The Primrose Foundation is incredibly proud of all our achievements. We have provided help, support, and assistance in a variety of ways over the past 28 years to ensure that the best possible breast care services are provided to patients and their families across West Devon and East Cornwall.

We fund dedicated clinical support for patients, contribute to the provision of state-of-the-art technology and facilities, as well as support staff by offering training bursaries for education, research, and development.

Here breast screening and health promotion nurse specialist Kayleigh tells us about our latest grant funding awarded to her and the benefits it will bring.

Kayleigh says ‘I am extremely grateful to The Primrose Foundation for kindly funding The Royal Marsden ‘‘Principles of Breast Cancer’’ Module which is due to commence February 2024.

Within my role, I meet with women who are recalled from screening mammograms for further imaging to explain and discuss the appointment and possible procedures that may be required. Understandably the recalled women are anxious and it can be a worrying time whilst investigations are being carried out. I help by answering any questions they may have, give advice and act as a point of contact should they need further support’.

She continues, ‘I am also responsible for health promotion and helping to improve breast screening uptake rates locally. This tends to involve planning and implementing health promotion days and breast awareness events. I also try to get involved within local communities and aim to provide a better understanding of breast screening and help to raise awareness of the importance of attending breast screening mammograms.

I believe this course will help to develop my knowledge and provide evidence-based information and treatments to aid my role. In order to improve survival, breast cancer needs to be diagnosed at the earliest opportunity. It is vital as a healthcare professional that I feel competent in the service we provide and can help to reduce any potential barriers that may cause women to refrain from attending or seeking help with breast health or screening invitations.

The module will cover the impacts of breast cancer and explores ways in which as Breast Care Nurse Specialists we can best support people. Communication skills, analysing my role and exploring treatment options will be all part of my studying and I am looking forward to all the learning I will be undertaking’.

To conclude, Kayleigh explained that she believes that it is important to continue learning throughout your career by keeping up to date and providing the best service you are able to, which she believes leaves patients confident in your care.

We would like to wish Kayleigh the best of luck on her training and are thrilled that local donations have helped to fund this important course.

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