Sadly,  our charity Breast Cancer Haven has closed It is with great regret that the trustees and senior management of Breast Cancer Haven (BCH) announce the closure of the Charity.    Should you have any queries regarding ongoing cancer support we refer you to the “Other organisations” section on the home page of our website.  Despite the charity having to close, its highly valued self-help films will remain available on YouTube to the many people around the world who might benefit from them now and in the future.   BCH’s services have been focussed for over 20 years ..read more

MASSAGE AND RELAXATION DURING BREAST CANCER We discuss the benefits of massage and relaxation during breast cancer and let you know where and how you can safely receive this treatment.  Massage has health benefits and can help you to unwind during breast cancer The exhausting nature of breast cancer treatment, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, can take physical and emotional tolls on your body. Taking time to relax is of great importance during breast cancer and clinical research indicates that massage therapy has health and wellbeing benefits.   However, recent stories be ..read more

DEALING WITH THE EMOTIONAL FALLOUT OF CANCER WITH EFT Sean Grey,  EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner tells us to help release stress, anxiety and physical pain.  How does EFT work?  EFT is a form of acupuncture but without needles. I show how to tap on the body’s well established acupuncture points whilst focusing on an emotional or physical problem.   People often feel calmer, lighter more peaceful following a session of EFT or Tapping.  EFT can be used to address all aspects of a person: body, mind and spirit.  When addressing issues, the int ..read more

IT’S COMMON TO FEEL LONELY It’s common to feel lonely  When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s very common to feel lonely – especially if you don’t know anyone else who has been through it or is going through it.   You might look at someone else with breast cancer and feel anxious, fearing that you may also have to face what they’re going through. It’s also not uncommon to feel guilty that you are needing less treatment than someone else.  But every breast cancer diagnosis is slightly different and as a result, the breast cancer treatment that people go through can ..read more

An update from Breast Cancer Haven DECEMBER 2021 We want you to know that we are continuing to provide vital help and support to people affected by breast cancer both in the UK and across the world via our website information, 45 self-help films, audios and webinars. We have been providing web-based support since 2008 and this continues to be a lifeline for many. For example, over the years, views of our lymphoedema support films have run into several hundred thousand. Following the suspension of our live online service at the end of June 2021, we have had 29,045 people visiting our websi ..read more

BREAST PAIN Breast pain after menopause Sore breasts, also known as mastalgia, are very common during menstruation. However, having hormone therapy during menopause can also increase the risk of continued breast pain.   Experiencing breast pain after menopause is less common, and so don’t assume that it is due to hormonal changes. It is important to speak to your GP if you have this.   Breast pain in my armpit Breast cancer may be a cause of underarm swelling and pain. Enlarged lymph nodes can cause discomfort. If you notice any changes on or around your armpit or chest ..read more

SIGNS & Symptoms OF BREAST CANCER Anyone can develop breast cancer, not just women, so it’s important you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your own breasts so that you can be alert to any changes that might occur. It is recommended that you check your breasts on a regular basis, even if you’ve had previous treatment for breast cancer. How to self check your breasts Getting into a routine of checking and looking at your breast can help you notice any changes. You might want to put a reminder in your diary to help you remember.   Find a position that feels comfor ..read more

REDUCING STRESS DURING BREAST CANCER Regardless of lifestyle and routine, very few people are able to avoid experiencing stress at one point or another.  It is important for everyone to give ourselves the time we need to take care of ourselves, however, for those going through an experience such as breast cancer this can be particularly difficult.  Stress is very common during breast cancer and every therapy we offer is specifically designed to combat this.  We’ve listed three of our most effective stress-busting approaches and how these can be applied to daily life.  Mi ..read more

THANK YOU from breast cancer haven As you are likely now aware, due to the impact of the pandemic on our income, our Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to suspend our services from 30th June 2021. Unfortunately, this meant that all our wonderful and dedicated staff team have been made redundant.  We hope to resume our valuable live online services in the future. Though there will be a necessary pause in our service provision. During this pause we will keep information about breast cancer, and our 40+ self-help films and audio files on our website for people to continue to ..read more

The Health BENEFITS OF GREEN SPACES The health benefits of green spaces  Many of us take the great outdoors for granted and choose to be indoors away from the beauty and nature the world brings us. People with breast cancer may find themselves spending a lot of time indoors, whether it is because they are receiving medical treatment or they don’t feel well enough be out and about.  However, research has shown that there is a positive relationship between green space and general well-being, proving to reduce depression, anxiety and stress which are all challenges that someone who is ..read more