S5 Ep13: Fiona on inspiring change in the face of adversity

Breast Cancer Now

In this episode, Laura talks to Fiona, a Breast Cancer Voice and active campaigner for disability issues.
Fiona speaks about being diagnosed with breast cancer over 30 years ago, and the challenges she faced during her diagnosis and treatment. She tells Laura about her disability and wheelchair use, and how it created obstacles in treatment for breast cancer. Fiona also talks about her volunteering and fundraising for Breast Cancer Now, as well as founding the initiative Swimming After Surgery.
Find out more about Swimming After Surgery
Find out more about Flat Friends
Take a look at what support is on offer from Breast Cancer Now's support service Someone Like Me
We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).
You can also watch this episode on YouTube.
Key Topics:
0:24 Laura introduces Fiona
1:11 Fiona's diagnosis of breast cancer
3:43 Fiona's reaction to her shock diagnosis
5:26 Surgeries for breasts cancer, and unforeseen challenges
8:28 Flat Friends, support charity
9:43 How to talk to someone with a breast cancer diagnosis
10:54 How Flat Friends has helped Fiona
13:14 Fiona's disability diagnosis and its crossovers with breast cancer
16:52 Disability and breast cancer
21:16 Fiona's wheelchair usage
22:52 Swimming After Surgery and other initiatives
26:48 The beneficial impact of swimming
27:37 The importance of dignity
29:49 Getting involved with Breast Cancer Now
32:29 The financial impact of breast cancer
34:19 Fiona's experience with the benefits system
39:51 Macmillan's cancer and domestic abuse initiative
44:38 Tips for managing breast cancer care with a disability
45:34 What needs to change in breast cancer?