Article by Samina Hussain, Sakoon Through Cancer

This month’s session, “Through a Different Lens”, created a powerful and reflective space to explore the intersection of breast cancer, sight loss, and the importance of community-led support.

We were honoured to be joined by Martina and Jennie, Sight Loss Officers from Berkshire Vision. Martina shared her deeply moving lived experience of navigating sight loss offering honest insights.

Facts were shared on how cancer and its treatment can impact eyesight, independence, confidence, and access to care. This highlighted the additional barriers faced by people living with dual health challenges and the importance of truly inclusive healthcare conversations.

We were also privileged to hear from Tara and Sara, Breast Care Nurse at Frimley Health Foundation Trust, who spoke about the vital support patients need after active treatment ends. Together with her colleague Sarah, she is helping to strengthen the Supported Self-Management Pathway ensuring patients receive clear information, structured follow-up, endocrine therapy support, and meaningful signposting to community organisations such as Sakoon Through Cancer.

A key theme throughout the session was clear: finishing treatment is not the end of the journey.

Education, empowerment, and culturally sensitive community support play a critical role in helping people live well beyond breast cancer.

The session reinforced the power of partnership between clinical teams, charities, and community voices ensuring no one feels isolated in their recovery #neveralone or long-term wellbeing journey.