Our charity of the year is Breast Cancer Now following our annual firm-wide vote. Breast Cancer Now was nominated by one of our members of staff who has kindly shared the following with us:

10 years ago, at the age of 43, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It came as a complete shock - there was no history of breast cancer in my family and I didn’t know anybody who had gone through it.

I had first noticed a small dimple on the side of my breast when I was lifting my arms to get dressed. I didn’t think much of it as it was not visible until I lifted my arms and I just thought it was a patch of cellulite. It never occurred to me that it may be something more sinister.

It was only when talking to an old friend a few months later that he mentioned that his wife (who was in her mid-70’s at that time) had been diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a dimple in her breast. The next day I booked an appointment with my GP. The GP could not find any lump and assured me it was likely nothing to worry about. As a precautionary measure she referred me on to the hospital for a check-up. The Dr at the hospital couldn’t find a lump but any relief at not finding a lump was short-lived when a scan clearly showed a deeply buried mass. That was the start of the whirlwind of appointments, biopsies, fear, pain, medication, (did I mention fear?) and a change to my outlook on life.

When talking to my MacMillan nurse about resources that were available at the time, she suggested the Breast Cancer Now forum and website. I found it a great comfort to talk to people going through the same fears and issues, via the Charity’s online forum (which is moderated by a cancer specialist nurse). You never have the time or opportunity to put your questions to the healthcare professionals at appointments. The website and the forum was a lifeline.

Numerous friends who have since been diagnosed have found the Charity invaluable for help and information. The Charity carries out life-changing research and is inching ever closer to complete survival rates, better treatments and quality of life, post-treatment.

Had I not had that chance conversation, it would likely have gone undetected for 7+ years until I reached the age of eligibility for a routine mammogram (currently ages 50-70). Thankfully, that was 10 years ago now and I am all clear (touch wood!). Please be aware of what to look for: https://preventbreastcancer.org.uk/about-breast-cancer/signs-symptoms/#what_to_look_for – some girls on the forum were young (and men) – breast cancer is not just for old girls!

Please help us to support this worthwhile Charity.