Managing HR+/HER2– Metastatic Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Care & Support
Navigate HR+/HER2– metastatic breast cancer with confidence. Learn about common symptoms, palliative care strategies, and emotional support resources for your journey.
https://mrmedonlinepharmacy.blogspot.com/2026/01/managing-hrher2-metastatic-breast.html

#BreastCancer #MetastaticBreastCancer #CancerSupport #WomensHealth

Pembrokeshire woman backs national campaign to raise awareness of secondary breast cancer

This article contains a medical image showing post‑surgery scarring.

A Pembrokeshire woman is lending her voice to a powerful new campaign highlighting the realities of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.

Mandy Smith, 53, was diagnosed de novo secondary breast cancer just over four years ago, meaning the disease had already spread from her breast to her spine at the time of diagnosis.

Her discovery was accidental. “My lively 12‑year‑old elbowed me in the chest, and after a few days it was still really sore, so I thought I’d better get it checked,” she said. “That’s when they found three hidden lumps – they only came up because of the swelling from the elbow.”

Mandy is now supporting the ‘Truth Be Told’ campaign, launched by the charity Make 2nds Count ahead of Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day on 13 October.

Secondary breast cancer affects an estimated 61,000 people in the UK but remains under‑recognised and under‑discussed. It is incurable and spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Around 1,000 women die from the disease every month.

A new YouGov poll commissioned by the charity found:

• 47% of adults in Wales have never heard of secondary breast cancer.
• 37% don’t know any of the signs and symptoms.
• 29% wrongly believe it can be cured.
• Only 20% correctly identified that between 1,000 and 1,999 people die from it each month.
• 36% didn’t know men can also be affected.

Mandy said living with the disease has changed every aspect of her life: “It’s made me reflect on what really matters. The treatment has been brutal, but I’m still standing. It felt empowering to take part in this campaign – it’s about showing strength, survival, and what secondary breast cancer really looks like.”

Content note: the following image shows post‑surgery scarring after a mastectomy

Sam Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, said:

“Truth Be Told’ is more than an awareness initiative – it’s a movement of empowerment which aims to give hope. Our goal is to ensure that the voices of those living with secondary breast cancer in Wales are heard, respected, and supported.”

The campaign features a striking series of portraits by Irish photographer Jennifer Willis, capturing the strength and vulnerability of those living with the disease.

For more information about the campaign visit: bcam.make2ndscount.co.uk

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#BreastCancer #Cancer #Make2ndsCount #mastectomy #metastaticBreastCancer #Pembrokeshire #SecondaryBreastCancer #SecondaryBreastCancerAwarenessDay

Respiratory viral infections awaken metastatic breast cancer cells in lungs.

#Virology #RespiratoryViruses #MetastaticBreastCancer #DormantDisseminatedCancerCells #Inluenza #SARSCoV2 #COVID19 #Interleukin6 #Mice

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09332-0

🎀 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵! 🎀

Join us in raising awareness about breast cancer, encouraging regular screenings, and supporting those affected by this disease. Together, we can make a difference!

💗 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄?
Early detection is crucial. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options available. Let’s empower ourselves and others to take charge of our health.

🗓️ Today, on Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, we remember the 168,000 women in the U.S. living with metastatic breast cancer. It's a reminder that we need more research and funding for advanced treatments.

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱! 💪

#BreastCancerAwareness #BCAM #MetastaticBreastCancer #PinkRibbon #EarlyDetection #SupportSurvivors #BreastCancerResearch #HealthEducation #FightAgainstCancer #SCABPharmacy

"Turning 50 and Thriving: A Single Mom's Journey with Metastatic Breast Cancer. 🌟❤️ Join me as I embrace life, love, and resilience in the face of this challenge. #MetastaticBreastCancer #StrengthInAdversity #Turning50"

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🔬🧬@DrTeplinksy took us through paradigm-shifting therapy in #HER2 low #metastaticbreastcancer.

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