A WOMAN from Pembrokeshire is using her personal experience to help raise awareness of a new campaign from the charity ‘Make 2nds Count’ ahead of Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13.

The ‘Truth Be Told’ campaign is part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and was created in recognition of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.

Secondary (metastatic) breast cancer affects an estimated 61,000 people in the UK, but remains under-recognised and under-discussed. It’s an incurable form of cancer that spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body, often bringing immense emotional, physical and mental toll to patients and their families. An estimated 1,000 women in the UK die from the disease every month.

Mandy Smith, 53, was diagnosed de novo secondary breast cancer just over four years ago, meaning the cancer had already spread from the breast to her spine at the time of diagnosis. Her discovery was completely accidental. She said:

“My lively 12-year-old elbowed me in the chest, and after a few days, it was still really sore, so I thought I’d better get it checked. I’d always been someone who checked my chest regularly. That’s when they found three hidden lumps – they only came up because of the swelling from the elbow. In hindsight, I had other symptoms, but because I have fibromyalgia, the fatigue and aches were disguised.

“It’s changed everything. Emotionally, it’s been huge – I never used to be anxious, but now I get stressed, especially around scan results or even just thinking about the future. Physically, I’ve changed a lot – I lost my hair, eyebrows, lashes. My body looks and feels different. Treatment’s caused heart problems, thyroid issues, early menopause – just daily life is harder now.

“It’s affected my relationships and friendships, too. I had to give up work, which was a big deal for me. I’ve got two kids still living at home, so financially it’s been really tough. I can’t just do things spontaneously anymore – everything has to be planned.

“As hard as it’s been, it’s made me reflect on what really matters. I’ve met amazing people through cancer communities – the friendships have been incredible. It’s made me focus on the good. I can’t control everything, but I can choose to focus on what brings me joy.

“At first, I didn’t think I wanted my portrait taken. I’m not that confident anymore, especially with how my body’s changed. But then I thought – I’m still here. The treatment has been brutal, but I’m still standing. That means something. It felt empowering. Yes, I felt vulnerable – but I also felt proud. It’s about showing strength, survival, and what secondary breast cancer really looks like.”

As part of the campaign the charity undertook a new YouGov survey which showed that 47 per cent of adults in Wales have never heard of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and 37 per cent don’t know what any of the signs and symptoms are, despite it being leading cause of death for UK women between the ages of 40-59.

Figures of how many women and men are actually living with the disease are estimated because data collection is inaccurate and patchy across the UK. Audits are being attempted across some of the four nations with only Northern Ireland currently having accurate data, so that services and support can be more adequately provided.

Despite the charity’s ongoing drive to improve awareness, the statistics also indicate regional uncertainty around the disease. 29 per cent of adults in Wales believe secondary (metastatic) breast cancer can (wrongly) be cured and only 20% selected the correct range “1,000 to 1999” for the approximate number of people secondary (metastatic) breast cancer kills every month.

Make 2nds Count is a UK patient and family focused charity dedicated to supporting those affected by secondary (metastatic) breast cancer also known as ‘stage 4’ or ‘advanced breast cancer’.

Sam Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, said: “’Truth Be Told’ is more than an awareness initiative – it's a movement of empowerment which aims to give hope.

“This disease is real, relentless – and invisible to so many. Our goal is to ensure that the voices of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer in Wales are heard, respected, and supported.

“This research shows that a high percentage of adults in Wales have never even heard of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer even though approximately 1,000 people die UK wide every month from the disease. We’re here to change that and give a voice to the unseen struggles of this community and show their strength through our campaign.”

The poll also highlighted that 36 per cent of adults in Wales didn’t know if men can get secondary (metastatic) breast cancer or not.

At the heart of Truth Be Told is a striking collection of photographic portraits, including Mandy, by renowned Irish photographer Jennifer Willis, which give a candid look at the lived experience of those with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and capture the strength, vulnerability, and authenticity of those individuals living with the disease in an unfiltered way.

The campaign is part of the charity’s broader vision to support people with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer live longer and better lives. It provides advice about treatment options and clinical trials, connects patients through peer-to-peer and online support groups, wellbeing activities, and retreats and funds research, supporting more than 2,000 patients a year.

For more information about the Truth Be Told campaign or to get involved, visit https://bcam.make2ndscount.co.uk .