Co Antrim woman calls for education on Secondary Breast Cancer after terminal diagnosis
8 weeks after primary diagnosis Joanna was told her cancer was incurable
Last updated 17th Oct 2023
When County Antrim woman Joanna Bingham received a shock cancer diagnosis which went on to invade other parts of her body, she felt she had been passed a death sentence.
Having never heard of secondary breast cancer, Joanna set out on a solo fact finding mission.
With only 8 weeks between primary diagnosis, to finding out cancer had made its way into her bones, the Glengormley woman says her world was flipped upside down.
"I was thought I was having a CT and a bone scan, which I was told were routine, but thankfully the secondary cancer was picked up straight away."
"I was initially diagnosed in May 2020 with primary breast cancer and had a whirlwind of 8 weeks of surgery during the first wave of the pandemic."
"When I visited the hospital to find out what chemotherapy I would be receiving, the Doctor told me that secondary breast cancer had spread to my bones."
"I had never heard of secondary breast cancer. I didn't know anything. It was horrendous."
"I would trawl through the internet trying to find hope and success stories. Reading that people 5 and 10 years down the line, receiving similar treatment and still thriving, gave me great hope."
When breast cancer spreads around the body, it is called secondary breast cancer. It can be treated, but it currently cannot be cured.
It is estimated that 61,000 people in the UK are currently living with metastatic breast cancer otherwise known as secondary breast cancer.
It claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK – an average of 31 deaths every day.
The County Antrim woman says despite its prevalence, there needs to be a greater education on secondary breast cancer.
"There isn't enough information in the public domain in Northern Ireland, in the UK and even worldwide."
"People who have suffered from primary breast cancer in the past need to know what to be looking for."
Joanna says hearing the words 'you have cancer' not once, but twice has given her a renewed outlook on life.
"The diagnosis totally changed my life and has made me look at everything differently. I was never told the prognosis and I don't want to know it. If you google the statistics it shows a 2-5 year life expectancy. I have now made it to 3 years, and I plan on being around for a long time yet."
"I like to make every second count, say yes to things I would never have contemplated before and step out of my comfort zone. It is important to make the memories with those you love."
"For me, there is no point in wallowing. I love working with the charity Make 2nds Count to raise awareness. It is very close to my heart and I want others to know what to be looking for"
The charity’s latest survey of over 100 patients found that many struggled to find information and support following their diagnosis and that there was no regular discussion of the side effects of treatment and the immense impact on their quality of life.
As a result, a huge part of this year’s Shine a Light campaign revolves around the Make 2nds Count patient community and includes a striking collection of photos, Truth be Told, which showcases the visible and hidden aspects of living with secondary breast cancer
The images, shot by photographer Jennifer Willis from Northern Ireland, aim to shine a light on both sides of daily life – the challenges and the hope, strength and positivity.