Breast Cancer Now

Breast Cancer Now

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. Understanding a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis (Nikki Wheatley)

    5d ago

    Understanding a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis (Nikki Wheatley)

    In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Nikki Wheatley talks to Laura about her experience being diagnosed with triple negative, and later metastatic breast cancer. Nikki shares how she both finds and spreads hope, five years on from her metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. She discusses her work with the change and check campaign.  They discuss what triple negative breast cancer means, and why it can be harder to treat. Nikki discusses how she manages living with metastatic breast cancer day-to-day, managing the side effects of her treatments and looking after her mental well-being. Nikki also talks about how she has found parenting with cancer and where she has found support, in places like the Fruitfly collective, Ruth Strauss foundation and Maggie's. They talk about the importance of self-advocacy and early detection, and how she hopes to help others by sharing her story.  Key Topics: 01:20 Getting to know Nikki02:10 Explaining what triple negative breast cancer is03:01 Nikki's diagnosis05:55 The word "aggressive" in relation to triple negative07:20 Finding out the cancer had spread11:40 Nikki's signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer16:38 Hearing "the cancer had spread to your brain" 18:50 Treatment and scanxiety25:40 How Nikki looks after herself emotionally27:55 Nutrition30:20 Feeling isolated having a triple negative diagnosis31:30 Parenting through cancer and finding support34:32 Finding hope40:30 What sorts of progress would you like to see in terms of treatment?42:25 Nikki's involvement in the change and check campaign48:20 Being an 'outlier'50:45 Knowing your normal52:10 What would you say to someone your has just been diagnosed with primary triple negative breast cancer?53:10 The online breast cancer community55:18 Looking to the future

    58 min
  2. You know your body – why speaking up matters (Jay)

    Jun 5

    You know your body – why speaking up matters (Jay)

    In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Jay shares her journey working in cancer research to receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer herself.  Jay opens up about discovering a lump in 2018 at age 47, navigating a stage 3 diagnosis, and dealing with chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. Drawing on her science background, she also explains how understanding the system helped her advocate for herself and regain some sense of control.  She reflects on the emotional realities of cancer, and the role of family, culture and her community in her experience. Jay also speaks about the challenges within the South Asian community, where cancer is often a taboo subject, and highlights the urgent need for better awareness and representation.  Jay is now a strong advocate for health literacy and inclusion, and tells Laura about her dedication to empowering women to listen to their bodies, ask questions, and speak up in healthcare settings. Breast Cancer Now support & information: https://breastcancernow.orgClinical trials database: https://clinicaltrials.gov Key topics:01:11 Let's get to know Jay02:19 Jay's background working in clinical trials03:52 Jay is diagnosed with breast cancer08:59 The loneliness of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment12:12 What Jay learned from her cancer diagnosis16:19 The importance of self advocacy and health literacy20:43 How Jay approached telling her parents about her cancer diagnosis26:53 Jay 8 years on from diagnosis28:38 Troubles with tamoxifen31:33 Ways Jay deals with life after cancer treatment34:45 Working towards better research representation in under-represented communities37:44 Jay's work educating people about breast cancer40:51 Cancer in the South Asian community42:59 Improving cancer outcomes in Black and South Asian populations

    58 min
  3. Sir Chris Hoy on hope, living for today, and not letting cancer define you

    May 22

    Sir Chris Hoy on hope, living for today, and not letting cancer define you

    In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy shares his experience of being diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. Chris discusses the shock of diagnosis, adapting to life with incurable cancer, and how his mindset as an elite athlete has helped him navigate uncertainty. He also introduces the Tour de 4, a community cycling event raising funds and awareness for metastatic cancers. Together with Laura Price—who is also living with metastatic breast cancer—the conversation explores resilience, the importance of healthy living, and finding meaning while living with an incurable diagnosis. Tour de 4 will take place on Sunday 6 September 2026 – sign up now. Breast cancer support and information on metastatic breast cancer from Breast Cancer Now.Prostate cancer support and information on metastatic prostate cancer from Prostate Cancer UK.Check your risk of prostate cancer in 30 seconds with Prostate Cancer UK's risk checker. You can also watch this episode on YouTube. Key topics01:37 Life before cancer03:52 Dealing with a diagnosis of metastatic cancer08:20 The mental resilience and drive of an athlete12:42 Tour de 4 – Sir Chris Hoy's cycling fundraiser14:28 The community of Tour de 417:40 Who can take part in Tour de 4?19:10 The impact of Tour de 421:32 How to sign up for Tour de 422:31 Laura's experience of last year's Tour de 424:58 Raising awareness about metastatic cancers28:02 Chris Hoy opens up about mental challenges posed by his diagnosis30:14 Chris Hoy's tips for dealing with fear and anxiety33:18 The importance of exercise with a cancer diagnosis35:36 Nutrition and avoiding sensational diets39:11 Chris Hoy shares the most important things he's learned since his cancer diagnosis46:38 How to get involved in Tour de 4

    51 min
  4. Living with hope and metastatic breast cancer

    May 8

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

    Apr 24

    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
  6. A bold new chapter (Claire Rowney)

    Mar 27

    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
  7. What does it mean to you to live well?

    Jan 3

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

    12/19/2025

    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"

    1h 12m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
7 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
    116
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Breast Cancer Now

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