MASSAGE AND RELAXATION DURING BREAST CANCER We discuss the benefits of massage and relaxation during breast cancer and let you know where and how you can safely receive this treatment.  Massage has health benefits and can help you to unwind during breast cancer...

DEALING WITH THE EMOTIONAL FALLOUT OF CANCER WITH EFT Sean Grey,  EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner tells us to help release stress, anxiety and physical pain.  How does EFT work?  EFT is a form of acupuncture but without needles. I show how to tap on the...

IT'S COMMON TO FEEL LONELY It's common to feel lonely  When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s very common to feel lonely - especially if you don’t know anyone else who has been through it or is going through it.   You might look at someone else...

Sore breasts, also known as mastalgia, are very common during menstruation. However, having hormone therapy during menopause can also increase the risk of continued breast pain.

Anyone can develop breast cancer, not just women, so it’s important you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your own breasts so that you can be alert to any changes that might occur.

REDUCING STRESS DURING BREAST CANCER Regardless of lifestyle and routine, very few people are able to avoid experiencing stress at one point or another.  It is important for everyone to give ourselves the time we need to take care of ourselves, however, for those...

The Health BENEFITS OF GREEN SPACES The health benefits of green spaces  Many of us take the great outdoors for granted and choose to be indoors away from the beauty and nature the world brings us. People with breast cancer may find themselves spending a lot of...

BREAST CANCER IN THE YEAR OF A PANDEMIC The first lockdown  Covid-19 had a devastating effect on healthcare services across the country and as we know cancer services have been impacted as well.  Following the first lockdown in March 2020, breast screening...

LIFE AFTER BREAST CANCER TREATMENT Breast cancer and mental health  A diagnosis of breast cancer is a big shock and can be extremely stressful. The physical and emotional toll that breast cancer has on a person may exacerbate existing mental health difficulties...

Many patients are asking whether it is OK to have the vaccine if you have had breast cancer, and particularly if you are on treatment.

The backlog in surgery has been covered widely in the media and, although efforts are now being made to catch up

HOT FLUSHES HOW TO KEEP COOL IN THE WARM WEATHER What are hot flushes?  Hot flushes are a common side-effect of breast cancer treatment. People experience them in different ways, but most commonly they feel like a sudden hot sensation that spreads through the...

Hello, and welcome to my first blog. I am a medical breast cancer specialist, and I’ve worked for many years at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London

3D NIPPLE TATTOOS REPLACING A NIPPLE LOST TO BREAST CANCER For many women, a mastectomy is an unfortunate but necessary part of breast cancer treatment. Whilst the procedure is effective in removing the breast cancer, it can create many unpleasant physical and...

HOW AROMATHERAPHY CAN PROVIDE RELEIF DURING BREAST CANCER Aromatherapy is praised for its relaxing nature and effectiveness in alleviating the physical and emotional difficulties of breast cancer.  But how does it work and why is it so beneficial to people...

Contrary to what is often believed, breast cancer can also occur in men, because they too have breast tissue and ducts behind the nipple

BREAST CANCER AND MENTAL HEALTH We sat down with  Dr Caroline Hoffman, to discuss the impact that breast cancer can have on a person’s mental health.   Why are mental health issues so common amongst people affected by breast cancer?  "When people...

When Covid 19 first arrived in the UK, one and a half million people who were considered to be at high risk

Many of you sent in your own questions for Professor Ian Smith to answer. You can read Professor Ian’s replies to the questions below.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN DURING BREAST CANCER It is common for breast cancer treatment to affect your skin. Your complexion may change and your skin may become dry, sensitive, sore and irritated. These issues often become worse during summer as your skin may become...