🩷One of the lucky ones 🩷

I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at 25, but I see myself as incredibly lucky.

In January 2021, I had an appointment with a genetic councillor about my BRCA mutation, which increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Until recently, BRCA patients under 30 were not eligible for surveillance MRI scans because “you are too young to get breast cancer”. However, in this phone call, I was told they had changed the guidelines on this and were lowering the age to 25. I was told to expect an appointment around my 25th birthday.

In June 2021, I went for my MRI first scan a month before my 25th birthday, I was then called back to the clinic 10 days after my birthday. At that appointment they explained they had found 2 lumps in my breast, but I was reassured “it’s nothing to worry about; you’re too young for it to be anything serious”. They took biopsies and booked for me to come back a week later for the results.

On the 3rd August I was diagnosed with breast cancer 17 days after my 25th birthday. Again, I was told “you’re so young, it’s not too serious. You’ll probably only need a little bit of radiotherapy” “You have nothing to worry about”.

3 days later I met the doctor who would look after me, he explained the seriousness of my cancer. I had triple-negative breast cancer. This type of cancer differs from other types of invasive breast cancer in that it tends to grow and spread faster, has fewer treatment options, and tends to have a worse prognosis. It was at this point my age was forgotten.

I consider myself one of the lucky ones. Because of my BRCA mutation I was eligible for surveillance and they found my cancer. I am lucky they changed the law the year I turned 25, making it possible for my condition to be discovered sooner rather than later.

During my recovery from surgery and chemotherapy I found a whole community of people my age and younger, who like me had not been taken seriously. Many told by different doctors “it’s nothing to worry about, you’re too young for it to be cancer”. For some this was months of advocating for themselves, fighting to have the necessary tests performed.

It should not be so hard for young women to be heard and a diagnosis to be found. “You are to young” should never be used to dismiss concerns.

To raise awareness and funds for CoppaFeel! I will be trekking across the Isle of sky in Scotland for 5 days.

CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest.

We educate people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests regularly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves. We do this because when diagnosed early and accurately, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection truly can save lives.