New Scientist - USA (2022-05-07)

(Maropa) #1

Every day in the UK, two women are diagnosed
with cancer in and around their pregnancy.
Mummy’s Star is here to support them through
diagnosis, pregnancy, birth, loss and beyond.
Mummy’s Star supports women/people who
birth who receive a cancer diagnosis during
pregnancy and up to twelve months after the
birth of their baby. Our aim is to reduce anxiety
and feelings of isolation, enable them to make
informed choices about their treatment and
pregnancy, and raise awareness about the
financial, logistical and psychological challenges
they may face.
We also run a Cancer and Pregnancy Training
and Education programme for midwives,
healthcare professionals and students. Last year,
Mummy’s Star saw:



  • 462 families supported

  • Over 2500 attending our education sessions

  • Over 4000 support communications sent to
    families and their partners


WHO FUNDS THE WORK OF MUMMY’S STAR?
Mummy’s Star relies exclusively on the
generosity of its supporters. It does not receive


any funding from the NHS. Donations come from
families who have been supported by the charity,
companies and grant-giving trusts.

WHAT OUR SUPPORT LOOKS LIKE


  • Regular check-ins by phone or video call, and
    ongoing communications regarding treatment,
    surgery, pregnancy-related concerns and
    general wellbeing. We also offer virtual
    drop-ins and evening calls to ensure people can
    access support more easily.

  • Dedicated support forums that offer a safe
    space for 450 mums and expectant mums
    diagnosed with cancer to ask questions and talk
    to others going through similar experiences. The
    forums are a lifeline for women as it helps them
    feel less isolated and alone.

  • Signposting - where additional help is needed,
    the Support Team can make referrals to
    specialist services and other agencies to ensure
    each woman can access support to suit her and
    her family’s needs.

  • Monthly “Ask The Expert” sessions to give


Signal Boost


mums the opportunity to ask specific
questions about important topics to an expert
in that field. Topics have included menopause,
pain management and talking to children
about cancer.


  • Training and Education programme –
    bespoke sessions for midwives, GPs and other
    healthcare professionals to raise awareness
    about cancer in and around pregnancy, how to
    spot potential signs, how to escalate concerns
    and how best to provide care post-diagnosis.

  • Small Grant Programme to help families with
    the additional costs that are often incurred with
    a cancer diagnosis. The grant may be used to
    pay for childcare while mum attends
    appointments, specialist lightweight baby
    equipment for after surgery, activities to help
    families make memories or to help mum buy
    a wig to boost her self-esteem.


Want to help?
Please help to support mums dealing
with cancer in and around pregnancy
http://bit.ly/mummysstardonate

Welcome to our Signal Boost project – a page for charitable


organisations to get their message out to a global audience, free of


charge. Today, a message from Mummy’s Star


Help us to help people diagnosed with


cancer when they are pregnant

Free download pdf