Breast Cancer Now

Breast Cancer Now
  • 4.6 (45)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • TWICE MONTHLY

If you’re looking for authentic stories about life with and beyond breast cancer, we’re here. Welcome to the Breast Cancer Now podcast.  Join host Laura for open, supportive and honest conversations with guests who have personal or professional experience of breast cancer.  Laura Price is a writer, podcaster and author of the novel Single Bald Female. She’s living with secondary, incurable breast cancer. We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. If you’ve got questions about breast cancer, go to our website breastcancernow.org.   New episodes every other Friday.  

  1. Living with hope and metastatic breast cancer

    2 DAYS AGO

    Living with hope and metastatic breast cancer

    In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, returning guest Laura Ashurst shares her experience of living nearly 20 years with metastatic breast cancer. Laura speaks about why she thinks she has survived so long with a metastatic diagnosis, about the importance of holistic care and the importance of mental wellbeing. Laura talks about her advocacy for improved treatment access, the need for more consistent support, and improved data collection for those with metastatic breast cancer.  Find out more about metupUKLaura Ashurst's website Key Topics02:35 Laura's diagnoses13:40 What happened next?14:40 How it felt to be told you had 3-6 months to live18:55 Reflections on treatment and knowledge20:18 Letrozole24:27 What needs to be done for in terms of treatment for breast cancer?26:00 What Laura thinks has contributed to her survival, mental wellbeing35:35 Survivors guilt38:37 The metup UK charity40:20 The importance of improving data collection for metastatic breast cancer diagnoses 41:40 Working with Rishi Sunak44:40 What Laura is working on with metup UK46:35 The importance of signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer 48:45 Where do you find hope? 50:18 "I will never say I am grateful that cancer entered my life." 50:43 How Laura's metastatic breast cancer diagnosis has affected her children56:00 Advice for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer56:46 What should people take away from this episode? 58:20 Information on metup UK

    59 min
  2. Parenting doesn't stop when cancer starts (Victoria Mapplebeck)

    24 APR

    Parenting doesn't stop when cancer starts (Victoria Mapplebeck)

    In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, documentary filmmaker Victoria Mapplebeck shares her experience of raising her son as a solo parent while documenting the journey over 20 years. She talks to Laura about her film Motherboard, which captures the humour and heartbreak of parenting, and how her unexpected breast cancer diagnosis affected her teenage son Jim. Victoria opens up about navigating breast cancer treatment without a partner, and how she uses creativity as a way to cope with and process those challenges.  Motherboard is now streaming on Apple, Amazon, BFI Player, Rakuten and YouTube Movies & TV. Family Viewing – Capturing family life with your smartphone. A series of workshops for parents navigating family life with breast cancer – register for free. Parenting support from Fruitfly Collective.Breast cancer support from Breast Cancer Now. Listen to our episode with Caroline Leek from Fruitfly Collective, about parenting with cancer. 01:26 Getting to know Victoria03:00 Motherboard, filmed over 20 years10:19 Being a solo parent14:19 Victoria is diagnosed with breast cancer15:56 Talking to a child about a breast cancer diagnosis22:07 The emotional impact of Victoria's breast cancer26:12 Mutual support between a child and a parent32:06 The pitfalls searching for cancer information online37:08 Working with Fruitfly Collective to help parents with cancer40:19 How to get started documenting your experience48:13 How to watch Motherboard

    50 min
  3. A bold new chapter (Claire Rowney)

    27 MAR

    A bold new chapter (Claire Rowney)

    Laura speaks to Breast Cancer Now’s chief executive, Claire Rowney, about our long-term vision, and her own recent experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer.  Claire talks about the importance of attending mammogram screenings, and how her diagnosis was discovered through a routine screening. She reflects on the emotional impact of diagnosis, the lack of control she felt, and how the experience has given her a deeper understanding of what patient empowerment really means. They also talk about how Breast Cancer Now’s new strategy and look will help us achieve our bold vision. That by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live and live well. Listen to Fran's episode about the benefits of exercise with cancer or watch on YouTube. Listen to Dr Sam Orange's episode on exercise after breast cancer or watch on YouTube. You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website: https://www.breastcancernow.org/podcast You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Key Topics:04:01 What do the charity's goals actually mean?05:10 Breast Cancer Now's new look 07:13 What does the charity's new strategy mean for people with breast cancer?15:23 Reaching that 2050 goal18:40 Claire's own breast cancer diagnosis23:30 What empowerment really is26:30 The importance of attending your breast cancer screening29:05 What Breast Cancer Now is doing to help younger people with breast cancer32:10 The importance of getting diagnosed early33:30 Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer36:40 How the charity is going to support people post-treatment38:50 How is Claire doing, now? 44:45 What work is being done into health inequalities46:05 How close is a cure for breast cancer?48:20 Research into what causes breast cancer49:30 The colour pink50:30 Why was it important to spend money on the new look?51:20 They importance of fundraising53:07 What did Claire learn as a result of her diagnosis?53:40 What should the listener take away from this episode?

    55 min
  4. What does it mean to you to live well?

    3 JAN

    What does it mean to you to live well?

    Breast Cancer Now's mission is that by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live, and be supported to live well. What does it mean to you to live well?That's the question Laura asked each of our guests this season, and the answers were diverse, enlightening, and hinted at hope for the future.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Thank you for listening to this season of the Breast Cancer Now podcast! We'll be back with more episodes soon.We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    25 min
  5. Travel insurance with breast cancer might be easier than you think – with Fiona Macrae

    19/12/2025

    Travel insurance with breast cancer might be easier than you think – with Fiona Macrae

    Planning a holiday when you’re living with or beyond breast cancer can feel daunting, especially when it comes to getting travel insurance. In this episode, Laura speaks with Fiona Macrae, founder of the travel insurance brand Insurancewith. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and living with metastatic (secondary) breast cancer since 2020, Fiona shares her personal journey and why freedom to travel is so important to her.In a conversation full of hope and practical tips from their own experiences, Fiona and Laura get stuck into: why travel insurance matters, especially when you have a cancer diagnosis, how medical screening works and what insurers are really looking for, common myths about being “uninsurable” after your treatment changes or a progression, confusing terminology when applying for travel insurance and how to make sense of it, practical tips for planning trips, timing holidays around treatment, and talking to your medical team, Fiona’s own story, taking her frustration with the system and creating a travel insurance brand with people with cancer at its heart. If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.The discount code IWCommunity gives 20%* off an Insurancewith premium. * The discount code ‘IWCommunity’ offers you a 20% discount made up of our automatic 15% online discount price and an additional 5% discount against our Customer Service Centre prices. This is discounted from our core policy price before you add any additional cost of optional extensions or additional medical premium. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.Insurancewith is a travel insurance brand. They are not an insurer or underwriter. Policies are underwritten by regulated insurers, and terms and conditions apply. Insurancewith is a trading name of Travel Insurance Facilities Plc, a travel insurance distributor. Policies are underwritten by FCA-authorised insurers. They do not offer personal advice. Always read your policy documents and ensure the cover meets your needs. Breast Cancer Now does not endorse, or recommend Insurancewith.If you're struggling to get travel insurance, you can also try the MoneyHelper directory, which lists specialist providers who may be able to help – including Insurancewith.Key Topics:2:24 Why is it important that we travel?3:33 Fiona's breast cancer diagnosis6:50 Dealing with a cancer diagnosis as a new mother7:44 Fiona's diagnosis of metastatic (secondary) breast cancer12:21 Fiona sets up travel insurance brand Insurancewith14:38 Do you need travel insurance?18:25 Declaring breast cancer on your travel insurance20:40 Getting cover with a new diagnosis or drug24:33 The importance of the health questionnaire when buying travel insurance31:45 More claims can be related back to cancer than you might think33:28 The cost of repatriation34:57 How does neutropenia affect travel insurance?39:29 Is flying detrimental to our health?42:07 Do you need travel insurance if you're staying within the UK?43:33 When should you book your travel insurance?44:55 Should you put friends and family on the same insurance policy as you?46:29 Does the destination country change how expensive insurance is?47:34 How does mental health work with travel insurance?50:38 Unhelpful terminology in travel insurance policies55:53 What about metastatic (secondary) breast cancer in the brain?1:00:49 High risk activities and insurance with breast cancer1:02:00 Going on holiday while on a clinical trial1:02:48 Business insurance and cancer1:04:57 Practical tips for travelling1:10:05 What it means to Fiona to "live well"

    1hr 12min
  6. Lucy on being diagnosed as a younger woman

    05/12/2025

    Lucy on being diagnosed as a younger woman

    Lucy Dawson was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 25. In this episode she talks to Laura about her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer as a younger woman, and having fertility preservation treatment as a result of her breast cancer diagnosis. They talk about the importance of sharing positive stories, pregnancy, and starting a family after breast cancer.They also talk about the importance of spreading awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and having the confidence to advocate for yourself in a medical setting.If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.Key Topics:02:00 Lucy's diagnosis08:40 How are you now?09:05 Family history of breast cancer10:55 Support services for younger women12:42 Fertility preservation treatment16:00 Starting a family19:15 Pregnancy after breast cancer21:20 Breastfeeding22:40 How did pregnancy feel for you?24:15 How are you finding motherhood25:00 How did your partner cope throughout your cancer and pregnancy25:49 What would you say to other younger women facing fertility challenges as a result of breast cancer treatment?26:45 Advocating for herself as a younger woman to be diagnosed and being confident in a medical setting.33:56 How do you look after your mental health 38:57 Posters of the signs & symptoms of breast cancer in M&S changing rooms.42:15 Taking part in BCN's Pink Ribbon Walk43:25 What does it mean to Lucy to 'live well'.

    45 min
  7. Caroline on talking with children about death and grief

    21/11/2025

    Caroline on talking with children about death and grief

    Caroline Leek is the founder of Fruitfly Collective, which empowers people with a cancer diagnosis to navigate family life and to support their children. Caroline set up Fruitfly Collective to give the kind of support she wished she’d had when her own father died when she was 12 years old.In this episode, Caroline focuses on talking to children and teenagers about death and grief, and how to communicate with children about being diagnosed with incurable cancer. She talks about strategies for communicating with teenagers, discusses whether it's OK to tell a white lie, and shares helpful tips and prompts to help children with death and grief.Find out more about Fruitfly Collective.Listen to Caroline's previous episode about parenting with cancer, or watch on YouTube.If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.Key Topics:0:16 Laura outlines the episode and shares her thoughts2:40 When a child visits a parent who is dying7:06 How to have a conversation with a child about an upcoming death9:42 How honest should you be when a child asks if you're going to die?14:10 Ways of starting a conversation with a child about the death of their parent25:54 Caroline reveals how her unprocessed grief came to light27:55 The tools Caroline used to process her grief and support her mental health31:15 "Pip" kits from Fruitfly Collective39:39 How to access Fruitfly Collective's excellent resources and supportLinks:GriefcastKids' Guide to Cancer app

    44 min
  8. Rosamund and Alice on writing through the breast cancer experience

    07/11/2025

    Rosamund and Alice on writing through the breast cancer experience

    In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Laura speaks to fellow authors and previous podcast guests, Rosamund Dean and Alice May Purkiss. They talk about writing, specifically how to put your own breast cancer experience into words. Laura talks to Rosamund and Alice about how they started writing and why they wanted to share their experience with others. They each discuss topics such as how writing affects their mental health, imposter syndrome and how anyone can be a writer. Both Rosamund and Alice also share their book and newsletter recommendations for people experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis.   Key Topics:02:06 What made you decide to write about your cancer?06:40 What affect does writing have on your mental health?09:53 What do you find the most difficult part of writing?10:51 Getting started12:24 Rosamund talks about the process of writing her book, 'Reconstruction'14:40 Advice for someone interested in writing16:35 Book recommendations18:30 Which authors inspire Rosamund the most19:50 Rosamund's best tips for writing23:06 Where to find Rosamund's work23:35 Laura's thoughts24:40 How writing affects Alice's mental health26:48 Where should people start if they are interested in writing?30:15 Advice for someone looking to get published31:20 Long form writing, e.g. blogs33:31 Alice's self-publishing process and advice36:55 Tips for writing or creativity41:27 Book recommendations49:05 Inspiring authors books/blogs54:10 Where to find Alice's workRosamundWell well well newsletter- rosamunddean.substack.comRosamund’s books- Reconstruction + Mindful Drinking @rosamunddeanAlice Alice's book- Life Lemons and Melonsalicemaypurkiss.co.uk @alicemaypurkiss Laura Laura's book- Single Bald Female@laurapricewritesBook recommendations:Hattie Crissel - In WritingOliver Burkeman - Four Thousand WeeksMiranda July - All FoursFran Littlewood - Amazing Grace AdamsKris Hallenga - Glittering a TurdBessel Van Der Kolk - The Body Keeps The ScoreSophie Savage - LifeshocksSusan Magsamen and Ivy Ross -Your Brain on ArtRick Rubin - The Creative ActWill Storr - The Science of StorytellingNewletters (substack) :Alice Vincent - SavourDaisy Buchannan - Creative Confidence ClinicPorna Bell - As I Was SayingHayley Nahman - Maybe Baby

    56 min
See All (113)

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

If you’re looking for authentic stories about life with and beyond breast cancer, we’re here. Welcome to the Breast Cancer Now podcast.  Join host Laura for open, supportive and honest conversations with guests who have personal or professional experience of breast cancer.  Laura Price is a writer, podcaster and author of the novel Single Bald Female. She’s living with secondary, incurable breast cancer. We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. If you’ve got questions about breast cancer, go to our website breastcancernow.org.   New episodes every other Friday.  

Information

  • Creator
    Breast Cancer Now
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Breast Cancer Now

You Might Also Like