S5 Ep5: Fern & Jan on family and support

Breast Cancer Now

In this episode, Laura talks to Jan and Fern, a mother and daughter who were diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks apart.
Fern shares how her mum's cancer led her to check her own breasts, and Jan talks about the emotional impact of her daughter being diagnosed with the same disease. They also share how they supported each other through treatment, and how that experience can make you even stronger.
You can follow Fern on Instagram @the.little.birds.nest
Other episodes mentioned include:
Elke, on explaining cancer to children
Naz, on mental health and resilience
Visit the Breast Cancer Now website for information on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
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:
0:00 Introduction
0:24 Laura introduces Fern and Jan
1:04 Jan talks about her diagnosis
5:35 Fern's reaction to her mum's diagnosis
7:58 Fern talks about her diagnosis
14:29 How Jan felt hearing her daughter had breast cancer too
16:43 Telling the children about cancer
21:17 Fern and Jan's breast cancer treatment
22:32 The impact of chemotherapy
25:19 Life after treatment
26:29 Why share your experience?
28:25 Differences when checking larger breasts
30:19 ASDA's Tickled Pink in support of Breast Cancer Now
32:04 How breast cancer can strengthen a relationship
35:00 Genetic testing and family history of breast cancer
38:25 Support from family, friends and colleagues
40:28 Fern talks about mental wellbeing
41:53 Discussing how breast cancer is often portrayed as 'pink and fluffy'
43:51 The trouble with misinformation
44:48 What needs to change in breast cancer?