This October, two iconic landmarks in London will join 70 venues, sites and monuments and proudly light up in the distinctive pink, purple and teal of Make 2nds Count, a patient and family-focused charity dedicated to giving hope through clinical trial education, knowledge sharing, support and funding research into secondary (metastatic) breast cancer. The number marks an increase of 25% in the number of venues that joined the campaign last year.
On October 13, Secondary (metastatic) Breast Cancer Awareness Day and the only day of the year dedicated to raising awareness on secondary breast cancer, The BT Tower (which will display an infographic, instead of illuminating) and Pinsent Masons will support the “Shine a Light” initiative which – as part of their “1,000 Truths” campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) – seeks to raise awareness of the reality of incurable secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, support and funding for research.
Make 2nds Count is dedicated to supporting patients living with secondary breast cancer (SBC), Also known as ‘stage 4’ or ‘advanced breast cancer’, secondary (metastatic) breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads from beyond the breast to other parts of the body. The disease is incurable but treatable, and symptoms can vary from person to person.
An estimated 61,000 people in the UK are living with this condition, which claims 1,000 lives every month. Additionally, a recent survey showed that 38% did not know what secondary breast cancer was, and 21% did not know what symptoms to look for.
Make 2nds Count aims to ignite empathy and amplify the voices of those affected and this year’s “1,000 Truths” campaign shares personal stories of patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Kay Andrews, a patient from London said: “I’ve greatly appreciated the help and support offered by Make 2nds Count, their retreats and follow-on meetups have been invaluable whilst navigating my diagnosis in a vast city such as London, where the healthcare system can often feel overwhelming.
“I felt incredibly passionate about being involved with the ‘1000 Truths’ campaign because it’s staggering to think about the number of people who die every month from secondary breast cancer. There needs to be more education for both the general public and medical professionals about the symptoms to watch for and what living with cancer really entails, and this campaign truly highlights the realities of SBC.”
Sam Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, further emphasised the significance of the campaign: “These illuminated landmarks represent a beacon of hope for the tens of thousands affected by secondary breast (metastatic) cancer. Through our ‘1,000 Truths’ campaign, we also want to bring the personal stories of patients to the forefront, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every life is honoured. By shining a light on secondary breast cancer, we hope to raise awareness, build a more empowered community, and ultimately improve the lives of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.”
The London community is invited to participate by visiting the illuminated landmarks on October 13th, sharing photos on social media using the hashtag #ShineALight, and engaging with the “1,000 Truths” stories on the Make 2nds Count website. This campaign offers a powerful platform to honour the stories of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and to spark hope for a future where no more lives are lost to this disease.