REAL LIFE STORIES
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
REAL LIFE STORIES
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
WHO WE ARE
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
WHO WE ARE
Meet the mums we support and read their stories
The news of a pregnancy or a recent birth is an exciting time for all prospective and existing parents. It can, however, be cruelly interrupted by the news of a cancer diagnosis and the worry that this brings to both you and your wider family.
Mummy’s Star has been set up specifically to offer support if you find yourself in this situation and we hope that by providing comprehensive information and links in this section, it will help you to get the support you need, access services that are available to you but most importantly know that you are not alone when you are going through this.
The information contained here is reviewed on an ongoing basis and will also be added to as new information becomes known about cancer in pregnancy. Likewise, as we receive more enquiries, we will add to the FAQs section in order to be able to try and answer as many of your questions in one place as possible.
Please contact us here and we can discuss more specifically how we can support you and your family.
CANCER SUPPORT IN & AROUND
PREGNANCY | BIRTH | LOSS | BEYOND
Awareness Week 2022
This year we are highlighting symptom shielding in pregnant/post-natal bodies
and encouraging individuals and health professionals to SEE:
SEE the symptom
EARLY detection
EXPLORE all symptoms thoroughly
We know that the pregnant or post-natal body can mask symptoms of cancer.
Changes that would be a cause for concern in non-maternal bodies can be missed or ignored
in a mum, because they can mimic or be masked by the normal effects of pregnancy and birth.
We want all mums and pregnant people to take notice if something looks, feels or functions differently
and to feel confident in reporting this to any member of their health or maternity team, straight away.
We want health professionals to be aware of, and open to, the possibility of cancer as a cause of
changes or symptoms in pregnant or post-natal bodies; even though the reality of this is rare.
This Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week we want you to SEE:
SEE the symptom and don't assume the cause is pregnancy or post-natal related
EARLY detection can help prognosis, so share and acknowledge any changes or concerns immediately
EXPLORE all symptoms thoroughly and don't be afraid to ask: could it be cancer?
TOPICS, STORIES & EVENTS
Each day we will look at a different element of the diagnostic journey, using real-life stories,
interactive social media and video content to highlight the impact of symptom shielding
and how our mums, families, supporters and health professionals can SEE better.
You'll be able to access all this via our website and our social media.
Be sure to follow us, get involved, and help share our message.
MONDAY 13th JUNE
Body awareness is key when it comes to spotting cancer symptoms, but if you are pregnant or post-natal it can be difficult to know what changes are normal and what may be cause for concern.
Today we'll consider which cancer symptoms are most likely to be mistaken for pregnancy/birth related changes, and hear from Star Mum Jenny about how easy it is to ignore them, even when you are a health professional yourself!
TUESDAY 14th JUNE
Many of us will wait a while before reporting changes in our body to a health professional; perhaps because it's difficult to get an appointment, or because we are concerned about 'wasting time'. But a cancer prognosis can be greatly improved if detected early.
Today we want to encourage everyone to speak up about changes or possible symptoms as soon as they are detected, without worry or shame.
WEDNESDAY 15th JUNE
When changes to our body or mood could be explained by pregnancy or birth, it's tempting to assume there is no other underlying cause. Similarly, if mum does not fit the 'common' age/size/lifestyle of a certain type of cancer, their symptoms can be wrongly attributed and a correct diagnosis delayed.
Today we encourage individuals and health professionals to explore all symptoms and changes thoroughly, and not to be afraid of asking: could this be cancer?
THURSDAY 16th JUNE
It's not always mum who will see, detect or explore bodily changes or symptoms during pregnancy or after birth. Partners, midwives, sonographers and a variety of other maternity and health professionals will come into contact and be in a position to notice and escalate a concern.
Today we'll explore the different roles and responsibilities every person could have in helping to see, detect and explore potential cancer symptoms, to ensure a diagnosis (of any kind) happens as soon as possible!
FRIDAY 17th JUNE
Could it be cancer?
The intersection between cancer and pregnancy is rare and uncomfortable to think about; which makes it more likely that symptoms are missed or wrongly attributed. Mummy's Star wants to ensure more health professionals are aware of the potentials for cancer in or around pregnancy, as a key part in providing earlier detection and more thorough investigations.
Today is all about our bespoke Cancer and Pregnancy training and education sessions; what they are, what they cancer, who can access them and how.
SATURDAY 18th JUNE
This week we’ve looked at symptom shielding; how it is exacerbated by the normal changes in a pregnant or post-natal body, and how a lack of awareness and understanding of cancer in and around pregnancy can limit the exploration and correct diagnosis of symptoms that are cancer related.
Today we reflect on the week and remind you of our key message: SEE
See the symptom
Early detection might help prognosis
Explore symptoms thoroughly
Real Life Stories
