Share the care
advocating for end of life care that sees the whole story 12th - 16th May 2025
Being pregnant or recently pregnant when you are diagnosed with cancer is a complex and overwhelming situation, for both patient and professionals to manage. If the cancer progresses to a life-limiting condition and the focus of care shifts from active treatment to a more palliative approach.
In October 2024, MBRRACE-UK released their most recent report on maternal deaths and morbidity in the UK. They discovered:
"significant challenges in balancing medical, palliative care with considerate, compassionate end-of-life care for pregnant or recently pregnant women with cancer."
We created this campaign in response to their recommendation for new, specific end-of-life guidance to be created for professionals caring for these particular patients, echoing MBRRACE’S call to NICE to create the required guidance
As the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting women and birthing people at the intersection of cancer and pregnancy, we are keen to see this recommendation become a reality.
What's ahead?
Between 12th - 16th May 2025 our social media channels will share with daily posts, infographics and videos designed to highlight the key elements we want to see included in new guidance:
Monday | Keep the balance
The challenges of balancing the medical and holistic needs of a patient. Supporting the whole person, both as an individual and as a parent.
Tuesday | Hear mum's voice
The importance of keeping mum's needs, concerns and voice at the centre of any care plan.
Wednesday | Look beyond medicine
The value of bringing other professionals, experts, organisations and charities into your care team.
Thursday | Share the care
Collaboration is key! Today we will aim to build 'The Care Bubble' an online network of holistic resources and organisations and connecting them to medical professionals.
Friday | Patient. Person. Parent.
We are launching a brand new resource to support NICE and healthcare professionals to see the whole story, when it comes to pregnant or recently pregnant patients receiving end of life care.
We'll also be:
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updating our website with key information
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sharing insights from the North West Maternal Medicine Network on how they have supported patients facing pregnancy, cancer and end of life
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premiering brand new 'In Conversation...' interviews with collaborators from our network of amazing organisations providing end-of-life support for parents...
Get involved
Follow and share on socials
Build 'The Care Bubble' with us
On Thursday 15th May...
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Download this image and share on social media.
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Tag three organisations in your post that provide support to people approaching end of life. This could be care facilities (e.g.: hospices, family support, bereavement services, memory making, or anyone making a difference).
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Include the hashtag #TheCareBubble so we can build a network of amazing people, places and resources.
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Encourage those you tag to do the same, to keep the care bubble growing!
Suggested posts:
"Cancer patients approaching end of life need collaborative, person-centred care from both medical and support professionals. @mummysstar call this #TheCareBubble. We want everyone to know how important this is and to recognise the important organisations and individuals who provide this support. #ShareTheCare"
"Celebrating these amazing organisations / people today! They help to build #TheCareBubble around cancer patients who are approaching end of life.
[tag account]
[tag account]
[tag account]
Please share this post, tag your own care bubble heroes and help @mummysstar create a network of support for professionals and patients. #ShareTheCare"
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