This article contains a medical image showing post‑surgery scarring.
A Pembrokeshire woman is lending her voice to a powerful new campaign highlighting the realities of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.
Mandy Smith, 53, was diagnosed de novo secondary breast cancer just over four years ago, meaning the disease had already spread from her breast to her spine at the time of diagnosis.
Her discovery was accidental. “My lively 12‑year‑old elbowed me in the chest, and after a few days it was still really sore, so I thought I’d better get it checked,” she said. “That’s when they found three hidden lumps – they only came up because of the swelling from the elbow.”
Mandy is now supporting the ‘Truth Be Told’ campaign, launched by the charity Make 2nds Count ahead of Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day on 13 October.
Secondary breast cancer affects an estimated 61,000 people in the UK but remains under‑recognised and under‑discussed. It is incurable and spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Around 1,000 women die from the disease every month.
A new YouGov poll commissioned by the charity found:
- 47% of adults in Wales have never heard of secondary breast cancer.
- 37% don’t know any of the signs and symptoms.
- 29% wrongly believe it can be cured.
- Only 20% correctly identified that between 1,000 and 1,999 people die from it each month.
- 36% didn’t know men can also be affected.
Mandy said living with the disease has changed every aspect of her life: “It’s made me reflect on what really matters. The treatment has been brutal, but I’m still standing. It felt empowering to take part in this campaign – it’s about showing strength, survival, and what secondary breast cancer really looks like.”
Content note: the following image shows post‑surgery scarring after a mastectomy
(Image: Jennifer Willis)
Sam Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, said:
“Truth Be Told’ is more than an awareness initiative – it’s a movement of empowerment which aims to give hope. Our goal is to ensure that the voices of those living with secondary breast cancer in Wales are heard, respected, and supported.”
The campaign features a striking series of portraits by Irish photographer Jennifer Willis, capturing the strength and vulnerability of those living with the disease.
For more information about the campaign visit: bcam.make2ndscount.co.uk
