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METUPUK

@metupuk

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UK’s only metastatic breast cancer patient advocacy charity. Led by patients, for patients. Focused on the unmet needs of people living with MBC.

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Today, This Woman’s Work honours two women whose determination has changed the way people understand Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC).

METUPUK founder, Jo Taylor, created the red flag infographics that many of you know and share today. They turn complex medical information into a clear, accessible resource that has helped thousands of people understand the possible signs of MBC. They are translated into 13 languages and used around the world by healthcare systems, patient organisations and promotional campaigns.

Connie Johncock, one of METUPUK’s founding Trustees, was just 23 years old when she was diagnosed with MBC. She had no lump. None of the symptoms she experienced fitted the familiar “check your breasts” messages. She created #SecondsOnThe2nd as a simple idea with a powerful purpose. On the second day of every month, we share information about the signs and symptoms of metastatic/secondary breast cancer so that more people can recognise the red flags and seek help sooner.

The work that happens behind the scenes is what This Woman’s Work is all about. Red flag symptoms of MBC aren’t widely talked about, but they should be. For some people, they’re the very first signs of breast cancer that has already spread.

The conversations that Jo and Connie started are changing the dialogue about MBC around the UK. We will continue to build on those foundations.

#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #ThisWomansWork #MBC #SecondsOnThe2nd by @metupuk

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7 hours ago

We are proud to launch our 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) campaign: This Woman’s Work.

This campaign celebrates the women whose work changes the lives of people living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) every single day; oncologists, surgeons, nurses, data crunchers, researchers and campaigners. This month, we will be proudly showcasing their work with a focus on four key questions.

Our campaign theme is inspired by our late founder, Jo Taylor @abcdiagnosis . First recorded in 1988 by Kate Bush, This Woman’s Work was one of Jo’s favourite songs. Its words resonated deeply with her; the song was played at Jo’s funeral in November last year.

Jo founded METUPUK in 2016, driven by her passion to address the inequalities that face women who are diagnosed with MBC. She could also see the hidden inequalities encountered by women whose daily work supports those who are diagnosed with MBC. This Woman’s Work gives visibility, acknowledgment and our enormous appreciation for the women whose daily work support the lives of people living with a diagnosis of incurable breast cancer.

To support our campaign, Elizabeth Carling has recorded her version of This Woman’s Work. Singing is one of Elizabeth’s passions and this campaign has helped her reawaken it.

To mark the first day, This Woman’s Work highlights the work of the many patient advocates whose lives were cut short by this disease. This Woman’s Work is never ending – leaving a legacy that shapes the lives of those yet to be diagnosed with MBC.

#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #ThisWomansWork #MBC by @metupuk

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Something special has been happening behind the scenes… 🎙️

We were recently in the recording studio with the wonderful Elizabeth Carling, creating something very close to our hearts. Best known for her roles in Boon, Goodnight Sweetheart and Casualty, Elizabeth is also known to all of us at METUPUK as Laura’s twin sister.

Elizabeth generously volunteered her time to record a special version of the soundtrack for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) campaign. Proudly supporting METUPUK, she has lent her voice to our first BCAM without Jo @abcdiagnosis, helping us carry forward the spirit and determination that Jo brought to everything she did.

October begins tomorrow, and with it, a month dedicated to making sure people living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) are seen, heard and counted.

We can’t wait to share what we’ve created. 💖

Equally, if BCAM is a month you’d rather step back from, we’ll see you in November.

#METUPUK #MetastaticBreastCancer #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #SecondaryBreastCancer by @metupuk

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2 days ago

A little behind the scenes of something very special in the works for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). 🎥

We visited @breastcancernow HQ to film with two incredible women: Claire Rowney, CEO of Breast Cancer Now, and Sophie Blake, campaigner and patient advocate @sophieblake72.

We spoke about Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), what true awareness really looks like, the barriers that still need breaking down and the work being done to create meaningful change for people living with MBC.

This is just a small glimpse of what’s to come this October.

#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #MetastaticBreastCancer #METUPUK #BreastCancerAwareness by @metupuk

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As we prepare ourselves for the onslaught of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) by the end of October it can feel like a lot for the Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) community. We’re reflecting on what “pink” really means for people living with MBC.

The wonderful Mary Huckle always seemed to find exactly the right words to articulate what so many in the MBC community were feeling. Awareness matters but alone, isn’t enough. Mary wrote this many years ago, but the sentiment is still as strong today.

We don’t need more pink products, pink ribbons or pink campaigns. We need action, research and better treatments. Ultimately, we need to stop people dying from MBC.

For a community living with an incurable cancer, October can be a particularly difficult month. As the pink campaigns begin, we’re asking organisations, charities and brands to think beyond the ribbon and consider where their money, influence and attention can make a real difference.

METUPUK participates in BCAM, however hard it is. Know that we are always here, making space for the seriousness of MBC.

We demand action, not just awareness.

#MetastaticBreastCancer #SecondaryBreastCancer #ActionNotAwareness #MBCCommunity #BreastCancerAwareness by @metupuk

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A comment that makes someone feel less alone.
A story that someone else sees themselves in.

A conversation that starts with “me too.”
Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) can feel isolating, but this community creates a space where people can share the realities of life with MBC. This includes the good days, the difficult days, the things you don’t always know how to put into words.

We’re so proud to be building a space where people can connect, listen, share and support one another. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can hear is:

“I understand. I’ve been there too.”

Thank you to everyone who shares their stories, starts conversations and takes the time to show up for someone else.

This is your space. We are glad that we can be here for each other.

#MBCCommunity #MetastaticBreastCancer #SecondaryBreastCancer #BreastCancerSupport #CommunityMatters by @metupuk

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Think Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) only happens after an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis? It’s time to think again.

Around 1 in 3 people living with MBC are diagnosed with metastatic disease from the very beginning, known as de novo metastatic breast cancer.

This means they never had an earlier-stage breast cancer diagnosis.
Understanding this matters. MBC can be diagnosed at the very start of someone’s breast cancer experience. Everyone is different.

Share this post to help spread awareness and bust the myths around MBC.

#MetastaticBreastCancer #SecondaryBreastCancer #MBCAwareness #MBCCommunity #BreastCancerAwareness by @metupuk

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9 days ago

A reflection on gratitude after a cancer diagnosis, by @lauraashurst_lwh, Chair of METUPUK.

“On World Gratitude Day 2026, it might seem at first that the words ‘cancer’ and ‘gratitude’ shouldn’t form part of the same sentence but if the last 25 years have taught me anything, it’s this: look again, keep an open mind and a broad perspective; there is always something for which we can express gratitude.”

#WorldGratitudeDay2026 #Gratitude #Survivorship #MetastaticBreastCancer by @metupuk

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11 days ago

Together with @MetUpUK and @Make2ndscount we’ve written to government representatives in Wales and Northern Ireland to urge them to act quickly to make Enhertu available for use for those with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer on the NHS across these nations.

NICE decisions are usually adopted by Wales and Northern Ireland, but we need to ensure people across the whole of the UK are given the hope of more time to live, and more special moments with their loved ones, now and in the future. Dear Ministers,

We're writing to you you following the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)'s landmark decision to approve Enhertu, a life-extending treatment for people with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer.

Since Enhertu was rejected by nice in 2024, we've campaigned tirelessly for this decision, alongside incredible women who need access to this groundbreaking treatment. And we need to see action.

Can you confirm that you will be working to make sure this is available across Wales and Norther Ireland Urgently? by @metupuk

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13 days ago

Thank you @hannagsslr for today’s coverage and interview in the @dailyexpress discussing the Enhertu victory 🫶🏼

“Sophie added: “We should have been making memories with our loved ones, not spending our precious time fighting for access to a treatment already available to so many.
“I am crushed that it took so long. I have heartbreakingly lost far too many incredible friends and campaigners along the way, who were denied the opportunity to have Enhertu and should have been here to celebrate this day. So this is a truly bittersweet victory, and they are all in my thoughts.”

@breastcancernow @make2ndscount @metupuk
#enhertu #metastaticbreastcancer #campaign #nhs #cancertreatment by @metupuk

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14 days ago

This moment is for everyone living with metastatic breast cancer.

This is for the amazing campaigners who continued to make their voices heard when they could’ve been spending precious time with their loved ones.

This is for the women who stood alongside us and fought for this very moment, but who haven’t lived to see this day.

This victory is for all of you. by @metupuk

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Thousands of signatures. Thousands of emails. Thousands of people given the hope of more time. Thanks to you, people with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer in England will have access to Enhertu. That means the hope of more time to live and the opportunity to gain precious extra time with their loved ones. We did it!

After 2 years of tireless campaigning alongside @METUPUK, @Make2ndsCount, and our incredible patient advocates we can’t ever find ourselves in this situation again. These women with incurable metastatic breast cancer shouldn’t have had to spend their remaining time campaigning. We now need Wales and Northern Ireland to make Enhertu available Enhertu approved. We did it. People across England can now access Enhertu. Thanks to you. #EnhertuNow by @metupuk

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