BMI The Clementine Churchill Hospital

Members of the Breast Care Support Group at BMI The Clementine Churchill Hospital (CCH) in Harrow celebrated its first anniversary at a special champagne reception this month.

With 30 members to date, the Breast Care Support Group meet monthly to offer help, information and confidential support to women affected by breast cancer living in and around the Harrow area.

Megan Kilkenny, 48-year-old mother of two, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, became involved with the group after she underwent a mastectomy with Consultant Breast Surgeon at CCH, Mr Hemant Singhal.

After having surgery at CCH and other treatment at the nearby Mount Vernon Hospital, Megan was approached by her Breast Care Nurse at CCH, Elaine Staso, who asked if she wanted to join a newly formed support group, and she jumped at the chance.

“It’s been brilliant. I was very well looked after when I was treated at The Clementine Churchill, so I knew the group would be run in the same way. Meeting other women who have had their breasts removed, survived the sickness that comes with chemotherapy and had come out the other side was really reassuring,” said Megan, who also works as a cancer patient coordinator at Northwick Park Hospital. “The group helped me to come to terms with what was happening to me - women who would later become my friends were on hand to offer advice when needed, or just to chat about other things.”

“A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be a lonely and frightening time, and we formed this group so women have an additional support network,” said Elaine, who set up the group with Women's Health Physiotherapist, Nicky Bhatt.

“In the year we’ve been holding these meetings I’ve seen women forge new friendships with people who understand what it is like to live with the disease,” added Nicky. “This, in itself, makes these meetings worth it.”

Megan, who is currently having physiotherapy and hydrotherapy at CCH as part of the recovery process following surgery, explains: “What’s great about the group is that Elaine and Nicky often invite guest speakers to talk to us. We’ve had a gynaecologist and a plastic surgeon from the hospital speak to us about women’s issues and breast reconstruction, which is fantastic. To have these professionals coming to our group to talk with us informally means it’s much easier to ask questions and clarify any concerns.

“A representative from a national lingerie brand came to speak to us about their special range of lingerie and swimwear, and we also have meetings when we sit and chat, which is just as fun – nobody ever wants to leave at the end of the night!”

Another member, Shaila Rasania, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, said the group has helped her to cope with life after completing treatment: “It’s great to talk about what comes next. When treatment ends there are still issues, including the possibility of cancer returning – but also things like memory loss, hot flushes and even depression. This group allows us to talk openly about how we’re feeling physically and emotionally and discuss whether how we’re feeling relates to cancer, or if it’s something outside of this.”

Elaine puts the success of the support group down to the women who attend the meetings, and hopes more women will continue to join: “It’s great to be able to provide a platform for these incredible women to make friends and join a support network,” she said. “We will continue to arrange meetings for the group for as long as they are needed.”

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer. 125 women are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and one woman in nine will be affected by it during her lifetime.

People who would like more information about the free Breast Care Support Group at The Clementine Churchill Hospital can contact Elaine Staso, Breast Care Nurse, on 020 8872 3872.