Breast Cancer Uncovered

Breast Cancer Risk: What Every Woman Should Know

As the season closes, we're sitting down for a really important conversation about breast cancer risk—what it means, what we know, and why talking about it matters.We're joined by Dr. Sarah Vinnicombe, a leading breast radiologist; Dr. Anita Raja, a GP who's passionate about helping people better understand their health; and Libby Pearson, who generously shares her personal journey of choosing preventative surgery after discovering she was at high risk of developing breast cancer. We're also joined by Professor Gareth Evans MBE, a leading expert in cancer genetics, who brings decades of experience in helping people understand inherited cancer risk.Together, we chat about the factors that can influence your risk, the life-changing importance of early detection, and how having honest conversations about breast health can empower us all.

The Hormone Debate: Understanding Risks and Benefits

Dr. Louise Newson, a leading expert in women's hormones, explores the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer risk.She is joined by Professor Daniel Rea, who shares insights into the latest research, and Iyna Fiaz, who brings her lived experience and unique perspective to the discussion. Together, they explore menopausal symptoms, the role of oestrogen in health, and the importance of personalised treatment. They also address common misconceptions about HRT and highlight the need for informed, open conversations about women's health.

Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

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.

Special types of 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.

Understanding Breast Cancer: From Symptoms To Diagnosis

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.

Choosing A Preventative Mastectomy - Amy’s Story

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.

The Impact of Ethnicity on Breast Cancer

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

• Transcript

Understanding Breast Reconstruction

Amy and Naren are joined by oncoplastic surgeon Miss Georgette Oni to talk about the various types of breast reconstruction options available. They talk about the collaborative nature of breast surgery, and the importance of managing patient expectations. Amy shares her initial desire for a double mastectomy, explaining, "I just wanted to be done with it there and then", and her satisfaction with her implant she eventually had. Louise Grimsdell is a Senior Clinical Nurse at charity, Breast Cancer Now adds insight into patient support and the importance of proper information for making informed decisions. 01:16 Understanding oncoplastic surgery 02:42 Types of breast reconstruction surgeries 04:08 Patient considerations and expectations 07:13 Challenges and emotional aspects 11:41 Advancements in breast reconstruction 14:45: Discussion of the impact of reconstruction on sensation and relationships. 16:00: Advice to see a surgeon's work and challenges of rapid decision-making. 18:00: Information on Breast Cancer Now's "Someone Like Me" peer support service.

Wellbeing and Lifestyle in Breast Cancer

Amy and Naren hear how wellbeing and lifestyle changes that can support breast cancer treatment. Dietician Professor Michelle Harvie talks about diet myths and the benefits of adjusting your lifestyle. Amy shares her own experience of being overwhelmed by conflicting social media advice during her treatment. Amy also talks about how resources from youth-focussed CoppaFeel! enabled her to find her lump. Emma Walker from the charity is here to talk about their mission to empower young people on self-awareness and early detection. This episode also explores breast cancer care within the transgender community, with Dr. Alison Burner, who talks about the importance of obtaining accurate incidence data, systemic biases in screening programmes, and prevalent medical mistrust. 01:58 Exploring lifestyle changes with Professor Michelle Harvie 03:04 Emma Walker from CoppaFeel! raising awareness 05:40 Debunking myths: dairy, sugar, and alcohol 10:41 The Mediterranean Diet and healthy eating 14:45 The impact of CoppaFeel! on Amy's journey 19:22 Dr. Alison Burner on transgender cancer care 21:13 Challenges and opportunities in transgender breast cancer screening 24:04 Hormone therapy and breast cancer risk 28:29 The UK cancer transition service model 31:18 Ensuring inclusive inpatient care 32:45 Resources and support for transgender patients

Young Women and Breast Cancer

Oncologist Dr. Sacha Howell talks to Amy and Naren about the impact of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis at a younger age. They explore the aggressive nature of the disease in young women, the limitations of current screening methods, and the benefits and risks of preventative surgeries versus medications. Louise Yafai’s mother died of breast cancer, prompting her to do a genetic test. She tells Amy and Naren how a preventative double mastectomy reduced her chances of a breast cancer diagnosis significantly, and about the peace of mind that this has brought her. In the episode, we also hear about fertility and cancer and how Amy responded well to fertility treatment ahead of her chemotherapy, allowing her to potentially start a family in the future. 01:16 Challenges of breast cancer in young women 01:34 Introduction to Dr. Sacha Howell 02:08 Breast cancer screening and risk factors 06:35 BCAN Ray study and initial findings 08:17 Fertility and treatment considerations 12:21 Louise Yafai’s preventative surgery experience 14:43 The impact of the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes 24:57 The Angelina Jolie effect on screening 26:14 Future of breast cancer screening 28:24 Conclusion and resources

Breast Cancer and Genetics

Clinical geneticist Professor Julian Barwell joins Amy and Naren to discuss the role of genetics in breast cancer. We learn about high-risk genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, the importance of knowing family history, and the misconceptions surrounding genetic inheritance. Amy and Naren also speak to Jagdish Baines, a two-time breast cancer survivor, about the emotional and physical impacts of the diagnosis on her family. Jag now advocates for self-checking and early detection and highlights the importance of asking questions to help gain understanding and a sense of control in managing breast cancer risk. 02:01 Genetics and breast cancer risk 03:54 Family history and genetic testing 05:44 The importance of genetic awareness 06:56 Men and breast cancer 08:21 Personalised treatment and risk screening 09:40 Amy's genetic testing experience 10:04 The complexity of cancer genetics 11:42 Educational outreach and awareness 15:38 Introduction to Jag Baines 26:23 Future of genetic testing 29:22 Final thoughts and support resources

Breast Cancer Uncovered - Amy Dowden’s Story

As an introduction to the series, Amy sits down with Naren to share her story following a breast cancer diagnosis at 32. She discusses her initial shock and how self-checking saved her life. We also hear the profound loss of control she felt post-diagnosis and the unexpected "hard slog" of recovery. Amy and Naren talk about navigating the different types of breast cancer and the terminology involved, and maintaining control through treatment choices. We also hear about Amy's driving mission for the series: "to do all I possibly can to raise awareness, break the stigma, and to learn as much as I possibly can about this awful disease". 01:02 The importance of awareness 01:54 Understanding breast cancer types 05:12 The emotional journey 06:47 Life after diagnosis 09:43 The role of healthcare professionals 12:25 Mission to raise awareness 13:06 Conclusion and future goals