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An Essex woman who has had breast cancer twice is now helping thousands of people across the UK through a support group she set up.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Elaine Fuller, from Stanford-le-Hope, is sharing how her own experience of the disease inspired her to support others.

Elaine was first diagnosed with breast cancer aged 34. Just four years later, she received a second diagnosis.

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, who is a receptionist in the main outpatient department at Basildon Hospital, has been cancer-free for 14 years. However, because she carries the BRCA2 gene, which increases the risk of developing certain cancers, she continues to have annual mammograms and MRI scans.

That’s 19 years she’s been getting cancer care from across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

During that time, 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.”

Thanks to funding from Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, Elaine now runs a monthly face-to-face support group in Corringham, where local people can come together, share their experiences and support one another in person.

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."

Finding support from people who understand

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."

Working at Basildon Hospital means Elaine still regularly sees many of the people who looked after her during her treatment, which she says is a lovely reminder of the care and compassion she received.

She keeps a stack of Breast Cancer Buddies UK leaflets on the outpatient reception desk so anyone attending a breast clinic appointment knows support is available from people who understand what they are experiencing.

“Elaine's group saved my life”

Elaine's Facebook group supports people with breast cancer from as far south as Cornwall to as far north as Scotland.

Linda Dick is from Ardrishaig on the west coast of Scotland, around 80 miles from Glasgow. She had been putting off having her mammogram, but something told her to get it done, particularly as her mum had also been diagnosed with breast cancer.

After receiving her diagnosis aged 49, Linda struggled to cope and often found herself searching the internet at 3am for information and support.

She said: "Elaine's group saved my life when I found it in the middle of the night. I really don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found it.

"There was just something about the name Breast Cancer Buddies UK that appealed and felt welcoming. It stood out to me in the darkness I was experiencing and I thought, 'I'm going to have to be friends with that’. I'm so glad I did.

"I've made some of my best friends through the group. Some I've met and some I haven't. Sadly, we've lost some, while others are still here. It feels like I've known some of them my whole life and met them a million times.

"This group has the best banter, tips and humour at what can be the worst of times. Often, we aren't even chatting about cancer. I've never known such a kind and supportive group. It's full of nothing but love."

Linda underwent two operations and finished chemotherapy and radiotherapy on 21 January 2014 - her daughter's birthday.

Even though she is in remission there are still difficult days, and Elaine's group continues to provide support long after treatment and the all-clear.

Linda said: "Sometimes it hits you like a brick wall, so I still use the group now. By starting this group, Elaine has done so much for us all. Her work has touched so many people and made such a real, positive difference."

Manchester member inspired to go into coaching

Another member of Breast Cancer Buddies UK is Gabby Mottershead, now 63, from Manchester.

In 2008, aged 44, Gabby was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of the disease.

After treatment, including a mastectomy, radiotherapy and reconstruction, she has been cancer-free for 18 years.

She said: "It is good to know there are positive people out there like Elaine. Post-treatment was quite a lonely time, so finding Elaine's group on Facebook helped give me that sense of community, whereas others had seemed quite negative and frightening.

"Elaine and other users are very generous with their time when people are struggling and that makes such a huge difference."

The group, which Gabby is still a member of, has also influenced other aspects of her life. She now helps coach people who have finished cancer treatment.

Gabby said: "I'm not the same person that I was at diagnosis. In many ways I'm a stronger person because of it and because of the help I got through Elaine's group. Coaching other people who have experienced cancer now allows me to pay it forward."

You can find the Breast Cancer Buddies UK support group on Facebook.

ENDS