive breast cancer might improve survival rates after surgery.

Key Topics:

0:00 Introduction

0:32 Laura introduces the episode

1:28 Why are surgeons referred to as 'Mr/Mrs/Miss', not 'Dr'?

2:16 What is cancer?

3:46 What are grades and stages of breast cancer?

5:49 What does being ER/PR/HER2 receptor positive/negative mean?

7:28 What is triple negative breast cancer?

8:38 Can your receptor status change over time?

9:13 What is a gene mutation in breast cancer?

11:47 Why does cancer sometimes skip generations?

12:43 What are the different types of breast cancer?

13:51 Can men get breast cancer?

14:05 What causes cancer?

15:15 Does stress cause cancer?

15:20 Does a suppressed immune system cause cancer?

16:08 What about cancer medication that suppresses your immune system?

17:19 What is the best diet for breast cancer?

18:43 Does being vegan help with breast cancer?

19:02 Does sugar feed cancer?

21:13 Is dairy safe after breast cancer?

22:00 Is it better to have organic food with breast cancer?

22:38 Is soy safe after breast cancer?

23:31 Is red meat safe after breast cancer?

24:16 Does alcohol cause breast cancer?

25:11 How much alcohol can you drink after breast cancer?

25:36 Is there something you should drink if you have breast cancer?

26:05 Is tap water safe to drink?

26:26 Does burnt food cause cancer?

27:10 Should you change your gut microbiome and eat fermented foods if you have breast cancer?

28:13 Does fasting help with breast cancer?

29:08 What are ultra-processed foods (UPFs)?

31:32 Can exercise help prevent breast cancer?

33:05 What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

34:18 What are the symptoms of secondary breast cancer?

37:45 How can we prevent cancer?

39:35 Is metastatic cancer the same as secondary cancer?

40:29 Why is secondary breast cancer 'treatable, but not curable'?

41:35 Why does breast cancer come back?

42:31 What does 'no evidence of disease' or 'NED' mean?

43:22 What is a line of treatment?

44:04 Do cancer treatments work forever?

44:38 What does 'complete pathologicial response' mean?

45:25 What does 'remission' mean?

45:49 What does 'prognosis' mean?

46:45 Where can you find out your prognosis?

47:29 What does 'terminal' mean?

48:01 What does 'palliative' mean?

49:41 What is a Maggie's Centre?

50:12 Are people being diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages?

51:39 What is chemotherapy and what does it do?

53:15 How does cancer treatment affect fertility?

54:19 How do you preserve your fertility with breast cancer treatment?

55:24 What are aromatase inhibitors?

56:23 What is radiotherapy?

56:47 What research is being done to find a cure for breast cancer?

58:55 What mental health support is there for people with breast cancer?

59:52 A practical tip for dealing with scan anxiety (scanxiety).

1:00:13 Can you have hormone replacement therapy HRT with breast cancer?