Eight years have passed and it seems that, despite commitments from various governments, little has changed. For example, In January 2013 it became mandatory for data about secondary breast cancer diagnoses to be collected by NHS hospital trusts – but, to date, there are no figures for England and Wales. Scotland has done better and posted a figure of 4,090 in 2013. Clearly, it is vital to have this ‘consistent and robust’ data, which would be of enormous benefit to the NHS itself as well as to researchers and those planning support services.  Seeing so few of the Taskforce’s suggestions implemented, Breast Cancer Care has undertaken another initiative and launched a new campaign. Called ‘Secondary. Not Second rate’, the campaign is based on the charity’s report which highlights many of the same issues that affected people ten years ago and offers more solutions to plug the still-remaining gaps in treatment and support.  The survey at the heart of the report was answered by 839 women and 1 man – all of whom had been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer – and who revealed several shocking facts. Delay in diagnosis - often because GPs treat for other illnesses first, particularly in young people who are under the age for screening and, perhaps the GP believes, wrongly, that ‘you are too young for breast cancer’ - meant that 28% received their secondary breast cancer diagnosis without having a primary diagnosis; (i.e. the cancer had already spread).  The report also stresses that:  Despite thinking something is wrong, it is sometimes 8 weeks before a patient is seen at the hospital. Very often, this is also due to GPs treating for other conditions first.  Some people struggle with symptoms, only to be rushed to hospital and diagnosed with secondary breast cancer by an on-call doctor with no dedicated support available.
Ten years ago, Breast Cancer Care set up and coordinated the Secondary Breast Cancer Taskforce to identify the gaps in the treatment, support and care of people living with secondary –