Photo Credit: The Christie School of Oncology
Supporting primary and secondary breast cancer patients to make informed choices. Sharing information and up to date news on treatments, breast surgeries, consultants, hospitals and providing useful links
Abcdiagnosis is an organisation and network offering peer to peer support for people with breast cancer. Aiming to reduce fear, anxiety and isolation, while supporting them to resume normal life, living both with and beyond cancer.
Following my own diagnosis in 2007, I became acutely aware of the lack of resources and information available to patients regarding things like surgery options, exercise and the latest cancer developments.
One avenue I explored was exercise, finding that my own mental health & well-being improved substantially when exercise became part of my own approach to my diagnosis. The web site has grown and developed over the years and I think it helps that I can relate to all aspects of other patient’s journeys, having breast cancer myself.
In February 2013, I launched the Abcdiagnosis website, so people could have a “one stop shop” for everything breast cancer, aimed at helping those with primary and also those with secondary disease.
A year later I was dealt a huge personal blow when it was discovered that my own cancer had spread and was now incurable. However, I managed to continue developing web content, engage in patient advocacy and set up free exercise retreats.
In 2016 I decided to create another website, this time focusing on secondary breast cancer, and in October of 2019 METUPUK was launched.
One of the huge problems I’ve encountered regarding lack of information for breast cancer patients, is the fact that many women, and even some GPs, are unaware of the red flag signs and symptoms that the disease has spread.
To try and help combat this major issue, I designed a Secondary Breast Cancer infographic showing how to spot these red flags. Thankfully, this is now signposted by NHS England for use throughout the country.
I hope you find the information useful and supportive.
Jo
