Every journey matters
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a time to reflect, raise awareness and recognise the millions of people whose lives are touched by the most common cancer affecting women in the UK.
Around 55,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. Thanks to earlier detection and advances in treatment, survival rates continue to improve, but the journey doesn’t end when treatment does. For many people, finishing treatment is just the beginning of a new and often difficult chapter, one that can bring emotional challenges, anxiety about the future, and uncertainty about how to rebuild life after cancer.
At Cancer Support UK, we believe every journey deserves compassion, dignity and expert support. That’s why our services focus not only on helping people as they navigate the trauma of treatment, but also help them move forwards with their lives post treatment.
We are also supporting the friends and family who stand beside them.
Life after treatment: the invisible side of breast cancer
While much of the conversation during Breast Cancer Awareness Month focuses on early detection and treatment – which is vital – there’s another part of the story that often goes untold. Life after cancer can feel overwhelming. Many people tell us they experience anxiety, isolation, fear of recurrence and even guilt after treatment ends.
“It’s at the point when everyone else thinks you should be getting back to ‘normal’ that you can feel most lost,” says Mark Guymer, CEO of Cancer Support UK. “That’s where our support can make a huge difference.”
Peer support that helps people move forward
Our flagship Cancer Coach programme is a free, six-week peer support course designed specifically for people who have finished cancer treatment but are struggling with the emotional aftermath. Delivered in small virtual groups by trained facilitators, the sessions explore coping strategies, self-care techniques, and ways to manage anxiety — all within a safe, understanding space.
Participants often tell us that connecting with others who “get it” is transformative. Hearing real stories, sharing challenges, and discovering that they’re not alone helps them rebuild confidence and take practical steps towards a positive future.
Cancer Coach participant Julia says: “One of the best things I did during my recovery was joining Cancer Coach. It helped me navigate not just my return to work, but also my confidence, my appearance, and the emotional weight of everything I had been through. Cancer changes you in so many ways, and having a support system that understands those changes is invaluable.”
Sara turned to the Cancer Coach peer group programme for support once her treatment had finished, because: “everyone around me was talking about me “getting back to normal”, but I don’t feel like I have a normal any more. Cancer coach gave me absolutely what I needed at the time. Having a shock diagnosis at a young(ish) age, fresh out of surgery and chemo and trying to make sense of it all, I feel Cancer Coach picked me up, gave me a hug and helped me put one foot in front of another. I still struggle to talk about any of it really, but I am extremely grateful to Cancer Coach for being there.”
Cancer Coach digital
Cancer Coach Digital is our interactive e-Learning digital programme, which is designed to support those experiencing some of the common emotional challenges post cancer treatment. Cancer Coach Digital consists of 12 individual modules, which cover topics such as setting aside the time to grieve, types of thinking, relaxation and breathing techniques. It is ideal for anyone who requires more flexibility and privacy, allowing them to either complete the entire six week Cancer Coach peer support group programme in their own time or to select specific modules that appeal most.
Cancer Coach Focus Forwards
Cancer Coach Focus Forwards is a one-hour interactive workshop designed to help anyone who has completed their cancer treatment move forward with confidence. During this 60-minute Zoom session, our experienced Cancer Coach facilitator will share common post-treatment emotions, as well as offering personal insight through their own experience. There is the opportunity to ask questions and participants are taught a valuable exercise to help manage anxiety and emotions.
Supporting the supporters: new Friends and Family workshop
It’s not just the person diagnosed who’s affected by breast cancer – partners, parents, children and close friends often feel the impact deeply too. Many supporters tell us they struggle with feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and exhaustion, and often put their own needs last.
That’s why we’re launching a brand-new Family and Friends pilot workshop on 28 October, designed to provide guidance, understanding and support for anyone caring for a loved one living with and beyond cancer.
The virtual session – developed by our Cancer Coach team in collaboration with people who have been through the experience – will:
- Explore the common emotions felt during and after cancer treatment
- Help participants understand how their loved one may be feeling
- Examine how caring can affect their own wellbeing
- Include a powerful real-life story from a family member
- Share practical self-care strategies and why looking after yourself matters
- Offer advice on where to find support beyond the session
Sign up for our free pilot workshop on 28 October.
Tips on supporting a loved one going through cancer
Listen actively and without judgment – Allow your loved one to express their feelings and thoughts openly. Sometimes, just being there to listen can provide immense comfort.
Offer practical help – Assist with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or transportation to appointments. These gestures can alleviate stress and show your support.
Respect their emotional needs – Understand that emotions can fluctuate. Be patient and avoid pushing them to talk if they’re not ready.
Maintain normalcy – Engage in regular activities together, like watching a movie or going for a walk. This helps maintain a sense of normal life amidst the challenges.
Encourage self-care – Remind them of the importance of rest, nutrition, and relaxation. Offer to help them find time for self-care amidst their routine.
Respect their wishes – Everyone copes differently. Be flexible and respect their preferences regarding visitors, conversations, and activities.
Stay informed – Educate yourself about their condition and treatment options. This enables you to provide informed support and understand their experiences better.
Seek support for yourself
Caring for someone with cancer can be emotionally taxing. It’s important to seek support for yourself, whether through counseling, support groups, or talking to friends. Visit our signposting pages to find out where you can go for support.
Comfort and care for people facing treatment for breast cancer
We also know that when someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, the impact can be significant. Our Cancer Kits – carefully curated packages of comforting, practical items – are sent to adults and undergoing treatment to provide a small but powerful reminder that they’re not alone. These kits can make a world of difference during hospital stays, chemotherapy sessions or long days of recovery at home.
The arrival of a Cancer Kit during treatment made the world of difference to singer/songwriter Jos McLaren, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 41.
