Donna Fraser OBE, Team GB athlete, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36, with no family history. In this episode of the Breast Cancer Now podcast, Donna talks to Laura about how this shock diagnosis affected her and the tough decisions she had to make about her world-class athletics career.



Donna also speaks about being an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now, and her work to improve breast cancer diagnosis and treatment more accessible for people in ethnically diverse communities.



You can follow Donna on Instagram: @donnalegz and @donnafraserobe



If you'd like to find out more about Breast Cancer Now's support services, visit the Breast Cancer Now website or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only).



You can subscribe to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode is available to watch or listen to on the Breast Cancer Now website. You can also watch it on YouTube.



Key Topics:

2:08 Donna is diagnosed with breast cancer

6:05 Introducing "Diane", Donna's voice of determination

7:37 Making the decision to have a mastectomy

9:20 Recovering from a mastectomy

11:21 The effects of breast cancer surgery on body image

15:18 Donna's new relationship with her body after breast cancer

18:23 Donna makes the decision to go public about her breast cancer

20:21 Black women and breast screening attendance

23:48 Donna's work raising breast awareness among younger women

24:37 The barriers to accessing breast cancer diagnosis and care

27:58 Donna becomes an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now

31:05 Pink Ribbonwalks – a charity fundraiser

34:39 Sport and exercise after breast cancer

36:12 Tips for getting back into exercising after surgery

39:23 Staying breast aware after active treatment for breast cancer

40:07 Donna makes the decision to retire

45:05 The highlights of Donna's athletics career

46:18 What it means to Donna to "live well"