Essex woman who faced breast cancer twice now supports thousands across the UK
Elaine Fuller, from Stanford-le-hope, is sharing her experience this Breast Cancer Awareness Month
An Essex woman, who has been through breast cancer twice, is now helping thousands of women across the UK through a support group she set up online.
Elaine Fuller, from Stanford-le-hope, runs Breast Cancer Buddies UK which now has over 3,000 members.
She works at Basildon Hospital, as a receptionist in the main outpatient department and has been getting cancer care from across the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust for 19 years.
Elaine was first diagnosed with breast cancer aged 34 and was diagnosed for a second time just four years later.
She said: "It came as a huge shock as I had already been through treatment, including a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. I never expected the cancer to return in my other breast.
"At the time, I felt incredibly isolated. I was only 38 and it felt like there were no support groups for women my age. Breast cancer was often seen as something that affected older women and I didn't know anyone going through a similar experience.
“That's what inspired me to create Breast Cancer Buddies UK, an online support group on Facebook. It started with just two members, then five, and quickly grew. More than 14 years later the group has grown to more than 3,000 women from across the UK, with new member requests arriving every day.
"The group gives women a safe space to share their experiences, ask questions and support one another through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Knowing you're not alone can make a huge difference."
Elaine has been cancer free for 14 years, yet because she carries the BRCA2 gene, which gives an increased risk of developing certain cancers, she continues to have annual mammograms and MRI scans.
As part of her treatments she has had chemotherapy at Southend Hospital, been under oncology and the breast unit at Basildon Hospital and had breast reconstruction from the plastic surgery team at Broomfield Hospital.
Elaine said: “Each person in those teams and the care they have given has been amazing. I can’t thank them enough. All have played a part in me being here today. Without each one of them, who knows what might have happened.
“I have a mammogram at the breast unit and an MRI scan under the genetics team based at Southend each year and this gives me real peace of mind that I’m being watched over by such an incredible group of people. If I’d not been having these yearly checks, my second breast cancer diagnosis would not have been picked up. By looking after me and doing what they do, it saved me.
“It shows the importance of having a mammogram. It only takes around 10 minutes and it could just save your life. It’s just like getting the flu jab or going to the dentist, doing something small to help prevent something much bigger. So please don’t ignore or delay your breast screening invitation.”
Elaine now runs a monthly face-to-face support group in Corringham, with funding support from the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity.
She said: "It's been wonderful to see friendships form and people gain confidence knowing others truly understand what they're going through.
"If there's one thing I've learned from my journey, it's the importance of connection. Whether it's a kind word, a supportive group or simply talking to someone who's been through the same experience, support can make all the difference. That's why I'm so passionate about making sure nobody has to face breast cancer alone."
The group meets on the last Saturday of every month.
One of those attending the in-person group is Maria Compton, 51, from Corringham. She was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, the second most common form of breast cancer, in January this year.
Following a mastectomy in April, Maria is now cancer-free but continues to go along to Elaine's group.
Maria said: "When you're told you have breast cancer, there's a lot to take in and process. After speaking to my consultant, I was given a really helpful information pack. It included details of Elaine's group.
"It was local to me, so I went along and it was just nice talking to people who had gone through, or were going through, the same situation. They were able to share top tips and understood what I was experiencing without me having to explain everything.
"A lot of people don't like the word cancer or don't know how to respond, but this group was ideal. It really gave me reassurance and a sense of camaraderie. I'd like to thank Elaine for making such a positive difference. She's a real inspiration."