DonateMake 2nds Count is a UK-wide patient and family focussed charity dedicated to giving hope to women and men living with secondary breast cancer.
Research into secondary breast cancer is underfunded. Make 2nds Count’s mission is to fund secondary breast cancer research which contributes to advancing an increased quality of life for patients.
Our Support programme has a focus on quality of life and helping patients affected by this incurable disease by informing, sharing and offering practical advice & support.
Education is an integral part in 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 patients through increasing their knowledge and understanding of research, treatments and options.
Together we can Make 2nds Count!
Signs & Symptoms of Secondary Breast Cancer
We hear about breast cancer on almost a daily basis, yet many people have never heard of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer even though the disease kills on average 1,000 people every single month in the UK alone. Secondary (metastatic) breast cancer is the biggest killer of women under 50 in the UK, and approximately 61,000 women are living with this incurable form of breast cancer in the UK alone.
Secondary breast cancer, also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Parts of the body affected are usually the bones, liver, lungs, brain or the skin.
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.
Support
Make 2nds Count is a charity that aims to enable people affected by secondary breast cancer to live as long and as fulfilled a life as possible.
Being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and coping with treatment plans can put pressure on not only your physical health but also your mental health and wellbeing.
With a focus on quality of life, our support programmes helps patients and families affected by this incurable disease by informing, sharing and offering practical advice & support.
To find out about all our upcoming Community Support Events visit Community Support Events Calander
Patient Trials Advocate Service
The Patient Trial Advocate service is here to help secondary breast cancer patients potentially find a clinical trial and to support them through the clinical trial process.
The Patient Trials Advocates (PTA) are senior research nurses with experience in secondary breast cancer and clinical trials. If you are a patient with metastatic breast cancer and interested in seeking advice about a clinical trial, please complete a referral form and book a slot to speak with one of our Patient Trial Advocates.
UK Clinical Trial Registry
In 2021 Make 2nds Count conducted a the MSBC research study and from this survey 87% of secondary breast cancer patients said they would likely use a patient friendly clinical trial registry specific to secondary breast cancer.
The aim of the registry is to provide secondary breast cancer patients with a single list of actively recruiting trials, alongside their locations.
Love your Tribe - Birthday Tea Party
We invite you to celebrate our sixth birthday with us in May by hosting your very own fundraising tea party!
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Truth Be Told exhibition launches in Newcastle to shine a light on secondary breast cancer
We were thrilled to launch our 'Truth Be Told' photographic exhibition roadshow last week, with Newcastle paving the way for more dates in other locations. Held at Newcastle Arts Centre on April 26 and 27, with a special preview on the evening of April 25, the exhibition showcased the challenges, and the hope and strength, shown by women living with secondary breast cancer through captivating photography originally shot by Jennifer Willis from Northern Ireland.
Lancet Report: People with secondary breast cancer are being forgotten about
The Lancet is a peer-reviewed medical journal and is also one of the world's highest- impact academic journals. In addition to weekly publication of original research, it runs projects called Commissions.
We are delighted to announce the launch of our inspiring Tree of Hope for the third year, as part of ‘Make Christmas Count'
Every Christmas tree has special baubles that are cherished and we need your help to decorate our Tree of Hope to support those with secondary breast cancer.
Our real and virtual baubles are available to purchase and can include your own message of hope, which will appear virtually, for all to see.
ADD YOUR SNOWFLAKE TO OUR Tree of hope
Make 2nds Count is a patient and family focused charity dedicated to giving hope to women and men living with secondary breast cancer.
We strive to do this by raising awareness and funding medical research that will contribute to advancing an increased quality of life for patients. Our community programme supports patients and families affected by this incurable disease.
Together we can Make 2nds Count.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are proud to launch our Shine a Light campaign again.
Once again, on secondary breast cancer awareness day (13th October) we will be lighting up iconic UK landmarks in the radiant colours of Make 2nds Count. This awe-inspiring visual spectacle symbolises hope and resilience for all those affected by secondary breast cancer.
We will also be sharing the incredible images and stories of secondary patients from our community, shot by the very talented photographer Jennifer Willis. These striking photos showcase two sides of the same story, both the visible and not-so-visible experiences of people living with secondary breast cancer.
Why does all this matter so much? There are an estimated 61,000 people in the UK living with secondary breast cancer, yet it often remains in the shadows.
Through our recent 100-strong patient survey we discovered that many patients struggled with easily finding information and support following their diagnosis, and all too often the additional side effects of treatment and their impact on quality of life were not regularly discussed. With your help, we want to change this.
Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most.