The Best Breast Cancer Charities in the UK

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.3 million women across the world were diagnosed with breast cancer and the disease caused 670,000 deaths in a year. Women in many developing countries don’t have access to life-saving breast cancer treatments. The situation is made worse by the fact that some developing countries have an alarmingly high prevalence of breast cancer. For example,  1 in 9 women in Pakistan are at risk of being diagnosed with this disease. There are a number of treatments that can save a breast cancer patient’s life, but they’re beyond the financial reach of women belonging to low-income communities. However, many charitable organizations, including breast cancer charities in the UK, are providing free treatment for patients from underprivileged backgrounds.

1: Transparent Hands: Transparent Hands is a UK-registered non-profit organization, which not only provides medical and surgical treatments to the underprivileged or those situated in isolated rural areas, but also engages in preventive healthcare by educating the masses about various diseases and their symptoms, including breast cancer. The funds of this NGO are raised through online crowdfunding. Quality healthcare is the birthright of all humans, especially vulnerable sections of the population like women and children, and Transparent Hands aims to provide them that through their campaigns. Transparent Hands is emerging as one of the leading breast cancer charities in the UK and provides free treatments, such as breast cancer surgery and chemotherapy, to impoverished women afflicted by this disease in Pakistan.

2: Breast Cancer Now: Going through cancer can be a lonely and isolating experience. Breast Cancer Now is one of the reputable breast cancer charities in the UK, which provides much-needed support to patients. It helps patients identify primary and secondary symptoms of breast cancer and increases their awareness. Apart from persuading patients to visit their GP regularly, Breast Cancer Now also focuses on four significant areas, including identifying who are at risk, prevention, early Detection and diagnosis, and treatments. 

3: Against Breast Cancer: Against Breast Cancer is among the top breast cancer charities in the UK, and they focus on supporting research into secondary spread of cancer, which causes a significant number of deaths. By organizing proactive events such as walks, treks, runs, bike rides, skydives and other extreme challenges, this charity aims to raise the required funds to fight secondary spread of cancer. They use community campaigns, corporate partnerships, clothes recycling and organize entertainment events (where everyone is supposed to wear pink) to attract donors. They hold seminars where they invite experts in the field so that the latest, cutting edge technology to prevent and cure Metastatic cancer can be discussed.

4: Flat Friends UK: Though unavoidable in case of Metastatic cancer, mastectomy isn’t an easy decision for any woman. It comes with mixed feelings about the prospective changes in one’s body, the possibility of scars and questions pertaining to womanhood. This is especially so if one has decided not to have a reconstruction surgery immediately after mastectomy. This is a delicate and highly specialized matter. Immense support is provided by Flat Friends UK to women who undergo mastectomy. The organization helps the patient navigate life post mastectomy and holds discussions online and at in-person meetings.

5: Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline: Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline was one of the first breast cancer charities to be established in the UK. It recognized the role of genetics in causing breast cancer and provided comprehensive information on treatment options and support for those who were worried about their family history of the disease. Referrals were provided whenever necessary and the charity focused on the management of women at risk of breast cancer. The charity offers a helpline for patients, offers clinical advice, supports “re-testing” of patients and performing preventive surgeries. It also offers counseling on changing one’s perspective on body-image post surgery. Most importantly, it assists affected patients to make informed choices regarding their treatment options.

6: The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK: The reason that motivated the founder of The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Network UK to start the charity was a personal one – her daughter was diagnosed with IBC in 2011. With no IBC-specific support at the time of her daughter’s diagnosis, nor any information or research. She decided to start her own IBC-specific charity. The foundation offers users information about the International Standard Care in IBC treatment. Furthermore, it also helps them make informed choices about their treatment, and offers much-needed support. 

Every person who has been diagnosed with breast cancer has a chance to survive . It also deserves to have access to quality healthcare. Breast cancer patients have many treatment options like mastectomy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, a large number of women lack awareness about the disease while others cannot access treatments due to financial constraints. These breast cancer charities in the UK are a lifeline for women across the globe, especially in developing counties. Play your part today.