If a cancer spreads and becomes secondary / metastatic or is incurable, we still offer all our usual support, including a dedicated Information and Support Worker who can help you to process the emotional and psychological impact of your diagnosis, and access to our online peer-support Forum.
In addition, we can also offer you:
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support in making decisions on future treatment (including no further treatment)
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practical and financial suggestions to help you live the best possible life with your cancer diagnosis
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access to a private peer support forum for birthing parents with secondary/incurable cancer
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memory making support: inc. ideas and planning, and a physical / virtual memory box if you wish
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referrals and signposting to additional sources of support
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articles and advice specifically related to incurable cancer in our Support Library
Please note: we are not a counselling service or a crisis support service.
There are many different words used to describe incurable cancer, including secondary cancer, metastatic ('mets'), secondary or stage 4 cancer. Essentially, when cancer cells cannot be removed with treatment, or they have spread to other parts or organs within the body than the original diagnosis, this means that the cancer is no longer curable.
Living With Secondary Cancer
There are still a variety of different treatment options available in most of these situations, depending on where the cancer has spread to. Treatment might control and prevent further growth or spread of a secondary cancer and can continue to be given as long as it remains effective and is being well-tolerated by your body.
Many people continue to live well with secondary cancer.
4 Star Mummies
We host a private online Forum, separate to our main peer support forum, for people who have a secondary / incurable cancer diagnosis.
This circumstance is unique and different to a primary / potentially curable cancer diagnosis, so we wanted to give you a space to share and connect with people who are living through a similar experience.
This is a place to share thoughts, ask questions and support yourself and one another with kind souls who understand what you are going through.
Memory Making
Memory making can be a helpful tool to draw focus and attention towards making happy memories with your friends and loved ones after receiving an incurable cancer diagnosis. Not because your life may be limited, but because it will ensure that joy and love stay present for you at a time when you might be feeling afraid or disappointed.
Your Information & Support Worker can help you explore memory making. They can discuss and help you to plan memory making activities, including activites, trips and more. Sometimes we can help you access funding to support this.
They can also send you a physical or virtual memory box which you can fill with special items to build a record of special times with your family and loved ones. This can be a wonderful resource to turn to when you are feeling low or overwhelmed.
#CPAW2021 - 'When Cancer Cannot Be Cured'
For Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week 2021 we focused exclusively on the lived experience of secondary cancer as shared with us by the mums, parents and families we support.
The week's content covered topics such as:
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Language.
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Loss and change.
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The importance of connection.
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Supporting someone living with incurable cancer.
