News

We are delighted that our Patient Trustee, Lesley Stephen, has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours list for services to secondary (metastatic) breast cancer. Lesley, from Edinburgh, was diagnosed with 'de novo' secondary breast cancer in March 2014.

The Charities Medicines Access Coalition (CMAC), a coalition of 26 health charities including Make 2nds Count representing millions of patients across the UK, is calling for the Government and the pharmaceutical industry to be more transparent and share clear evidence that patient impact is at the heart of the ongoing pricing and access discussions and negotiations. The review of the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG), expected in Autumn 2025, has been brought forward and is due to conclude at the end of June 2025.

New analysis by Cancer Research UK revealed that last year, 74,000 cancer patients didn’t start their treatment on time. Make 2nds Count join over 50 other cancer charities to ask the government to tackle cancer waiting times after new analysis by Cancer Research UK revealed that last year, 74,000 cancer patients didn’t start their treatment on time.

We're delighted to that Greencoat’s North Hoyle Wind Farm Community Fund, operated by RWE, has awarded a generous £2,883 to support our Tea & Chat group in Rhyl, North Wales. Launched in Rhyl in October 2024, this monthly initiative has become a vital opportunity for local people living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer to meet up and receive support, as well as build vital friendships.

A landmark new study funded by Cancer Focus Northern Ireland published on Friday (9 Jan 2025) in JAMA Network Open estimates there are around 250 patients diagnosed with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer annually in Northern Ireland, and almost 1,000 patients currently living with the disease. Metastatic breast cancer is an incurable disease that occurs when a cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, brain, or bones.

We are pleased that Elacestrant has been recommended by NICE as a treatment for ER positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer patients across England today. Approximately 70% of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer patients have the ER-positive HER2-negative sub-type, making it the most common type of breast cancer.

We are thrilled to announce an inspiring partnership between Make 2nds Count and LAB FACTOR, a UK-based professional beauty supplier. This collaboration is driven by a personal and heartfelt connection to honour Toni, sister to Lab Factor’s founder Angelina Salacinski, who tragically passed away aged just 47 after receiving her secondary breast cancer (SBC) diagnosis.

"The Summit was so brilliant and informative, please repeat it next year. It's the first and only thing of its type that I have seen and it was so needed." We were thrilled that our Secondary Breast Cancer Patient Summit in Liverpool, in partnership with ECMC and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, went so well last week.

We are delighted to be hosting the first national patient-focused conference in the UK dedicated to secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, working together with ECMC and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. Taking place in Liverpool on July 9 and 10, this ground-breaking event, designed specifically for women and men living with secondary breast cancer, will bring together 16 medical experts who will support them with gaining vital knowledge and navigating the world of medical terminology and clinical guidelines.

Seasoned Leader Brings Extensive Experience with Influencing Policy Changes and Her Passion for Addressing Inequality in Women's Health and Wellbeing to the Role We are delighted to announce the appointment of Samantha Dixon as our new Chief Executive Officer. With nearly three decades of experience in the voluntary sector, Samantha’s career has consistently focused on increasing the impact of available services, promoting innovation and addressing inequality, particularly in women's health and wellbeing, and she is committed to amplifying the voices of women with secondary breast cancer, increasing research funding, and improving support services.