Breast Cancer patients support group

22 JULY 2026

York and Scarborough Hospitals Charity is proud to support an important initiative that brings comfort, community, and reassurance to patients navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.

Charitable funding has enabled the hire of a dedicated space for a quarterly breast cancer support group. Held on the first day of every third month, these sessions provide patients with a welcoming and supportive environment away from clinical settings.

This funding ensures that four sessions can take place each year, offering continuity and consistency for the 20-30 people that attend.

Each session is attended by experienced volunteers alongside breast cancer nurse specialists, ensuring patients have access to both professional advice and peer support. The group is designed to be flexible and patient-led, allowing attendees to share experiences, ask questions, or simply listen. Deanne Leng and Annette Reid have been attending the sessions and met at a cancer support group 11 years ago. Deanne said:

“The group is so crucial, we really hope that funding can continue. We receive such fantastic feedback and know the effect it has on those that attend.”

At each session there is always a member of the Breast Cancer Specialist team. Offering support and guidance when needed. Allison Davison, Specialist Breast Cancer Nurse said:

“It is so important to hold these types of groups. You hear patients opening up and talking about everything and anything. Not everyone feels like they can tell their family or friends for fear of being a burden, however, everyone in this room understands.

“By me attending, the women can ask me medical questions and ask me to check out their symptoms if they’re worried. This allows them to carry on the rest of their day feeling at peace”.

To further enrich the sessions, guest speakers such as Yoga for Cancer practitioners and other wellbeing professionals are invited. Alice Palmer attended the June 2026 session. Alice talked through a gentle meditation with the group, with the purpose of dispelling anxiety and helping with fatigue. Alice brought along physiotherapy balls, these are used to help with the pins and needles sensation, garden pegs are used to help regain strength in hands, often symptoms of cancer treatment is weakness in hands, and particularly the thumb.