Students studying Health and Care at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) recently welcomed guest speaker Claire Haire, who shared her personal experience of living with and receiving treatment for breast cancer.
The visit formed part of activities to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and provided Year 2 Level 3 National Extended Diploma and Diploma Health students with an invaluable opportunity to hear first-hand about the realities of a cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The session also complemented students' studies in public health, particularly their recent exploration of breast screening and health promotion.
During the session, Claire spoke openly about her journey over the past year, reflecting on the challenges she has faced, the support she received throughout her treatment and her experiences as a service user navigating healthcare services. Students engaged enthusiastically, asking questions about treatment pathways, patient support networks and the importance of compassionate care.
The discussion offered students a unique insight into the patient perspective, helping to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world healthcare experiences. Claire also shared advice for those considering careers in nursing and healthcare, highlighting the importance of listening to patients, demonstrating empathy and making a positive difference in people's lives.
Speaking about the session, Nikki Rainey, Curriculum Manager for Health and Care at SERC, said, "We were delighted to welcome Claire to SERC and are extremely grateful that she was willing to share such a personal experience with our students. Hearing directly from someone who has experienced cancer treatment gives our future healthcare professionals a perspective that simply cannot be gained from textbooks alone. Claire's honesty, resilience and positivity made a significant impact on the students and reinforced the importance of compassionate, person-centred care in every healthcare setting."
Nikki concluded, “The session also highlighted the significance of breast awareness and the importance of recognising and reporting any changes, a message that Claire was keen to share with the next generation of healthcare professionals”.
For further information visit Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 UK | Breast Cancer Now
