New support in Derry for people living with secondary breast cancer

Leading research and support charity, Breast Cancer Now, is launching a new service in Derry for people with incurable secondary breast cancer.

The new ‘Living with Secondary Breast Cancer’ group launches in October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and 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 begins on Monday, October 9 at 11.00am at the Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Campus in Altnagelvin Hospital. This is the second of the charity’s secondary breast cancer groups to launch in Northern Ireland, following a Belfast group set up in 2018.

Breast Cancer Now’s monthly ‘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.

Brenda McAninley, services development coordinator for Northern Ireland at Breast Cancer Now, said: "We are thrilled to be rolling out such an invaluable support service in Derry-Londonderry to help us be there for more people living with secondary breast cancer across Northern Ireland.

"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 breastcancernow.org/lwsbc-derrylondonderry or call 0345 077 1893.”

Mary Toner, from Derry is living with secondary breast cancer, and said: "My diagnosis of secondary breast cancer in April 2020 was just as lockdown had begun and I felt extremely isolated in coming to terms with my diagnosis.

"Breast Cancer Now were a lifeline with their online support which resulted in me joining the in-person group in Belfast, which I have attended almost every month for the last two years.

"I am thrilled that the charity is expanding their support to the North West and I’ll now be able to attend the sessions closer to where I live.

“I find Breast Cancer Now’s secondary breast cancer group offers me the opportunity of new friendships with people who understand exactly what you’re going through.

"Furthermore, the guest speakers allow the chance to explore a wide range of health related topics selected specifically by the group members.

"I will look forward to attending Breast Cancer Now’s Living with Secondary Breast Cancer group in October and I encourage anyone with secondary breast cancer to consider joining – for me it’s a ‘tonic’ each month."

Ann McBrien, from Belfast and living with secondary breast cancer, said: "I am delighted that Breast Cancer Now has established a second support group for people living with secondary breast cancer in Northern Ireland. This will provide much needed support for people in the North West.

"I was extremely fortunate that the charity’s Belfast group had launched just six months prior to my diagnosis in 2019. It was there for me from day one, and continues to provide support to me and many others.

"The group was invaluable in those early days when I wanted to talk to others in a similar position. Also, because the group is facilitated by a trained therapist it is an extremely safe and inclusive space.

"The thing that helped most in those early days, and still to this day, is the quarterly educational sessions. Sessions like Ask The Oncologist or Pharmacist, and discussing clinical trials and the benefits of exercise provide information and empower you to understand your cancer treatments, manage the side effects, and live the best you can."

Register online at breastcancernow.org/lwsbc-derrylondonderry or call Breast Cancer Now on 0345 077 1893.