Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A personal experience of breast cancer, by a Western Isles mother of 3

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and NHS Western Isles has been raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease and why it is vital that people get checked if they have any concerns or notice changes in their breasts. Cancer that is diagnosed at an early stage is much more likely to be treated successfully.

NHS Western Isles is grateful to a local resident who has shared her cancer journey, with the aim to help raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of checking your breasts regularly. 

This is her story:

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. 

“When I found out I had Breast Cancer at 37, my life stopped for a second. All of my worst fears came rushing over me and I felt I was losing all control there and then. 

“All of a sudden, you lost your freedom and choice and were subject to a continuous circle of medical appointments and side effects.

“I found myself having no option but to accept help from family and friends and The MacMillan Team, who were all invaluable in supporting me during the hardest of times. 

“Facing Breast Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy was the biggest battle of my life but instead of admitting defeat, I fought and I fought, right up until I rang that infamous Bell! 

“I finally completed my treatment in June of this year and feel proud of myself for making it through what was undoubtedly, the hardest challenge of my life. 

“I am through the worst of it now and feel proud that I was able to use all my strength to get through what undoubtedly was the most challenging experience of my life. My experience has made me a stronger person and has made me realise that whatever life throws at you, there is a way to get through it. 

“It has also been a huge wakeup call for me. That even at my age, you can be faced with Cancer. I sometimes think of what could have been, if I had not taken action when I did. 

“Please check yourselves regularly for any suspicious lumps or symptoms. It really does make a difference."

There is a good chance of recovery if breast cancer is detected in its early stages. For this reason, it's vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes, and always get changes examined by your GP. 

Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.

Most breast lumps (90%) aren't cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also speak to your GP if you notice any of the following:

• a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
• discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood)
• a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
• dimpling on the skin of your breasts
• a rash on or around your nipple
• a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast

Breast pain alone isn't a symptom of breast cancer.