Emily wearing a graduation gown and cap. She is stood on a pavement in front of a patch of grass outside her university.
Younger women, Breast Cancer Voices

As a Breast Cancer Voice, I’m helping to shape the future of breast cancer support and care

Emily was recently a member of the steering group for our Big Breast Cancer Survey. The survey was created to understand people’s experiences of breast cancer, so we know what needs to be done. She tells us about her work on the project, how important it is to consider peoples’ lived experiences of breast cancer, and how she’s helping to shape the future of our work as a Breast Cancer Voice.

Tell us about yourself 

I’m 47 years old and I live in Sheffield with my husband and 2 teenage sons. I’m currently doing a PhD exploring socio-economic inequalities in breast screening. I also love to go walking in the Peak District.

When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?

When I was 39, I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer. Between 2016 and 2018, I had , surgery, and .

Emily receiving treatment for breast cancer. She is wearing a cold cap and is smiling at the camera.

How have you been since finishing your treatment?

I have and I had a hysterectomy in 2023. Since then, I’ve been experiencing surgical menopause.

To manage menopausal symptoms, I’ve started health and wellness practices. I’ve stopped drinking alcohol, I exercise regularly, and I do yoga, sound baths and adult ballet.

Did you get any support through your treatment?

My breast care clinical nurse specialist introduced me to Breast Cancer Now. I attended one of the Younger Women Together events, where I got to meet other young women going through breast cancer. I also found out about volunteering opportunities with the charity.

Shortly after I was diagnosed, I signed up to Breast Cancer Voices, which is a network of people affected by breast cancer who use their experiences to shape Breast Cancer Now’s work. I felt that it was essential for people with breast cancer to share their experiences and help shape the future of care and support.

Emily with her 2 young sons in a clinic. She is wearing a blue shirt and has short brown hair. She is ringing a bell which is next to a sign that reads 'Ring this bell three times well its toll to clearly say, my treatment's done this course is run and I am on my way.'

What have you been involved in as a Breast Cancer Voice?

I’ve done so many things as a Voice, from completing online research for bra providers, to participating in an online focus group about lymphoedema.

I was also on the steering group for the Big Breast Cancer Survey, which is the biggest project I’ve been involved in. The project aims to explore peoples’ experiences of breast cancer, so Breast Cancer Now can understand more about what people need. It fits with my interest in equality, diversity and inclusion, so I really wanted to join this project. 

Can you tell us more about your work with the Big Breast Cancer Survey?

I helped recruit a market research agency, which involved a full day of interviews. I asked questions about how they would involve patients, friends and families from underrepresented groups. It felt good to select an agency who valued these things, and everyone on the steering group agreed on the same agency.

The agency involved our steering group throughout the process. We helped shape the research framework, review research strategies and outcomes, and give feedback on reports of findings. It was incredible how fast the project progressed. 

When it finally launched, it was exciting to see it come to life. I had the opportunity to review early findings and provide feedback. When I read the final report, it felt so fulfilling to know that it will inform the Breast Cancer Now strategy.

Emily on the beach wearing a pink bikini, sunglasses and a straw hat. She has a dressing pad above her right breast with a central line coming out of it.

What did you enjoy about the experience?

I loved being able to represent patients’ voices on the Big Breast Cancer Survey. I got to learn more about how the charity works, and I could see how important it was for patients’ experiences to shape the future of Breast Cancer Now.

All members of the steering group, including senior staff, were inclusive. And my perspective was heard and appreciated. After every meeting, I had a short call with a staff member to check in on my well-being, which made me feel valued and safe. 

What would you say to others thinking about becoming a Breast Cancer Voice?

It doesn’t have to be a big commitment, and there are many ways to get involved. There's never any pressure, and your views are always valued.

Being a Voice has helped me move forward from breast cancer. I feel like I’m at the forefront of breast cancer knowledge, helping to shape the future of breast cancer support and care. 

Use your voice

To find out more about opportunities to get involved in across research, support and care, join our Breast Cancer Voices network.

Breast Cancer Voices

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