Karen's Story

After being diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, and later learning it had spread to her lungs and spine, Karen has lived with ongoing treatment and the constant uncertainty that comes with regular scans.

While continuing to work full-time, Karen describes the emotional impact of cancer as "sometimes worse than the physical."

"Every three months feels like a sentence hanging over you. You never really get away from it."

Through art therapy sessions at Whipps Cross Hospital, Karen found a rare space where she could begin to process emotions she had long pushed aside — fear, anger, confusion, and grief.

"With cancer, you have no control. But this gives me a sense that I do have some control — or at least insight — into how it's affecting me emotionally."

The sessions offered a safe, non-judgemental space to explore feelings subconsciously through drawing and conversation — often revealing insights she hadn't expected.

"You're not consciously deciding what to draw. Something just comes out — and suddenly you understand something differently."

For Karen, access to local, free emotional support was vital:

"Therapy is incredibly expensive. Being able to access this kind of free support close to home has meant everything."

Art therapy has helped her feel more resilient, more self-aware, and less alone — giving her strength to continue living alongside cancer.