It was such an honour to co-chair the impactful 90 minutes of presentations and panel discussion alongside Carla Whitbread, fellow board director, at the ABC Global Alliance.
Our focus was on stigma, isolation, and awareness for those diagnosed with advanced breast cancer (ABC), aligning with Goal 8 of the Global Decade Report.
✨ One of the most profound moments was Tanja Spanic sharing her lived experiences and highlighting the harsh reality of misconceptions and stigma in the workplace. Whilst policies in Tanja’s country have unlimited sick leave , which sounds appealing, the struggle to return to work is very real.
👏 Claire Myerson - advocate from the UK delivered a powerful message about the economic implications of investing in women's cancers, reminding us that “I am so much more than my cancer,” and urging, “Don’t write us off; invest in us.” Her emphasis on the necessity for data visibility in the UK and national cancer care plans sparked important conversations with government representatives, showcasing the potential for change through global collaboration and partnership.
🔍 Ranjit Kaur emphasised the progress made over the last decade and outlined critical calls to action as we look ahead to the next ten years. This commitment to raising awareness around metastatic breast cancer is essential for educating communities to reduce stigma and isolation.
🌟 Adele Gautier also contributed invaluable insights, enriching our discussions with her perspective and expertise.
Thank you to everyone who participated, both onsite and online, for making our panel discussion so impactful.
💬 I’d love to hear from you!
How can we, as a national community, work together to reduce stigma and isolation for those living with metastatic breast cancer? Share your thoughts, experiences, or resources in the comments - your voice matters in driving change.
Vicki Durston,
Director Policy & Advocacy, BCNA
