One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every nine minutes but more than eight in 10 will beat it07:58, 12 Jul 2026Every year around 55,000 people in the UK are given the devastating diagnosis that they have breast cancer. That is the equivalent of one woman every nine minutes, and one man each day.‌While it is the most common cancer diagnosed in the UK, there is some good news in that survival rates are increasingly growing. Cancer Research UK figures show more than 95 out of every 100 survive their cancer for one year or more, almost 90 out of every 100 survive for 5 years or more and more than 75 out of every 100 (more than 75%) survive for 10 years or more.‌However, many patients are left to feel isolated and alone after completing primary treatment. A recent survey by breast cancer charity Future Dreams revealed that nearly half (48%) of NHS Trusts lack a formal psychological support pathway for cancer patients after treatment.‌This means many of those finishing treatment are left to come to terms with the mental trauma of everything they have been through alone. This can include a fear of dying, managing ongoing side effects and the challenges of returning to work or trying to get back the life they once led.This can leave friends, families and colleagues can be nervous and unsure of the right and wrong things to say to help those who have completed treatment. Future Dreams’ lead breast care nurse specialist Jackie Wright explained: "Some patients end up feeling ghosted, specifically loved ones, friends and work colleagues, who, unsure of how to react, often say nothing as they are scared of saying the wrong thing."‌Jackie has now shared her advice on how to talk to loved ones. And she has explained the words you should never say to someone recovering from breast cancer.Patient's 'worst dread'"Recovery is different for each and every person so be careful talking about friends or relations who have had the disease," advised Jackie. "Certainly never mention someone who has had cancer and died."That is every patient’s worst dread. I have lost count of the number of times patients have come to me shell-shocked when a well-meaning friend has spoken to them about a treatment but ended the story with the fact that the person didn’t survive.‌A compliment isn't always wantedJackie said: "Everyone likes a compliment but be really careful about assuming that because someone looks well, they feel well. They are often navigating harsh side effects of drugs and surgery with minimal support or guidance."If you bounce in saying ‘ you look great’ it can leave them feeling like you are minimising the extent of the pain and anguish they are going through. Tell them they look amazing by all means but put in the context of acknowledging the tough time they’ve been having."‌Leading the conversationJackie advised: "Let them lead conversations. Some patients are comfortable with language like ‘you can beat this’ and ‘you are so strong’ whereas others find it quite distressing. You never want a patient to feel they are not trying hard enough to live or get well."Recovery isn't always smooth"Recovery isn’t linear," said Jackie. "There will always be times when it is one step forward and two steps back. It is important to remember that."Don't assumeThe expert says never assume the end of treatment is everything completed. She said: "When someone’s treatment finishes, don't say 'everything’s back to normal'.‌"At Future Dreams we see many patients who only begin to process what they have gone through once their treatment is finished, sometimes years down the line. Breast cancer can change how you feel for the rest of your life.When to check in"After treatment is when the psychological impact begins but it is when family, friends or work colleagues assume you are okay." said Jackie. "Please check in and ask how someone really is."Never say one thingJackie shared a key phrase you should never use. She said: "⁠Never refer to the surgery as a ‘free boob job’ or ‘free tummy tuck’ (tissue from the stomach can be used to reconstruct a new breast.)‌"Most people choose to have cosmetic surgery to feel better about themselves - breast cancer patients sadly don’t have that choice, it is something that is done to them. While some patients will use this language, that is their choice – not yours."Fear is real⁠"Fear of recurrence is real," said Jackie. "Every ache or pain creates a worry that the cancer could be back. It can be overwhelming especially in the run up to hospital appointments, so don’t just dismiss people’s fears but encourage them not to spiral."Be thereJackie said: "It is okay to say that you don’t know what to say but that you are there for them. And let them know that if you accidentally say the wrong thing it is fine for them to let you know. Everyone is different and trying to do their best."Article continues belowFor further information, visit Future Dreams.