S6 Ep8: Alice on breast cancer language and wellness

Alice-May Purkiss is a wellbeing creativity coach and author who was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 26. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, she chats with Laura about the language we use to talk about cancer, and if there is better language we can use. Alice also talks about the impact her breast cancer diagnosis had on her mental health, and shares tips and tricks she has learnt to help her live well with depression. You can find Alice on instagram @alicemaypurkiss You can also find Alice at her website, www.alicemaypurkiss.co.ukThe Media Guidelines.Key Topics:02:12 Alice talks about her diagnosis 08:05 How does it feel approaching your 10 year anniversary (since diagnosis)?09:40 Importance of raising awareness of breast cancer in younger women11:00 The effect of a breast cancer diagnosis on mental health13:00 Alice on writing her book, 'Life Lemons and Melons'18:10 Alice talks about her experience of depression22:50 The difference in having mental health illness vs a physical illness like cancer24:40- 26:17 TW: Suicidal thoughts alongside going through cancer treatment27:22 Any tools you can share with people to cope with depression, specifically after a breast cancer diagnosis?35:40 The importance of community37:08 What tools can you suggest for someone to help get on with life post-diagnosis?39:28 The difference between coaching and therapy41:50 Working with Coppafeel to create the Media Guidelines regarding cancer language44:30  Using military language to talk about cancer and the potential harm that causes, 54:00 How better to talk to or about someone who has breast cancer59:35 Making the language around breast cancer more inclusive01:00:25 The difference between looking for signs and symptoms and being aware of change 01:03:04 What living well means to AliceIf you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.