At 47, Bora was balancing an office-based role as a local elected politician when she received a breast cancer diagnosis that came as a complete shock. She had experienced lumpy breasts for 10 to 15 years, with changes that often became more noticeable during her menstrual cycle. When one lump did not go away, she arranged to have it checked. An ultrasound and biopsy confirmed breast cancer. “I cried,” she says. “It was a total shock.” Bora approached the diagnosis in a practical way, drawing on her previous experience as a journalist to research the disease and understand the available information. But the process was still difficult. Referrals, appointments and decisions about surgery meant that roughly two weeks could pass between each step. She was referred to two surgeons while considering how to move forward with treatment as quickly as possible. She chose to be open about her diagnosis and found that talking with friends and loved ones was an important source of support. Living alone, she particularly valued having people around her who could help her process what was happening. After her second surgery, her care team needed to determine whether she required additional chemotherapy. The team told her about the OPTIMA trial, which, according to her team, was investigating whether genomic testing could help guide treatment decisions. Bora had a positive view of clinical research and had already taken part in other studies. She discussed the trial information with friends who were oncologists and decided to participate. Her main concern was whether she might get her hopes up, as she expected that chemotherapy would probably be recommended. “To be honest, I kind of forgot I was involved in it,” she says. Participation involved completing a questionnaire about every three months, focused on lifestyle and how she was feeling. For Bora, the experience reinforced the value of clear, personalized information. “Data and information can be empowering when they are explained properly,” she says. “There are different types of breast cancer, treatment options and decisions. When testing is available alongside appropriate medical advice, it can help patients feel more empowered.” 🩷 In honor of #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, join us in thanking the people, like Bora, who took part in the OPTIMA trial - veracyte.com/because-they-sa… #BreastCancer #CancerClinicalTrials #BreastCancerResearch #BecauseTheySaidYes #ResearchIsTheReason #BreastCancerJourney

Attacking a hard working councillor for battling cancer is a new low. @cllr_hewitson is one of the hardest working local councillors, coming to meetings and helping her residents *during* her cancer treatment. Appalling. We’re with you Tina 🌹 manchestereveningnews.co.uk/…

Today, we’re launching our Winter Appeal supporting the chemotherapy day unit at Charing Cross Hospital. Please help us raise funds to make the unit a brighter, more welcoming space for patients receiving cancer treatment. Show your support: qrco.de/bgQkI1