ICC Birmingham– 19-20 Jan 2026 For the first time this year Flat friends was able to have an exhibitor’s stand at the annual UKIBCS conference, along with a few other charities. These conferences are always a great opportunity to raise our profile with Breast Surgeons and Breast Care Nurses (BCN). Odile Wittemans and Ona Riamah, […]
Flat Friends and UK Interdisciplinary Breast Cancer Conference (UKIBCS) Read More »
Every story shared is a woman somewhere feeling a little less alone. That’s why we’re so proud to introduce Emma, one of our incredible community members, who has written about her experience of living flat after her unilateral mastectomy in 2018 with the kind of honesty, humour and heart that stops you in your tracks.
Living Flat – Emma’s Story Read More »
Over 70 women came together on a sunny Friday afternoon in Leamington Spa for the Flat Friends Annual Weekend – an uplifting, laughter-filled get‑together that’s become a highlight of our year. Welcomed in the hotel reception by trustees Odile and Sarah, around a third of the group were first-timers. But at Flat Friends, it only
A weekend of connection, creativity and confidence: Flat Friends Annual Weekend 2025 Read More »
Flat Friends and The Association of Breast Surgeons (ABS) Conference 2025 ICC Birmingham– 19-20 May 2025 Once again, this year we were able to have an exhibitor’s stand at the annual ABS conference, along with a few other charities. This is a great opportunity to raise our profile with Breast Surgeons and Breast Care Nurses
Flat Friends at ABS 2025: Raising Awareness, Shaping Conversations Read More »
For many women who’ve had a mastectomy, even life’s simplest routines, like going for a drive, can bring unexpected discomfort. That familiar click of the seatbelt isn’t just a sound of safety anymore. It can be painful and a reminder of body trauma, recovery and how much life has changed. That’s why we’re proud to
From Pain to Purpose – A Seatbelt Innovation That Puts Comfort First Read More »
Last autumn’s mastectomy demanded a tremendous amount of space in many areas of my world. A space for healing, space for strength training to regain my range of motion, space to accept the person in the mirror and ultimately, the space to decide how I wanted to look to the world. Very soon, after my
Fabric painting, or as I sometimes refer to it, “Thank you mastectomy” Read More »
It’s a hard hike of 24.5 miles in 12hrs and it’s just five months after my last mastectomy and also my second breast cancer diagnosis in less than a year. I’m really proud of our achievement, but also VERY tired and achy! Sara, Claire, Jo and Jen, a team of very novice hikers embarked on
Sara, Claire, Jen and Jo hiking for Flat Friends UK Read More »
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago, I didn’t know whether I would make it to 60 & I’ve lost lots of fabulous friends in that period. I was diagnosed with a very aggressive occult breast cancer in March 2012. I had a single MX, full ANC, 6 rounds of chemo, 20
Sally-Anne’s fundraiser for Flat Friends UK Read More »
January 1st – happy new year, looking forward to a fun 2023. Holidays booked for June and October, everything to look forward to 6th – neighbour posted on Facebook, purely for awareness, she had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer before Christmas and check for visual signs, not just lumps. This resonated with me as sometime
‘A year in the life’ Read More »
Professor Shelley Potter – Patron and Clinical Advisor We are excited to announce that Shelley Potter, Professor of Surgical Oncology at Bristol Medical School, and Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at North Bristol NHS Trust is now a Patron and Clinical Advisor for Flat Friends. Find out more Shelley’s research interests focus on improving outcomes for
Professor Shelley Potter Read More »
We are excited to announce that Nicky King joins us as Trustee, and Reesha Armstead becomes our first Governance Advisor. Nicky King Trustee I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in 2019. I was told the first stage of treatment would be a mastectomy. Although reconstruction and implants were mentioned, due to a history of
The Flat Friends team keeps growing! Read More »
Raw And Deeply Moving Documentary Filmed & Produced By Creative CultureWe celebrate the courage and strength of those who have undergone single or double mastectomy and have chosen to live flat, embracing their bodies as they are. For us, living flat isn’t just about acceptance; it’s about empowerment and solidarity. Through peer support and the
About Us: We are a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting women who have undergone a single or double mastectomy due to breast cancer diagnosis or as preventative surgery, without immediate breast reconstruction. We provide information, practical advice, and emotional support to those who have chosen Flat Closure, those who are unable to have reconstruction for
Celebrate 10 years of Flat Friends! 24th August 2014, a woman named Gilly started a Facebook group. It was going to be a space where women like her could chat about living without reconstruction after mastectomy surgery. Initially there were just a handful of women Gilly had met online in a group based in America.
Celebrate 10 years of Flat Friends! Read More »
I was diagnosed in 2018 at the age of 41 with a 2.5cm IDC in my left breast beginning with a trip to the doctors with pain in my breast and what I thought might be a lump. I had three different types of chemo plus the trial drug Olaparib through the Addenbrookes Partner Trial.
My name is Birgit. I was diagnosed with multifocal invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast in March 2021 for which I had a mastectomy and I have been taking tamoxifen since late April 2021. I would like to mention right at the beginning of my blog that each of our stories is unique. We
Autism and a mastectomy in a pandemic Read More »
‘Outcomes of Women undergoing Mastectomy for Unilateral Breast Cancer Who Elect to Undergo Contralateral Mastectomy for Symmetry: A Systematic Review by Griffin C, et al.’ This is the first and very important step to establish national surgical guidelines for contralateral mastectomy (CM); facilitating equitable access, validating contralateral mastectomy as an alternative to reconstruction, and ensuring
Ever wondered what it’s like to start dating after a mastectomy? In this vlog, Sonia (who you may have seen on Channel 4’s Naked Education!) shares her experiences of discovering new body confidence, online dating, and telling prospective dates that she is living flat. Contains strong language which may be considered offensive. https://flatfriends.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DatingwithNoBoobs-1.mp4
Dating with No Boobs Read More »
Mastectomy Recovery Diary This will give an overview of what my experience was like. It is important to note that we are all different, so my experience may not look the same as yours. Day 1 I came round to a heavy-ish feeling in my chest and feeling very hazy from the anaesthetic. I hadn’t
Mastectomy Recovery Diary Read More »
Our largest gathering yet! Women came from all over the British Isles to come together for a weekend of activities and experiences, and left with the most memorable moments and friendships that will last forever! Friday afternoon we began arriving out our hotel in Warwickshire, and spent the evening catching up with old friends and
Flat Friends Weekend 2023 Read More »
In an intimate Naked Exchange, Gina and Sonia shared their experiences of having mastectomies and living without reconstruction on Channel 4s Naked Education. Even though both Gina and Sonia have been members of our private Facebook group for some time – and heard about the opportunity to take part in Naked Education through the charity
Naked Education Season 1 Episode 4 Read More »
We love Pancakes! Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday is the last day to use eggs, milk, and fats before beginning a fast for Lent. For hundreds of years, in many Christian countries, pancakes have been the perfect way to use up these ingredients. Pancakes unite the UK for one day each year, whether we are embarking on
A survey conducted by Flat Friends found that patients facing mastectomy in the UK are being denied information and treatment options. PRESS RELEASE 8 MARCH 2021 Breast cancer charity, Flat Friends, has written to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and Matt Hancock MP asking for breast cancer patients to be better informed of their
Mastectomy Options Survey Read More »
Imagine a world free of bias, prejudice and stereotypes. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. A world where both conscious and unconscious gender bias about what women should look like does not influence healthcare professionals, hospital trusts, and decision makers against women who need mastectomy surgery. Flat Friends is committed to: Raising awareness
International Womens Day 2022 #BreakTheBias Read More »
On Pancake Day we asked people to celebrate flatness by sharing their pancake creations on social media. They included special pancake recipes, amazing topping combinations, decorations, and even pancake art!We hope that Flat as a Pancake Day will become an annual celebration for Flatties everywhere!
Trustee Sarah spoke to the Sun, sharing her life after a breast cancer diagnosis and having a mastectomy without reconstruction. You can read the interview here
Sarah Coombes featured in the Sun Read More »
Our trustee Sarah Coombes, talks to Suburban Turban about her journey and passion for fashion after mastectomy.Read the article here.
Sarah talks fashion… Read More »
One of our inspirational members, Amanda Pilbeam, is raising funds for us by running the London Marathon this year.
Flat Friends member to run London Marathon Read More »
arah Coombes, one of our Trustees, was interviewed on BBC Look East in early October. Here’s her account of her appearance. Breast cancer has created lots of firsts: I started blogging. I started being interested in fashion. I became a trustee of a charity (Flat Friends UK!). I ran a marathon. I went to university.
Sarah Coombes on BBC Look East Read More »
Rosemary, one of our members, says, “I was invited onto BBC Radio Merseyside to talk a little about my journey with breast cancer and my decision to remain flat and decline reconstruction. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Ngunan Adamu on BBC Radio Merseyside.” You can listen to the interview here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6woyOmK6U4
Rosemary Quayes on BBC Radio Merseyside Read More »