Five iconic landmarks in North Wales will join 70 venues as part of the campaign – an increase of 25% on last year’s number
This October, iconic landmarks in Wales will join 70 venues, sites and monuments and proudly light up in the distinctive pink, purple and teal of Make 2nds Count., a patient and family-focused charity dedicated to giving hope through clinical trial education, knowledge sharing, support and funding research into secondary (metastatic) breast cancer. The number marks an increase of 25% in the number of venues that joined the campaign last year.
On October 13, Secondary (metastatic) Breast Cancer Awareness Day and the only day of the year dedicated to raising awareness on secondary breast cancer, Ruthvin Craft Centre, Rhyl Pavilion Theatre, 1891 Restaurant and Bar, Shelters along the Pavilion and Rhyl Sky Tower “Shine a Light” initiative which – as part of their “1,000 Truths” campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) – seeks to raise awareness of the reality of incurable secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, support and funding for research.
Make 2nds Count is dedicated to supporting patients living with secondary breast cancer (SBC), Also known as ‘stage 4’ or ‘advanced breast cancer’, secondary (metastatic) breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads from beyond the breast to other parts of the body. The disease is incurable but treatable, and symptoms can vary from person to person.
An estimated 61,000 people in the UK are living with this condition, which claims 1,000 lives every month. Additionally, a recent survey showed that 38% did not know what secondary breast cancer was, and 21% did not know what symptoms to look for.
Make 2nds Count aims to ignite empathy and amplify the voices of those affected and this year’s “1,000 Truths” campaign shares personal stories of patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Mandy Smith, a patient from Pembrokeshire in South West Wales, was diagnosed straight to secondary (metastatic) breast cancer in 2021, also known as de novo.
Mandy has found living in a rural community hard. “We sometimes have to travel quite a long distance to get treatment. We don’t have things like Maggie’s or Macmillan in the county for face-to-face services.
“When really seeking someone that has had a similar experience, it was really tricky. Until recently, we didn’t have any secondary breast cancer community specialist nurses, but Wales is now hoping to improve that and get more posts so that patients can be supported from the moment they are diagnosed and through their treatment. Treatment is ongoing – and your needs change throughout – so to have that person there for you, that’s really important.”
Sam Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, further emphasised the significance of the campaign: “These illuminated landmarks represent a beacon of hope for the tens of thousands affected by secondary breast (metastatic) cancer. Through our ‘1,000 Truths’ campaign, we also want to bring the personal stories of patients to the forefront, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every life is honoured. By shining a light on secondary breast cancer, we hope to raise awareness, build a more empowered community, and ultimately improve the lives of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.”
The community in Wales is invited to participate by visiting the illuminated landmarks on October 13th, sharing photos on social media using the hashtag #ShineALight, and engaging with the “1,000 Truths” stories on the Make 2nds Count website. This campaign offers a powerful platform to honour the stories of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and to spark hope for a future where no more lives are lost to this disease.
For more information about Shine a Light, “1,000 Truths”, or to get involved, visit:
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