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I had never heard of secondary breast cancer, until I received a phone call telling me I had it, almost two years ago. It is difficult for me to understand how it is possible that I went through 16 months of treatment for what I now know was primary breast cancer, yet I never heard the word secondary at any point during my mastectomy surgery, 18 weeks of chemotherapy, three weeks of radio therapy, one year of targeted therapy or subsequent hormone therapy.

Documented by Sally Cusack, Melissa Baldwin, Megan Merrit, Emily Van Keogh Background Our best-friend, Emily, was enjoying her maternity leave as a first-time mother of her four-month-old son Griff. Then in September 2020 her life then changed forever when she found a lump in her left breast.

I have been living with secondary breast cancer since September 2005.....19 1⁄2 years. I was diagnosed with de novo secondary breast cancer at the age of 32: Estrogen -, Progesterone +, HER2 +.

I was first diagnosed with Triple Negative Stage 3 breast cancer in July 2009, had a recurrence in 2012, and by March 2016, it was Stage 4. By January 2020, I had more or less run out of treatment options and was offered a Phase 1 clinical trial.

Today for International Women's Day (8 March) we're launching our Stories of Hope, featuring narratives from women and men who are living with secondary breast cancer. These are stories that will encourage and inspire our community, and let them know they are not alone living with this disease.

We are sharing stories from our Triple Negative Breast Cancer community to raise awareness about this subtype on Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Day (3 March). Sarah from Hull shares her story of receiving a de novo secondary diagnosis of ER+ HER- in 2019, and then finding out in 2023 that her cancer had flipped to TNBC.

We're sharing stories from some of our wonderful members of the secondary breast cancer community. Jane shares her story with us.

Abbie took on a fundraising challenge for Make 2nds Count last year, running the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. She tells us what has led her to do this challenge.

We’re asking our community to share their story for World Cancer Day (4 Feb) and highlight the signs and symptoms that led to their diagnosis. Mandy (53) from Pembrokeshire in South-West Wales lives with her husband Marc and two sons, Luke (22) and Daniel (15) and had concerns after finding a lump.

Abbie braved the 2024 Edinburgh Marathon in the rain to help support Make 2nds Count, she tells us about her fundraising and what it was like to be a part if the event. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Justine Bradd overcame her fear of heights for an incredible fundraising challenge for Make 2nds Count last year, abseiling the infamous 100ft Falkirk Wheel. She tells us what has led her to do this challenge.

Our Patient Trial Advocate Service (PTA) - the first of its kind in the UK - has continued to expand in 2024. Senior oncology nurse Mel, who joined the team permanently in September, talks us through the main achievements in the last twelve months.

Through Education, we hope to raise awareness of secondary breast cancer and empower patients by increasing their knowledge and understanding of research, treatments and options. Emma, Deputy CEO, talks us through the main achievements in the last twelve months.

We are incredibly grateful to our partners, funders and supporters who have helped to raise money over the last twelve months to continue the work we do supporting those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer. Fundraising Manager, Lianne, highlights some of the activity we've seen in 2024.

We are really pleased that our Support services have continued to grow and meet the needs of the community over the last twelve months. Our Support & Engagement Manager, Claire, highlights the main achievements for 2024.