Breast cancer charity warns of lack of support for those surviving condition

THE NUMBER of patients contacting a breast cancer charity for online help at the end of their hospital treatment has risen by more than two-thirds in a year.

Breast Cancer Care said a fifth of enquiries to the charity’s nursing team - through its free helpline and email service - are about the challenges of moving forward, with many people distressed their life is not back to normal.

The charity said that while the number of people dying from breast cancer in England has dropped by 12 per cent since 2001, diagnosis rates have increased by almost a third (28 per cent), with 46,083 new cases in 2015. Although more people are living longer with and beyond breast cancer, it does not mean their struggle is over. The charity said that adapting to life after breast cancer can include longterm side effects, such as pain and fatigue, depression and crippling fears the cancer will come back. It is predicted there will be 840,000 people alive in the UK after a diagnosis of breast cancer by 2020, and Breast Cancer Care said it wants to reach more people with ongoing support.

Breast Cancer Care chief executive Samia al Qadhi, inset, said: “While it is fantastic to see death rates continuing to drop, it is imperative to remember that life after breast cancer can be extremely difficult. “Debilitating long-term side effects, anxieties about the cancer returning and tattered body confidence are just some of the issues people are left with as they walk out of the hospital doors.

“Around 691,000 people are alive in the UK after a diagnosis of breast cancer, and the numbers are only set to rise. Right now, we can’t reach all of them when they need us, but with more funds, Breast Cancer Care can be there for more people with vital care, support and information.”