With October wrapping up and it being breast cancer awareness month, today we’re taking the time to check in and catch up with one of our most active groups on the Community – our breast cancer forum.
New to breast cancer support online?
If you’re new to our Online Community and affected by breast cancer, why not introduce yourselves in the ‘New here, say hello’ section of the breast cancer forum. You might be surprised at just how much support you find.
"Thank you so much. That is so helpful to hear. I'm glad that your surgery went well and I hope that you are continuing to recover well. Thank you again."
Community member, Breast cancer forum.
Popular Discussions
Whether you are a new member, or established on the site, there are always places to find support.
One thread that always stands out in the breast cancer forum, given its incredible length and number of posts, is the ‘Awake’ thread.
Started by a member who couldn’t sleep over 5 years ago, this thread has since become a mainstay for support on the site.
Originally for those struggling to sleep, you’ll now find cancer support on this thread night or day.
Another thread from this year which raised an important topic and has continued to find new posters, is the ‘Blokes with Breast Cancer’ thread.
It can be an isolating experience, facing breast cancer as a man. The original poster in this thread shared difficult feelings around this.
Now we have a thread that’s been going for 7 months. It’s a place you can speak up and share experiences of facing breast cancer as a man.
If you, or anyone you know, is affected by these issues – why not post and share your experiences. It might be the start of finding, or creating, online support for men affected by breast cancer.
Whilst the Online Community is a cancer support forum, it is also a place where you can share anything that helps you along on your cancer journey.
One thread that really highlights this is the ‘Walking back to Happiness’ discussion thread.
In this thread members share pictures, feelings, and updates from walks they go on. We know how important gentle exercise can be for recovery and general well-being, ‘Walking back to Happiness’ is the perfect place to share that journey with others.
"Keep checking this thread because it is inspirational …
Wishing you all the best and just remember everyone here has been where you are and happy to listen and support, huge hugs xx"
Community member, Breast cancer forum.
Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis
The breast cancer forum also has a whole section dedicated to diagnosis and treatment discussions.
Whilst the Community (outside of Ask a Nurse) is not a place for medical advice, it is somewhere that people share anecdotal experiences of medications and treatment.
You can find and chat to others about cancer treatments and concerns, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
A popular thread in this section is the ‘oestrogen-reducing medications’ discussion, where members share conversations and anecdotes on side effects of these medications.
We know medications that effect your hormones can be worrying, or daunting for some, and the Community is here for you to find emotional support and talk to others who’ve been there themselves.
Looking for breast cancer information from Macmillan?
Choosing bras after breast surgery - Our cancer information team shared a post on choosing bras after breast surgery in their recent blog. This has information on everything from what types of bras to look for, at each stage of recovery, to financial support to help afford them.
Macmillan’s dedicated breast cancer information - We, at Macmillan, have a dedicated page to breast cancer awareness in 2022 which you can find here.
This page has extensive information on types of breast cancer, symptoms, treatments, and breast cancer in men. You will also find links to a number of cancer information booklets on related topics.
We hope you are all keeping safe and well and enjoyed this whistle-stop tour of our breast cancer forum. If you have any feedback, comments, or concerns you can post directly below or email us at community@macmillan.org.uk anytime.
Looking for more Community News Blogs with topics related to breast cancer?
Breast cancer and femininity: Issy’s story – As part of Macmillan’s Digital Storytelling Project, read Issy’s story of the month. Issy talks about feelings about her body and sexuality before, during, and after cancer treatment.
Sharing scalp cooling experiences - A look at cold caps and their effects on hair loss during cancer treatment.
Supporting men with breast cancer in the Online Community – A first look at the ‘Blokes with Breast Cancer’ thread, highlighting comments from this important conversation.
