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21
Jul
New Harrogate support for people living with advanced breast cancer
A charity has launched a new service in Harrogate aimed at people living with secondary breast cancer.
Research and support charity, Breast Cancer Now, says the service will "provide a relaxed and supportive environment for people to talk, listen, and learn".
The group is free and will start on July 25, then meeting at 11am on the fourth Thursday of each month.
It will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on King's Road in Harrogate.
The first session will be a coffee morning with the counsellor who will facilitate the group, and a nurse and care coordinator from Harrogate District Hospital.
There will be the chance to hear from expert speakers on topics such as treatment side effects, fatigue, and clinical trials.
Over 61,000 people are estimated to be living with secondary breast cancer (also called metastatic, advanced, or stage 4 cancer) in the UK.
The disease occurs when breast cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the bones, liver, lung or brain.
While secondary breast cancer can be treated, it cannot currently be cured.
Miah Sanghera, services coordinator, secondary breast cancer, at Breast Cancer Now, said:
We are delighted to be launching such an invaluable support service in Harrogate to help us be there for people living with secondary breast cancer across North Yorkshire.
We know that secondary breast cancer is full of uncertainties and people often tell us they feel overlooked or forgotten once receiving the devastating diagnosis.
The group offers a friendly space to share what’s on your mind with people who understand, as well as provide vital support and crucial information. Our Living with Secondary Breast Cancer group can help people feel less alone.
Katie Morrow, Macmillan breast cancer specialist nurse team leader at the Harrogate and District Foundation Trust Hospital, will be sharing information about the new service with patients at the hospital.
She said:
Receiving a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer can be an isolating and lonely time for patients under our care and we know that they will have many questions and uncertainties.
The group will offer the local area a friendly space for people to discuss their concerns and experiences with others who understand and are going through a similar situation.
Our breast care nursing team at Harrogate is excited to be able to offer our patients living with secondary breast cancer this excellent and important new service.
I know that without a doubt it will grow in popularity, and for us as health care professionals, it’s going to be invaluable to be able to offer this fantastic new service.
Register online at breastcancernow.org/Living-with-Harrogate or call Breast Cancer Now on 0345 077 1893.
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