We all love getting together with the best friends to chat about the week and enjoy shaking off all those nagging/annoying worries you've had, and let's be honest, we all feel a million times better after doing so.
When the issue is more serious it can be a little more difficult to accept and express, particularly when it's the C-word.
Talking about cancer and coming to terms with the illness doesn't come easy for many. But opening up and encouraging others to listen may be the key to give you strength and courage towards beating cancer as well as for others.
The Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign UK (The BCA Campaign), have released a new video which ignites a beautiful conversation and reveals the power of the stories women with cancer have to tell.
The compelling conversations that occur between the families offers an insight into the first time they opened up about having cancer.
The authentic, inspirational stories of brave women and men who have faced breast cancer, and the loved ones who supported them throughout the experience is commendable.
It is important that women tell their stories of breast cancer to dispel myths, publicise 'ordinary' women's experiences, share information and for reciprocal learning.
With breast cancer being the most common cancer in the UK with approximately 49,900 women and 350 men diagnosed in 2011 (Cancer Research UK, 2014), it is vital that both men and women continue the conversation about Breast Cancer.
Estée Lauder Companies' found 40% of women have been inspired by the experiences of others with breast cancer, driving 41% of these to examine their breasts more frequently.
What matters is that the breast cancer community worldwide speaks up and shares their experiences. Not only does this positively impact those who hear the stories, but 83% of women believe the act of talking about breast cancer helps those touched by the illness come to terms with it.
Many women may be holding back from sharing their stories with others as 39% of women would not tell others about a breast cancer diagnosis for fear of upsetting them.
Worryingly, a quarter of women aged between 18-24 years old reveal they would also be too scared to share their stories.
To understand the power of breast cancer stories in more detail, storytelling consultancy Storyworks was commissioned to conduct a workshop with breast cancer survivors. The session was led by Karen Lewis, researcher and Co-Director of GEE Centre for Storytelling at the University of South Wales. Commenting on the workshop, Karen said: "Storytelling is an age old practice, which is why the stories of everyday women are so resonant.
"Our storytelling session confirmed that women who have had, or currently have breast cancer benefit enormously from sharing their stories with each other and with the wider community. What we found is that every person touched by breast cancer has a different experience and set of resources to draw upon. Breast cancer stories serve as a powerful source of strength, education and motivation to act, which is precisely why more women should be encouraged to speak up and share their story."
Chris Good, President of The Estée Lauder Companies UK and Ireland, added: "Our new research findings serve to underpin The BCA Campaign's focus on the importance of authentic storytelling and the power this can have in raising awareness about breast cancer. Ultimately this proves that we can be stronger together, our actions can make a difference and every person's story has the power to inspire action."
To hear their powerful stories, find strength in their common experiences and be moved to share your own, visit www. BCAcampaign.com. To join the fight against breast cancer, please make a donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF).
Tagged in Breast Cancer Cancer Research UK Cancer