Episodes

  • S6 Ep22: Travel insurance with breast cancer might be easier than you think – with Fiona Macrae

    S6 Ep22: Travel insurance with breast cancer might be easier than you think – with Fiona Macrae
    Dec 19 2025
    Planning a holiday when you’re living with or beyond breast cancer can feel daunting, especially when it comes to getting travel insurance. In this episode, Laura speaks with Fiona Macrae, founder of the travel insurance brand Insurancewith. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and living with metastatic (secondary) breast cancer since 2020, Fiona shares her personal journey and why freedom to travel is so important to her.

    In a conversation full of hope and practical tips from their own experiences, Fiona and Laura get stuck into:

    • why travel insurance matters, especially when you have a cancer diagnosis,
    • how medical screening works and what insurers are really looking for,
    • common myths about being “uninsurable” after your treatment changes or a progression,
    • confusing terminology when applying for travel insurance and how to make sense of it,
    • practical tips for planning trips, timing holidays around treatment, and talking to your medical team,
    • Fiona’s own story, taking her frustration with the system and creating a travel insurance brand with people with cancer at its heart.

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    The discount code IWCommunity gives 20%* off an Insurancewith premium.

    * The discount code ‘IWCommunity’ offers you a 20% discount made up of our automatic 15% online discount price and an additional 5% discount against our Customer Service Centre prices. This is discounted from our core policy price before you add any additional cost of optional extensions or additional medical premium. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

    Insurancewith is a travel insurance brand. They are not an insurer or underwriter. Policies are underwritten by regulated insurers, and terms and conditions apply. Insurancewith is a trading name of Travel Insurance Facilities Plc, a travel insurance distributor. Policies are underwritten by FCA-authorised insurers. They do not offer personal advice. Always read your policy documents and ensure the cover meets your needs. Breast Cancer Now does not endorse, or recommend Insurancewith.

    If you're struggling to get travel insurance, you can also try the MoneyHelper directory, which lists specialist providers who may be able to help – including Insurancewith.


    Key Topics:
    2:24 Why is it important that we travel?
    3:33 Fiona's breast cancer diagnosis
    6:50 Dealing with a cancer diagnosis as a new mother
    7:44 Fiona's diagnosis of metastatic (secondary) breast cancer
    12:21 Fiona sets up travel insurance brand Insurancewith
    14:38 Do you need travel insurance?
    18:25 Declaring breast cancer on your travel insurance
    20:40 Getting cover with a new diagnosis or drug
    24:33 The importance of the health questionnaire when buying travel insurance
    31:45 More claims can be related back to cancer than you might think
    33:28 The cost of repatriation
    34:57 How does neutropenia affect travel insurance?
    39:29 Is flying detrimental to our health?
    42:07 Do you need travel insurance if you're staying within the UK?
    43:33 When should you book your travel insurance?
    44:55 Should you put friends and family on the same insurance policy as you?
    46:29 Does the destination country change how expensive insurance is?
    47:34 How does mental health work with travel insurance?
    50:38 Unhelpful terminology in travel insurance policies
    55:53 What about metastatic (secondary) breast cancer in the brain?
    1:00:49 High risk activities and insurance with breast cancer
    1:02:00 Going on holiday while on a clinical trial
    1:02:48 Business insurance and cancer
    1:04:57 Practical tips for travelling
    1:10:05 What it means to Fiona to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • S6 Ep21: Lucy on being diagnosed as a younger woman

    S6 Ep21: Lucy on being diagnosed as a younger woman
    Dec 5 2025
    Lucy Dawson was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 25.

    In this episode she talks to Laura about her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer as a younger woman, and having fertility preservation treatment as a result of her breast cancer diagnosis. They talk about the importance of sharing positive stories, pregnancy, and starting a family after breast cancer.

    They also talk about the importance of spreading awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and having the confidence to advocate for yourself in a medical setting.

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    02:00 Lucy's diagnosis
    08:40 How are you now?
    09:05 Family history of breast cancer
    10:55 Support services for younger women
    12:42 Fertility preservation treatment
    16:00 Starting a family
    19:15 Pregnancy after breast cancer
    21:20 Breastfeeding
    22:40 How did pregnancy feel for you?
    24:15 How are you finding motherhood
    25:00 How did your partner cope throughout your cancer and pregnancy
    25:49 What would you say to other younger women facing fertility challenges as a result of breast cancer treatment?
    26:45 Advocating for herself as a younger woman to be diagnosed and being confident in a medical setting.
    33:56 How do you look after your mental health
    38:57 Posters of the signs & symptoms of breast cancer in M&S changing rooms.
    42:15 Taking part in BCN's Pink Ribbon Walk
    43:25 What does it mean to Lucy to 'live well'.
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • S6 Ep20: Caroline on talking with children about death and grief

    S6 Ep20: Caroline on talking with children about death and grief
    Nov 21 2025
    Caroline Leek is the founder of Fruitfly Collective, which empowers people with a cancer diagnosis to navigate family life and to support their children. Caroline set up Fruitfly Collective to give the kind of support she wished she’d had when her own father died when she was 12 years old.

    In this episode, Caroline focuses on talking to children and teenagers about death and grief, and how to communicate with children about being diagnosed with incurable cancer. She talks about strategies for communicating with teenagers, discusses whether it's OK to tell a white lie, and shares helpful tips and prompts to help children with death and grief.

    Find out more about Fruitfly Collective.

    Listen to Caroline's previous episode about parenting with cancer, or watch on YouTube.

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    0:16 Laura outlines the episode and shares her thoughts
    2:40 When a child visits a parent who is dying
    7:06 How to have a conversation with a child about an upcoming death
    9:42 How honest should you be when a child asks if you're going to die?
    14:10 Ways of starting a conversation with a child about the death of their parent
    25:54 Caroline reveals how her unprocessed grief came to light
    27:55 The tools Caroline used to process her grief and support her mental health
    31:15 "Pip" kits from Fruitfly Collective
    39:39 How to access Fruitfly Collective's excellent resources and support

    Links:
    Griefcast
    Kids' Guide to Cancer app
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • S6 Ep19: Rosamund and Alice on writing through the breast cancer experience

    S6 Ep19: Rosamund and Alice on writing through the breast cancer experience
    Nov 7 2025
    In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Laura speaks to fellow authors and previous podcast guests, Rosamund Dean and Alice May Purkiss.


    They talk about writing, specifically how to put your own breast cancer experience into words. Laura talks to Rosamund and Alice about how they started writing and why they wanted to share their experience with others. They each discuss topics such as how writing affects their mental health, imposter syndrome and how anyone can be a writer. Both Rosamund and Alice also share their book and newsletter recommendations for people experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis.


    Key Topics:

    02:06 What made you decide to write about your cancer?
    06:40 What affect does writing have on your mental health?
    09:53 What do you find the most difficult part of writing?
    10:51 Getting started
    12:24 Rosamund talks about the process of writing her book, 'Reconstruction'
    14:40 Advice for someone interested in writing
    16:35 Book recommendations
    18:30 Which authors inspire Rosamund the most
    19:50 Rosamund's best tips for writing
    23:06 Where to find Rosamund's work
    23:35 Laura's thoughts
    24:40 How writing affects Alice's mental health
    26:48 Where should people start if they are interested in writing?
    30:15 Advice for someone looking to get published
    31:20 Long form writing, e.g. blogs
    33:31 Alice's self-publishing process and advice
    36:55 Tips for writing or creativity
    41:27 Book recommendations
    49:05 Inspiring authors books/blogs
    54:10 Where to find Alice's work



    Rosamund
    Well well well newsletter- rosamunddean.substack.com
    Rosamund’s books- Reconstruction + Mindful Drinking
    @rosamunddean

    Alice
    Alice's book- Life Lemons and Melons
    alicemaypurkiss.co.uk
    @alicemaypurkiss

    Laura
    Laura's book- Single Bald Female
    @laurapricewrites


    Book recommendations:

    Hattie Crissel - In Writing
    Oliver Burkeman - Four Thousand Weeks
    Miranda July - All Fours
    Fran Littlewood - Amazing Grace Adams
    Kris Hallenga - Glittering a Turd
    Bessel Van Der Kolk - The Body Keeps The Score
    Sophie Savage - Lifeshocks
    Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross -Your Brain on Art
    Rick Rubin - The Creative Act
    Will Storr - The Science of Storytelling


    Newletters (substack) :

    Alice Vincent - Savour
    Daisy Buchannan - Creative Confidence Clinic
    Porna Bell - As I Was Saying
    Hayley Nahman - Maybe Baby
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • S6 Ep18: Dr Hajra on being newly diagnosed with breast cancer

    S6 Ep18: Dr Hajra on being newly diagnosed with breast cancer
    Oct 24 2025
    Dr Hajra is a GP and aesthetic doctor who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, aged 37. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Hajra talks to Laura about the shock of her recent diagnosis, the effects of the chemotherapy treatment she’s undergoing, and the treatment plan coming up, including a double mastectomy.

    Hajra also shares the differences in experiencing cancer as a doctor, compared with as a patient, and the surprising ways it’s affected her. She tells Laura about her BRCA gene mutation, and how that news affected her outlook on her breast cancer diagnosis.

    You can find Dr Hajra on Instagram @drhajrasdiary

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    1:56 Hajra's work as a GP and aesthetic doctor
    6:23 Practising breast awareness as a doctor
    9:02 Biopsies and scans, as a doctor
    16:18 Receiving biopsy results with friends and family
    18:09 Hajra is diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer
    19:19 The treatment plan for Hajra's breast cancer
    20:26 Being treated as a patient rather than as a doctor
    21:40 Hajra is the first in her family with breast cancer
    22:14 The physical effects of chemotherapy
    23:42 Genetic testing for breast cancer gene mutations
    29:03 Coping with the impact of a gene mutation diagnosis
    33:22 Breast cancer treatment and fertility
    39:22 The effect of chemotherapy on physical apperarance
    44:57 Hajra's plan for aesthetic treatments after chemotherapy
    47:28 Thoughts on the upcoming double mastectomy
    50:15 Mental health and breast cancer treatment
    53:17 Working during treatment for breast cancer
    54:53 The importance of sharing your story
    56:43 What it means to Hajra to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • S6 Ep17: Laura on founding Secondary Sisters

    S6 Ep17: Laura on founding Secondary Sisters
    Oct 10 2025
    Laura was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2016, aged 28. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Laura shares how she felt when she first received that diagnosis 9 years ago, and how it impacted her life. She goes on to talk about living her life to the full, and adjusting to an uncertain future.

    Later in the conversation, Laura talks about founding Secondary Sisters, an online community supporting people with secondary cancer. She also shares how it feels, after almost a decade of living with secondary breast cancer, when people look to her as an example for living well with an incurable disease.

    You can find Laura on Instagram @baldbooblessandbeautiful
    You can find Secondary Sisters on Instagram @secondary.sisters

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    1:34 What is secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer?
    2:20 Laura's life before cancer
    3:24 Laura finds a lump and is diagnosed with primary breast cancer
    8:11 Treatment and surgery for breast cancer
    11:14 Ways of coping with hair loss and other visible effects of cancer treatment
    13:39 Laura is diagnosed with secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer
    20:29 Laura writes a living list
    24:35 How Laura is doing now
    26:25 Laura sets up Secondary Sisters
    37:37 How it feels losing friends to the same disease you have
    39:07 Having time and people away from cancer
    41:24 Laura's thoughts on how her story has given people hope and inspiration
    42:28 Not being able to have children after breast cancer
    48:10 Coping with a new diagnosis of secondary breast cancer
    49:46 Laura shares her vulnerability as well as her story
    56:23 What it means to Laura to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • S6 Ep16: Hayley on drawing the breast cancer experience

    S6 Ep16: Hayley on drawing the breast cancer experience
    Sep 25 2025
    Hayley Gullen is an illustrator who was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 37. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Hayley talks to Laura about her graphic memoir ‘This Might Surprise You’. She talks about why she decided to write a graphic memoir, and how she used her illustrations to express her identity whilst going through the “dehumanising” experience of breast cancer treatment.

    The conversation also goes into how Hayley’s book covers the ups and downs of a breast cancer diagnosis, from the painful, grim experiences to some of the more absurd and hopeful moments. Hayley talks about the importance of self-expression and using this to connect with others, and how she hopes her book will act as a companion for other people facing treatment, helping them feel less alone.

    You can find Hayley on Instagram @hayleygullen

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    2:00 Hayley talks about her history of drawing
    3:26 Hayley's book, This May Surprise You
    6:50 Hayley is diagnosed with breast cancer
    11:52 The impact of breast cancer on Hayley's life
    13:37 Drawing the relatable parts of the breast cancer experience
    24:07 Hayley's history of writing
    30:30 Finding humour in the difficult times
    32:32 Looking after a young child alongside a breast cancer diagnosis
    37:20 Feeling guilty during breast cancer
    39:43 Breast cancer and mental health
    43:20 Taking the book to the public
    49:52 Meeting other people in the cancer community
    50:54 Reflecting on the cancer experience
    52:02 Hayley's next book
    53:17 What it means to Hayley to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • S6 Ep15: Sam on sex and intimacy after breast cancer

    S6 Ep15: Sam on sex and intimacy after breast cancer
    Sep 12 2025
    Sam Evans is an intimate health and pleasure expert who shares tips on intimacy during menopause and coping with the side effects of cancer treatment. This week on the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Sam talks candidly about the effects of breast cancer on our sex lives, and how these may be relieved to allow more enjoyment of sex and intimacy again. She also speaks about why she set up the online company Jo Divine, which sells sex products with a particular focus on safety and sexual health.

    Sam is joined by Jane, one of Breast Cancer Now’s nurses, who gives insight into the sex and intimacy concerns we hear about from people with breast cancer on our helpline and ask our nurses service.

    You can visit the Jo Divine website
    You can find Sam on Instagram @samtalkssex

    Listen to Liz O'Riordan's episode here
    Listen to Dani Binnington's episode here

    If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).

    You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.

    Key Topics:
    2:01 Sam talks about her work in sex and intimacy
    2:55 Jane talks about her work as one of Breast Cancer Now's nurses
    3:45 The effects of breast cancer treatment on sex life
    5:51 Discussing the menopause and the perimenopause
    9:36 What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
    13:16 Discussing low libido after breast cancer treatment
    15:17 Dealing with vaginal dryness during sex
    16:59 The importance of checking ingredients of lubricants
    23:54 The effects on the vagina of lowered oestrogen levels
    25:39 The benefits of vaginal oestrogen for sex life
    28:06 The psychological effects of breast cancer treatment on sex and intimacy
    30:13 The importance of communication
    33:45 Approaching sex after breast cancer as a single person
    38:51 The benefits of sex toys
    48:02 Where to turn if you don't feel you can talk to your treatment team about sex and intimacy
    55:32 Useful resources
    1:03:09 What it means to Sam to "live well"
    1:03:24 What is means to Jane to "live well"
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins