Breast Cancer Patients Share Experience At Conference

Young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer have gathered to share their experiences at a two-day conference in Swansea.

Breast Cancer Care Cymru is holding its first Younger Women's Forum at the Marriott Hotel. Only around 100 women in their 20s and 30s are diagnosed with breast cancer in Wales each year.

The forum aims to bring young women affected by cancer together and offer them support and advice.

During the weekend, there were discussion groups covering issues such as body image, fertility and relationships. Organisers also set aside time for the women to socialise, and support is on-hand from Breast Cancer Care nurses and volunteers throughout the weekend.

Dr Alison Gray from Breast Cancer Care said 22 women all in their 20s and 30s were attending the event. "Women in that age group find it particularly isolating to have breast cancer," she said. "In clinics, they can be surrounded by women who are old enough to be their mothers." Dr Gray said the women would benefit from the opportunity to share their experiences.

The forum was held to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Later this month, Breast Cancer Care is also starting a series of Living with Breast Cancer courses at Llanelli's Stradey Park hotel, from 26 October until 14 December.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Wales, and 2,204 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Wales. Around 80% of breast cancers occur in post-menopausal women aged over 50. Breast Cancer Care Cymru, which has been set up for more than 30 years, has around 25 trained volunteers in Wales.

Anyone with breast cancer or breast health concerns can get free, confidential support and information from the Breast Cancer Care helpline on 0808 800 6000 or by following the website link on the right of the page.