We can provide cancer support
AS a clinical nurse specialist on Breast Cancer Now’s helpline, I’m acutely aware of the shattering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the emotional wellbeing of people with breast cancer.
News of a diagnosis can be a lonely experience, and the pandemic has at times exacerbated this, denying people the chance to be with loved ones.
We’ve seen a sharp rise in calls to our helpline and emails to our Ask Our Nurses service from people struggling emotionally – many say the loneliness they’ve felt living with breast cancer during the pandemic has been the hardest emotional impact to cope with, and that it’s negatively impacted their mental health.
As many of us look ahead to a ‘new normal’ beyond the pandemic, this World Mental Health Day, we must acknowledge the loneliness legacy facing people who’ve lived with breast cancer through the pandemic and commit to addressing it. This Breast Cancer Awareness month, we want to remind everyone affected by breast cancer that we’re always with you, in every way we can.
Thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, our online support services are one click away for anyone after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Whether you’re a younger woman, adjusting to life after treatment, or living with incurable secondary breast cancer, our tailored support provides a confidential, safe space to connect with others and access specialist information. Find out more about Younger Women Together, Moving Forward, Someone Like Me, and Living With Secondary Breast Cancer at: breastcancernow.org/ online-services.
Jane Murphy, Breast Cancer Now clinical nurse specialist
“Pointing the finger and choosing us as the bogeymen for issues such as HGV driver shortages - which is multifaceted and systemic - is simply not helpful.”
“The Premier League has now received legally binding assurances that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control Newcastle United Football Club.”
“Ever since this deal was first talked about we said it represented a clear attempt by the Saudi authorities to sportswash their appalling human rights record with the glamour of top-flight football.”
“I’ve got democracy on my side. If they think it’s about playing a waiting game, I’ve probably got time on my side as well. You look at the demographics of the support for independence - well, I’m not sure that’s going to get you out of this conundrum.”
“I’d like to chip away at climate change and get them to change their policy. But realistically, they seem to bury their heads in the sand around this thing.”
“It was because of my anxiety. Working out, I would just feel better. It was never about losing weight, it was always about becoming strong and giving myself as much time every day without my phone. I got quite addicted to it. I work out two or three times a day.”