Breast Cancer Uncovered

We explore the realities of living with metastatic breast cancer with Laura Price, presenter of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, who shares her experience from her initial diagnosis to being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer.

Laura is joined by Dr. Shradha Lakhani and Professor Peter Schmid, who discuss common misconceptions about metastatic breast cancer, the importance of exercise, and the emotional and physical challenges of living with the disease. Together, they highlight advances in treatment that are helping more people live well for longer, while emphasising the importance of support, understanding, and honest conversations about metastatic breast cancer.

This episode shines a light on two rare but important forms of breast cancer: pregnancy-associated breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancer.

Featuring consultant obstetrician Dr. Ellen Knox, Naomi John from The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK, Dr. Ashleigh Williams, who shares both her professional and personal experience with cancer, and Anna Partington, who was diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy, the conversation explores the unique challenges these diagnoses present.

Amy and Naren explore the journey of a breast cancer diagnosis, from recognising the initial symptoms to navigating the emotional impact of hearing the words, "you have breast cancer."
They are joined by Laura Leonard and Durga Parmar, who both share their personal experiences of being diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing treatment, and making sense of the unfamiliar medical terminology that follows a diagnosis.

Amy Dowden opens up about the deeply personal decision to undergo a mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis. Joined by breast surgeon Naren Basu, they explore the factors that influence treatment decisions, the emotional and practical realities of choosing surgery, and the importance of feeling informed and supported throughout the process. Together, they discuss how treatment choices are tailored to each individual, dispel common misconceptions, and highlight the value of open, honest conversations between patients and their healthcare teams. Amy's candid reflections offer reassurance and insight for anyone navigating a breast cancer diagnosis or supporting a loved one through treatment.

Amy and Naren hear three perspectives on how ethnicity can affect breast cancer diagnosis and the need for greater community awareness, cultural sensitivity, and equitable care for all.
Journalist Satnam Rana-Grindley caught her breast cancer at a very early stage, but says cancer is a taboo subject for many in South Asian communities. Meanwhile, consultant medical oncologist, Dr Olubokola Ayodele, says black women are "four times likely to die from the disease" due to late presentation and aggressive subtypes like triple-negative cancer. She highlights systemic bias and the need for inclusive screening programmes. 
Helena Boyce runs Youbuntu, which delivers workshops on diversity and inclusion. She talks to Amy and Naren about her three cancer diagnoses and the discrimination she faced within the health system as a black woman, including being offered a "pink prosthesis" after a mastectomy. 
01:09 Introduction to Satnam Rana-Grindley
01:31 The importance of self-examination
04:51 Cultural taboos and family reactions
06:39 Improving breast cancer awareness in South Asian communities
10:22 Health disparities in black and minority ethnic communities
21:19 Challenges in clinical trials and treatment acceptance
28:43 Helena Boyce on her multiple cancer diagnoses 
32:47 Helena Boyce on discrimination and advocacy