Breast Cancer Uncovered

As the season closes, we're sitting down for a really important conversation about breast cancer risk—what it means, what we know, and why talking about it matters. We're joined by Dr. Sarah Vinnicombe, a leading breast radiologist; Dr. Anita Raja, a GP who's passionate about helping people better understand their health; and Libby Pearson, who generously shares her personal journey of...

Dr. Louise Newson, a leading expert in women's hormones, explores the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer risk. She is joined by Professor Daniel Rea, who shares insights into the latest research, and Iyna Fiaz, who brings her lived experience and unique perspective to the discussion. Together, they explore menopausal symptoms, the role of oestrogen in health,...

We explore the realities of living with metastatic breast cancer with Laura Price, presenter of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, who shares her experience from her initial diagnosis to being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. Laura is joined by Dr. Shradha Lakhani and Professor Peter Schmid, who discuss common misconceptions about metastatic breast cancer, the importance of exercise, and the em...

This episode shines a light on two rare but important forms of breast cancer: pregnancy-associated breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancer. Featuring consultant obstetrician Dr. Ellen Knox, Naomi John from The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK, Dr. Ashleigh Williams, who shares both her professional and personal experience with cancer, and Anna Partington, who was diagnosed with breast ca...

Amy and Naren explore the journey of a breast cancer diagnosis, from recognising the initial symptoms to navigating the emotional impact of hearing the words, "you have breast cancer." They are joined by Laura Leonard and Durga Parmar, who both share their personal experiences of being diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing treatment, and making sense of the unfamiliar medical terminol...

Amy Dowden opens up about the deeply personal decision to undergo a mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis. Joined by breast surgeon Naren Basu, they explore the factors that influence treatment decisions, the emotional and practical realities of choosing surgery, and the importance of feeling informed and supported throughout the process. Together, they discuss how treatment choices are...

Amy and Naren hear three perspectives on how ethnicity can affect breast cancer diagnosis and the need for greater community awareness, cultural sensitivity, and equitable care for all. Journalist Satnam Rana-Grindley caught her breast cancer at a very early stage, but says cancer is a taboo subject for many in South Asian communities. Meanwhile, consultant medical oncologist, Dr Olubokola Ayodele...

Amy and Naren are joined by oncoplastic surgeon Miss Georgette Oni to talk about the various types of breast reconstruction options available. They talk about the collaborative nature of breast surgery, and the importance of managing patient expectations.  Amy shares her initial desire for a double mastectomy, explaining, "I just wanted to be done with it there and then", and her satisfaction with...

Amy and Naren hear how wellbeing and lifestyle changes that can support breast cancer treatment.  Dietician Professor Michelle Harvie talks about diet myths and the benefits of adjusting your lifestyle. Amy shares her own experience of being overwhelmed by conflicting social media advice during her treatment. Amy also talks about how resources from youth-focussed CoppaFeel! enabled her to find her...

Oncologist Dr. Sacha Howell talks to Amy and Naren about the impact of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis at a younger age. They explore the aggressive nature of the disease in young women, the limitations of current screening methods, and the benefits and risks of preventative surgeries versus medications.  Louise Yafai’s mother died of breast cancer, prompting her to do a genetic test. She tell...

Clinical geneticist Professor Julian Barwell joins Amy and Naren to discuss the role of genetics in breast cancer. We learn about high-risk genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, the importance of knowing family history, and the misconceptions surrounding genetic inheritance. Amy and Naren also speak to Jagdish Baines, a two-time breast cancer survivor, about the emotional and physical impacts of the diag...

As an introduction to the series, Amy sits down with Naren to share her story following a breast cancer diagnosis at 32. She discusses her initial shock and how self-checking saved her life. We also hear the profound loss of control she felt post-diagnosis and the unexpected "hard slog" of recovery.  Amy and Naren talk about navigating the different types of breast cancer and the terminology invol...