How the Macmillan Online Community became a lifeline for Nellie after her breast cancer diagnosis and giving birth

Published: 01 May 2025

Nellie was diagnosed in October 2023 after being told a lump in her breast was a dried up milk duct from breastfeeding. She felt isolated during her diagnosis and treatment and is now advocating for greater representation of Black women, particularly young mothers, in cancer information.

Breast cancer symptoms during pregnancy: Nellie’s experience of delayed diagnosis and treatment

Nellie was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2023. She now advocates for greater representation of Black women, particularly young mothers, in cancer information.

A young Black woman is sitting at home at a table which has make up on. There is a bed in the background with children's toys and books on.

Nellie is sharing her story as part of our Whoever You Are campaign.

Nellie’s cancer journey began during her second pregnancy, when she first found a lump in her breast. At the time she was reassured that it was probably a dried up milk duct, but she still knew something wasn’t right. It wasn’t until her third pregnancy that she discovered a second lump in her armpit and was diagnosed with cancer shortly after.

Nellie needed to have surgery and intense, physically gruelling, chemotherapy treatments. Nellie struggled with feelings of guilt for being away from her baby and feeling that she hadn’t properly advocated for herself pre diagnosis, when her symptoms were originally dismissed.

We have more information and support about breast cancer and about pregnancy and cancer where Nellie shares more of her experience in a video with Phil, a man diagnosed with breast cancer.

“The emotional toll led me to withdraw from friends and family, as I didn’t want to burden them with my struggles.”

Finding emotional support through the Macmillan Online Community

At Macmillan we know that nearly three quarters of people living with cancer (72%) have one or more emotional concerns, including worry, fear or anxiety, sadness or depression, loss of confidence and loneliness.

Nellie also experienced feelings of isolation. However, she found solace in the Macmillan Online Community, where she felt: "seen, heard, and understood in ways I hadn’t before". She added: "It was a lifeline during some of the darkest moments of my journey."

Why representation matters in breast cancer support and awareness

“I didn’t see many young, Black mothers like me in cancer awareness materials, which made me feel isolated.”

Nellie's feelings of isolation were made worse by the lack of representation in cancer information materials. She says she didn’t see people that looked like her, which made her feel a sense of shame and as if her experience was unique.

Nellie now wants to raise awareness of breast cancer in mothers, especially for Black women, and wants her story to help others feel empowered to advocate for themselves.

Macmillan is committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that everyone can access the best cancer care the UK has to offer, whoever and wherever they are.