Podcasts · Holly Willoughby Together with Voy

Cancer At 26. Living With Menopause At 29 | Nellie Gbadebo

12 Oct 2026 · 1 h 03 min

Holly Willoughby sits down with campaigner Nellie Gbadebo, a 29-year-old mum of three from Kent, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 26 after her symptoms were initially dismissed. Nellie shares what it was like to be put into a medically induced menopause while raising three children under three, and how she now campaigns to raise awareness of women's cancers. She also runs Touchy-Feely, a community interest company that amplifies the voices of women affected by cancer, particularly those from underrepresented ethnic groups.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Coming up

0:53 Welcome, Nellie

1:32 Finding the first lump

4:35 A second lump and the GP appointment

7:11 Why cancer is taboo in Black and Brown communities

7:59 The biopsy and the wait for results

10:22 The diagnosis: stage 2, grade 3

17:47 Menopause at 26

22:18 Treatment with three children under three

24:38 AD: Voy

25:06 Chemo: the "red devil"

31:57 Beauty, sticker brows and feeling like herself

36:15 Explaining it to the children

39:08 Radiotherapy and advice that didn't fit

44:23 Founding Touchy-Feely and working with the NHS

50:12 How Nellie is now

51:45 Letters from Joseph and Evelyn

HELP AND SUPPORT:

If you have been affected by anything in this episode, please see the support links below. You are not alone.

NHS: information about breast cancer in women and men

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/

Breast Cancer Now: specialist breast cancer information and support, including access to breast care nurses and a free helpline

https://www.breastcancernow.org

Macmillan Cancer Support: emotional, practical and financial support for people affected by cancer, including family and friends

https://www.macmillan.org.uk

Cancer Research UK: trusted information about breast cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and research

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org

CoppaFeel!: breast awareness charity with guidance on checking your breasts or chest and recognising potential signs and symptoms

https://www.coppafeel.org

Black Women Rising: culturally sensitive cancer support for Black women and women of colour, including peer support, events and community programmes

https://www.blackwomenrisinguk.org

Cancer Black Care: cancer support for people from Black and ethnically diverse communities, including emotional and practical support for patients, families and carers

https://www.cancerblackcare.org.uk

Breast Cancer Awareness Toolkit (BCAT): culturally tailored and multilingual breast cancer information, particularly supporting Black African, Black Caribbean, Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities

https://www.bcat.health

Asian Women Cancer Group: support and community for Asian women affected by cancer, founded by women with personal experience of breast cancer

https://www.asianwomencancergroup.co.uk

Touchy-Feely: a community supporting Black women affected by cancer through culturally relevant education, storytelling, holistic support and rehabilitation programmes

https://www.touchy-feely.org

Follow Together:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hollywilloughbytogether

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Follow Holly:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hollywilloughby

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@hollywilloughbyofficial

Follow Nellie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nelliegbadebo/

Together is brought to you by Voy: https://www.joinvoy.com/together

Business enquiries: brands@hollywilloughbytogether.com

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