Beyond the diagnosis: a round-table conversation on recovery, accessibility and the everyday impact of breast cancer. One in seven women in the Netherlands will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. And the number of younger women receiving this diagnosis is rising. Over the past 35 years, diagnoses among women aged 18 to 39 have increased by almost 50%. Behind these numbers are real women, real stories and challenges that extend far beyond the diagnosis itself.

Ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Primark hosted an intimate round-table session at So Studio Amsterdam, bringing together different perspectives to discuss the impact of breast cancer on women’s everyday lives, from diagnosis to recovery.
At the heart of the conversation was one important question: Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate based on income. So why should recovery? Inspired by Primark’s new Breast Cancer Awareness collection, the discussion explored the practical and financial challenges women may face during recovery. From adjusting to everyday life after treatment to finding suitable post-surgery lingerie, accessibility and affordability were key topics.

Joining the conversation were Christine Braun, spokesperson for Primark, and Gilles van Santvoort, spokesperson for Pink Ribbon, sharing perspectives on how brands and organisations can contribute to making supportive products more accessible to women from all financial backgrounds. Rather than a traditional presentation, the session created space for an open exchange of perspectives, personal experiences and insights. A moment to look beyond breast cancer awareness itself and focus on what happens next. Because raising awareness is important, but making recovery more accessible matters just as much.