Rachael Heyes, one of JMW’s specialist medical negligence solicitors, has been speaking to CEO of charity Sam’s Diamonds Cancer Support during breast cancer awareness month.

When Sam Lewis was a 38-year-old mother of three young children she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had eight months of rigorous treatment which included chemotherapy, a full mastectomy and radiotherapy. Due to the lack of positive support available in her area at that time, she established Sam’s Diamonds, which is a registered charity providing a service for women as they journey through any cancer treatment.  

What are the signs and symptoms to look out for to help with an early diagnosis of breast cancer?

The first question we should all be thinking about is: has anyone else in the family been diagnosed with cancer and would this put me at an increased risk of developing the disease?

The second (but probably the most important) question we should all be asking is: have I noticed any changes in my body?

Breast cancer doesn’t always show up as a lump in the breast that you can feel. This is why it is important to stay breast aware and regularly look for any changes to your breast- and if you are over the age of 50, attend your annual mammograms. For example, with breast cancer, the skin on the breast can start to look like orange peel or a red patch or indent may develop that is unexplainable and doesn’t go away. It is also important to assess the nipple for any changes, for example changing direction, sinking in or a crust on the area. If you notice any of these changes or anything unusual with your breasts, please get this looked at by a medical professional It is always best to get the smallest thing checked out and never feel silly about going to the doctor as an early diagnosis could result in less invasive treatment and could end up saving your life. I think it is worth chancing a five-minute appointment with the doctor and “wasting their time” even if there is the smallest chance it could be something sinister, as the alternative has much bigger consequences.

Further information on how to check your breasts can be found on our website.

What support do people commonly need / seek following a diagnosis of breast cancer?

Every person is different and requires a different kind of support. It ultimately depends on them as a person and how they have reacted to their diagnosis.

Some people initially do not want support and they go in to “fight” mode, on a mission to deal with their diagnosis and so can feel they do not have time for support. In my experience, the impact of their diagnosis often hits these people later in the journey. That is when they need support and if we make sure we are there, ready to provide it.

Other people understandably fall apart mentally on receiving a diagnosis and look for as much support as they can, which can be overwhelming, whilst others go into total shock and seem lost for the whole of the journey.

In contrast, some people seek out others for support as a distraction to what they are going through or they seek out information, wanting to know everything about their cancer and its treatment.

Whilst people can react to their diagnosis differently and in their own way, we, at Sam’s Diamonds, aim to tailor the support to make sure that each person that comes to us, gets the support they need and deserve.

Can you explain a bit about your charity and how you can provide that support?

Sam's Diamonds Cancer Support is dedicated to empowering cancer patients by providing a positive, supportive environment focused on improving well-being and reducing the chance of recurrence. Our mission is to help individuals navigate their cancer journey with confidence, offering activities that enhance physical health, emotional resilience, and self-esteem.

Through rehabilitation classes, health workshops, and peer support, we promote proactive lifestyle changes that contribute to long-term health. We believe in the power of shared experiences, fostering a strong community where members inspire each other to stay active, stay positive, and take control of their life.

What effect has your charity had on those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Our charity offers the support to keep going following a diagnosis of cancer. Through the work we do and the camaraderie within the group, our members stay motivated and hopeful of a positive outcome from their treatment.

To know there are people like you, with the same diagnosis, ahead of you on their journey, is inspiring and gives hope. Having a place to go where you are seen as the real you, with no fronts/ walls being put up is relaxing and recharging.

We have regular clubs that our members can attend that are accessible and welcoming. One of our members has said that this is the only reason she comes out of the house each week “to see my girls!” This fills me with pride that we are making such a difference to those we care for.

Do you find that support following a diagnosis of cancer can be lacking in certain areas?

Sadly, support following a diagnosis of cancer is not where it should be. That is why I started Sam’s Diamonds. I believe that we are the only cancer charity that approaches the cancer journey in a motivational and positive way. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I took to researching what support was available online, and I found that a lot of the offering involved meeting up for a cup of tea and learning to knit or online groups, which wasn’t really for me and lacked a personal touch. I really didn’t want that, I wanted more but it soon became clear that such a support network didn’t really exist.

So far, our members have swam with sharks, zip wired the world’s largest zip wire, walked the catwalk at London Fashion Week, abseiled off Liverpool Cathedral and so much more. It’s about instilling the “I can!” attitude into the people that we support. In my view, and based on experience, the only way to really understand what a person needs is to get up close and personal with them and get to know them, rather than filling out a form and ticking certain boxes.

What are your hopes for the future in terms of how such support can be readily available to people who have been diagnosed with cancer?

The aim is to have satellite groups around the country so that we can support as many people as possible.

We would like to have our own premises and become self-sufficient with our own Hug Hub, a café full of comfort food and lots of healthy options to support the cancer journey and to have workshops, holistic therapies, and a rehabilitation gym/classes for people to use

There is so much we want to achieve to get the support out there.

We are currently planning some big, exciting challenges for next year as we are celebrating our 10th year!