Trigger Warning: This episode discusses the diagnosis, treatment, and daily realities of living with a secondary cancer diagnosis.
Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Lesley Stephen who shares her journey of living with secondary breast cancer and her inspiring work with the charity Make 2nds Count. This episode is a deep dive into Lesley’s experience, from her diagnosis to her involvement in ground-breaking research and patient advocacy.
Episode 154: Part of the Living With and Beyond Cancer Series (Part 46)
Lesley Stephen was a freelance communications consultant until her life changed with a 'de novo' metastatic breast cancer (MBC) diagnosis in 2014. Her participation in a phase 1B clinical trial at the Beatson in Glasgow kept her well for seven years and fueled her passion for advocacy. Lesley’s story is one of resilience and leadership as she campaigns for better research, treatments, and support for MBC patients.
Lesley’s advocacy extends to her work with numerous organizations, including the NCRI, ICGC-ARGO, CRUK, Breast Cancer Now, ICPV, Met Up UK, and the newly formed Breast Cancer Clinical Studies Group. As a trustee of Make 2nds Count, she helps deliver unique research services for MBC patients, emphasizing the importance of access to clinical trials and new treatments.
CPD Reflection Points:
- Reflect on your communication strategies with patients diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. How do you ensure they feel supported and informed about their diagnosis and treatment options?
- Consider how you incorporate patients' preferences and values into their care plans. What steps do you take to respect and integrate their individual needs?
- Reflect on the role of supportive care in managing secondary breast cancer. How do you address the comprehensive needs—physical, emotional, and psychological—of these patients?
- Assess the impact of your role in improving outcomes for secondary breast cancer patients. How can you contribute to advancing care practices in your clinical setting?
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Links from the Episode:
- Make 2nds Count Charity
- International Cancer Genome Consortium
- Independent Cancer Patients Voice
- Met Up UK
- PRIMROSE Clinical Trial
- UK Interdisciplinary Breast Cancer Symposium
Research links from the Episode:
- Scientists investigate a new therapy for breast cancer that has spread to the brain | Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- Secondary breast cancer patients may be spared routine scans thanks to Christie trial
- Study highlights increased risk of second cancers among breast cancer survivors | University of Cambridge
- Enhertu emergency | Breast Cancer Now
- Secondary breast cancer | Cancer Research UK
Rad Chat Links:
Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.
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