DonateBreast Cancer Awareness Month
Our recent YouGov survey found that 40% of UK adults have never heard of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and 36% don’t know what any of the signs and symptoms are, despite it being the leading cause of death for UK women between the ages of 40-59*.
Our Truth Be Told campaign is a collection of 15 inspiring portraits that demonstrate the visible and invisible sides to living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer. The physical tolls, impact of treatment and side effects....as well as the strength, hope and determination.
Visit our Truth Be Told campaign
We are Make 2nds Count: a UK-wide patient and family focused charity dedicated to giving hope to women and men living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.
Research into secondary breast cancer is underfunded. We are committed to funding secondary breast cancer research which can contribute to advancing an increased quality of life for patients.
Our in-person and online Support programme helps our community with information sharing, practical advice and support, wellbeing activities and facilitating peer-to-peer friendship groups.
Education is key to everything that we do and we aim to raise awareness of secondary breast cancer through effective marketing and education programmes across the UK. We also empower our community by increasing their knowledge and understanding of research, treatments, trials and options.
Together we can Make 2nds Count!
Signs & Symptoms of Secondary Breast Cancer
Secondary (metastatic) breast cancer is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body.
An estimated 61,000 men and women in the UK are living with this incurable disease, and symptoms can vary from person to person. It has a devastating impact on people affected and their families, yet many people have never heard of it. Secondary breast cancer is now one of the leading causes of death in the UK in women between the ages of 40-59*, with an estimated 1,000 women dying every month from the disease.
Secondary breast cancer can be treated but it cannot be cured. Treatments aim to control and slow down the disease to enable patients to have the best possible quality of life for as long as possible.
Office for National Statistics (ONS), released 20 May 2025, ONS website, statistical bulletin, Death registration summary statistics, England and Wales: 2024
Living with a secondary breast cancer diagnosis is both mentally and physically gruelling and can be incredibly isolating. Our support programme helps our community by informing, sharing, fostering important relationships, and offering practical advice.
- Tea & Chat - we have 21 regional in-person monthly groups that are safe spaces to build friendships and get peer-to-peer support.
- Wellbeing sessions - our weekly online activities including Pilates, Yoga, Breathwork and Mindfulness, all designed to help mental and physical health.
- Online community - join our closed Facebook group to connect with others, share information and get support.
Join our support sessions
Climb Ben Nevis 2025
Experience the UK’s tallest mountain and feel alive in the great outdoors while raising funds for Make 2nds Count. This eleven-mile challenge is for both groups and individuals. Read moreNew Poll Shows Lack Of Public Awareness For The Leading Cause of Death For Women Under 60 In The UK
Our new YouGov survey has shown 40% of adults in the UK have never heard of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and 36% of UK adults don’t know what any of the signs and symptoms are, despite it being the leading cause of death for UK women between the ages of 40-59*. Our powerful national campaign, Truth Be Told, aims to highlight secondary (metastatic) breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Secondary (metastatic) breast cancer affects an estimated 61,000 people in the UK, but remains under-recognised and under-discussed.
Over Six Million New Cancer Cases In England By 2040
A coalition of more than 60 cancer charities, including Make 2nds Count – known as One Cancer Voice – have united to urge the UK Government to deliver a bold, fully funded National Cancer Plan for England to save and improve more people’s lives. New analysis shows that by 2040, around 6.3 million new cancer cases are expected across England.