Support for younger women with breast cancer

9 March 2001

A support group has been set up for younger women, under the age of 50, who have breast cancer or are recovering from the disease.

'The Young Ones" will be meeting in the Committee Room at the West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, on Wednesday 14 March at 7pm.

Specialist Breast Care Nurse at the hospital, Ann Eastwood said: "Many of our patients have young children or are hoping to start a family. They want to be able to talk to other women who share their particular worries and concerns and can offer each other support."

The Breast Care Nurses floated the idea of a group for younger women at a volunteers open evening last October and it received a very positive response. The result was the formation of The Young Ones, which now has 22 members.

Membership of the group includes three very special women who the Breast Care Nurses at the West Suffolk Hospital already call on to talk to and inspire other patients.

Polly Carnegie had a mastectomy and chemotherapy during her pregnancy and went or, to have a perfect baby - she has just celebrated the birth of her second child. Helen Scott-Davies is sharing her experience of breast cancer and presenting a video diary on BBC Look East, and Rachel Farrant, who is co-ordinating the group, has developed a website about her family and living with breast cancer, that also provides information about The Young Ones.

“The group is an opportunity for younger women who, like me, have been touched by breast cancer, to share their experiences and find help and support,” said Rachel Farrant.

“Seeing how other women are coping with breast feeding, bringing up a young family and dealing with hair loss as a result of treatment can offer hope and inspiration to others”.

A speaker from cancerlink, a charity which helps people with cancer to help each other, will be at the meeting of the group on Wednesday 14 March. The charity works with support groups and provides a wide range of training courses covering issues such as counselling and bereavement.

Anyone interested in The Young Ones can come along to the meetings or visit the website, www.rachfarrant.co.uk or contact Rachel Farrant at 22 Mallow Walk, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 7YG, tel: 01440 762026 or email: mail@ rachfarrant.co.uk.

For women over the age of 50 there are established support groups that meet regularly in Bury St Edmunds, Thetford, Newmarket and Sudbury. For more information contact Ann Eastwood at the West Suffolk Hospital on 01284 713281.