Working out who you are after cancer
Ella Edwards recalls vividly the day she was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2021.
“Whoever you are and wherever you are, the day you’re diagnosed with cancer stays with you.
“For me, there is a clear divide. I am no longer the person I was before my diagnosis. Now that the surgeries and treatments have ended, I am continually evolving, while I work out who I am.
Ella Edwards’ priorities have changed since her cancer diagnosis and treatment
Cancer Coach peer support helped my personal development
Part of Ella’s post treatment personal development involved joining an innovative peer support group programme, developed by Cancer Support UK six years ago.
“In the first six months after my active treatment stopped, I completed Cancer Support UK’s incredibly supportive six-week Cancer Coach programme.
“It felt similar to talking therapy – connecting with people who truly understood how I was feeling because they had walked a similar path. There was a shared understanding of the sadness, and the grief, for the person you once were.
The importance of acknowledging grief
“Being able to acknowledge that grief – and understand why it exists – made it possible to begin moving forward.
“Since diagnosis my priorities have changed. Time feels precious now, and I am far more conscious about how I spend it. Self-care has become essential rather than optional. I now make space to rest and recharge.
“Cancer continues to shape my life physically. I experience fatigue, brain fog and difficulties with concentration, which I have to manage carefully so they don’t negatively impact my work.
Managing returning to work
“Small adjustments have made a big difference, such as using an AI meeting companion on Zoom and having a quieter desk in the office to reduce noise and distraction. I also avoid consecutive office days, which can be exhausting.
“One of the hardest things about returning to work is that just because you look okay, people often assume you’re “back to normal,” – so the experience you’ve been through is easily forgotten. In reality, many of us are masking how we feel and putting on a brave front.
“At work, I have joined our AssessAbilities Colleague Resource Group, which aims to support colleagues impacted by seen or unseen conditions. I want to raise awareness of cancer in the workplace and ensure that colleagues understand that cancer is a recognised disability.
Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador Training gave me confidence
“I have also completed the Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador Training offered by Cancer Support UK, which gave me the confidence to set up a Cancer Support Group Teams channel. This is a safe, supportive space where colleagues can talk openly about their cancer experiences – whether they are navigating a diagnosis themselves or supporting a loved one. It’s a place to share stories, ask questions, or simply listen.
“While cancer may connect many of us, everyone’s journey is unique. By sharing my story, I hope it highlights that everyone affected by cancer has their own experience, and that emotional and wellbeing support are so important for people living with and beyond cancer.”
Creating kinder cancer care
Every cancer story shared has the power to help someone feel less alone, spark understanding, or inspire kinder, more compassionate care.
If this story moved you, please consider sharing it – you never know who might need these words today. If you have been affected by cancer yourself, we would also love to hear your story. Every voice matters.
If you or someone you care about is going through treatment, you can order a free Cancer Kit for practical support and reassurance. You can also find connection through our free Cancer Coach services, all designed and delivered by people with lived experience of cancer.
And because cancer doesn’t stop at the workplace, we also deliver Workplace Cancer Support Training to help organisations build confidence, compassion and practical skills to support colleagues and have more sensitive conversations with customers and clients.
