Breast Cancer Uncovered with Amy Dowden

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 involved, and maintaining control through treatment choices. 

We also hear about Amy’s driving mission for the series: “to do all I possibly can to raise awareness, break the stigma, and to learn as much as I possibly can about this awful disease”.

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 Jag Baines, a two-time breast cancer survivor, about the emotional and physical impacts of the diagnosis on her family. Jag now advocates for self-checking and early detection and highlights the importance of asking questions to help gain understanding and a sense of control in managing breast cancer risk.

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 tells Amy and Naren how a preventative double mastectomy reduced her chances of a breast cancer diagnosis significantly, and about the peace of mind that this has brought her. 

In the episode, we also hear about fertility and cancer and how Amy responded well to fertility treatment ahead of her chemotherapy, allowing her to potentially start a family in the future.  

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 lump. Emma Walker from the charity is here to talk about their mission to empower young people on self-awareness and early detection. 

This episode also explores breast cancer care within the transgender community, with Dr. Alison Burner who talks about the importance of obtaining accurate incidence data, systemic biases in screening programmes, and prevalent medical mistrust.

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 her implant she eventually had. 

Louise Grimsdell is a Senior Clinical Nurse at charity, Breast Cancer Now adds insight into patient support and the importance of proper information for making informed decisions. 

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, says black women are “four times likely to die from the disease” due to late presentation and aggressive subtypes like triple-negative cancer. She highlights systemic bias and the need for inclusive screening programmes. 

Helena Boyce runs Youbuntu, which delivers workshops on diversity and inclusion. She talks to Amy and Naren about her three cancer diagnoses and the discrimination she faced within the health system as a black woman, including being offered a “pink prosthesis” after a mastectomy.