Scottish Landmarks to be Illuminated During Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Make 2nds Count’s ‘Shine a Light’ initiative for their ‘1,000 Truths’ Campaign

• Six iconic Edinburgh landmarks will join 70 venues as part of the campaign – an increase of 25% on last year’s number

This October, six iconic landmarks in Edinburgh will join 70 venues, sites and monuments and proudly light up in the distinctive pink, purple and teal of Make 2nds Count, a patient and family-focused charity dedicated to giving hope through clinical trial education, knowledge sharing, support and funding research into secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.

The number marks an increase of 25% in the number of venues that joined the campaign last year.

On October 13, Secondary (metastatic) Breast Cancer Awareness Day and the only day of the year dedicated to raising awareness on secondary breast cancer, Camera Obscura, Corstorphine Trust – Dower House, Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), Pinsent Masons and St Andrews House (Scottish Government) will support the”Shine a Light” initiative which – as part of their “1,000 Truths” campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) – seeks to raise awareness of the reality of incurable secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness,  support and funding for research.

Morningside Parish Church will be lit all weekend, from Friday 11^th to Sunday 13^th.

Make 2nds Count is dedicated to supporting patients living with secondary breast cancer (SBC), Also known as ‘stage 4’ or ‘advanced breast cancer’, secondary (metastatic) breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads from beyond the breast to other parts of the body. The disease is incurable but treatable, and symptoms can vary from person to person.

An estimated 61,000 people in the UK are living with this condition, which claims 1,000 lives every month. Additionally, a recent survey showed that 38% did not know what secondary breast cancer was, and 21% did not know what symptoms to look for.

Make 2nds Count aims to ignite empathy and amplify the voices of those affected and this year’s “1,000 Truths” campaign shares personal stories of patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Scottish Rachel Coats, said: “I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2013, aged just 26, I’ve lived with the disease – and the sense of isolation which comes from such a devastating diagnosis at such an early age – for over 10 years, and I can confidently say I’ve had my ups and downs.

“I live with my partner and my Dachshund, Sheldon, and my family lives close by – my sisters, four nieces and my mum and dad. In 2013, our world was turned on its heels and we all had to come to terms with my diagnosis, including the constant treatments and several operations. I came across Make 2nds Counts in a hospital’s waiting room. I joined one of the charity’s retreats last year.

“That’s when I was finally able to talk to people who shared my story, and this helped immensely. I choose to ‘live in hope’ – something that really resonates with me – and I will continue to do so. I hope talking about my personal diagnosis will go some way towards raising awareness around this little-known disease”.

Sam Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, further emphasised the significance of the campaign: “These illuminated landmarks represent a beacon of hope for the tens of thousands affected by secondary breast (metastatic) cancer.

“Through our ‘1,000 Truths’ campaign, we also want to bring the personal stories of patients to the forefront, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every life is honoured. By shining a light on secondary breast cancer, we hope to raise awareness, build a more empowered community, and ultimately improve the lives of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.”

The Edinburgh community is invited to participate by visiting the illuminated landmarks on October 13^th, sharing photos on social media using the hashtag #ShineALight, and engaging with the ”1,000 Truths” stories on the Make 2nds Count website.

This campaign offers a powerful platform to honour the stories of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and to spark hope for a future where no more lives are lost to this disease.

For more information about Shine a Light, “1,000 Truths,” or to get involved, visit:

https://make2ndscount.co.uk/news/bcam-2024.