Sharon Phillips knows only too well the importance of attending breast screening, after being diagnosed with breast cancer after her first mammogram.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke to Sharon about her diagnosis and why she’s encouraging women to attend their mammograms.

I knew that I had a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer due to an underlying condition, called Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) – a genetic condition that causes tumours to grow along your nerves. Usually with NF1 they like to start mammograms when a woman reaches the age of 40. I live in Wales, so the protocol is different, and so I was refused one until I reached the age of 51.

The time finally came for Sharon’s first mammogram:

I attended my routine mammogram at one of the drop-in centres, and I wasn’t overly concerned as I had no symptoms or lumps apart from a discomfort in my right breast. I just assumed this was due to the menopause. The radiographer told me it was common to be called back after your first mammogram, and so not to be concerned if I was.

It took 5-6 weeks for my results, which was longer than usual, but I put this down to them having a backlog. At my appointment, they explained that my right breast was showing microcalcifications that could indicate a pre-cancerous or early breast cancer. I also had enlarged lymph nodes in the right armpit. They took a few biopsies of both.

She continues:

Two weeks later I was called in for the results and told that I had early breast cancer that was contained in the milk ducts, so easily treatable as non-invasive. The treatment would be a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy.

I then had the operation, and it went smoothly with no complications other than quite bad bruising. Three weeks after this I was called in for the next set of results. I assumed I’d be told that all the cancer was gone and just be given my date for my radiotherapy.

Unfortunately, Sharon didn’t get the results she was expecting:

The news wasn’t good. I had no clear margins and they found that my cancer was actually at Stage 2, invasive, and that the mammogram didn’t show it all as it was deep behind the breast.

This week I’m due to have more tissue removed but have to go the day before to have a radioactive injection that will show the rogue cancer cells so they can get them all. I will then be put on hormone tablets, have radiotherapy, and probably a course of chemo too, which is a different plan to the first. This part is what I’ve found the hardest as it’s not what I expected.

She continues:

I’m lucky enough to have a supportive and loving partner, and even though we don’t live together he has been fantastic with me, taking me to all my appointments. I have some fears regarding my children as even though the youngest two at home are 20 and 21, my youngest has special needs. I’ve had no support from her father and the paternal side of the family, so the worry from that stresses me out a great deal and I worry if I get any worse, who will be there for her?

Even though her diagnosis was a shock, Sharon has taken it all in her stride:

I’ve tried using the experience to make sure more women attend their breast screenings as they don’t realise their importance. If I had not had my mammogram, my cancer could have spread further before I had symptoms. I’m so grateful it was found relatively early. I would like to campaign in Wales though to get the age dropped down to 40, especially for those ladies who have an increased risk due to Neurofibromatosis, etc.

I’m still somewhat at the beginning of my treatment and I find it so reassuring to read other people’s stories and know there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I discovered Prevent Breast Cancer on my niece’s friend’s social media as she’s a breast cancer survivor of just 23. Her story inspired me to write my own so I can look back on it when I’m recovered.

After recovery, I’m also looking forward to supporting the charity and will continue to spread awareness. I want other women to feel like they’re not alone and there’s support out there if needed.

Thanks to Sharon for talking with us today.

Attending breast screening is a personal decision, but one that Prevent Breast Cancer strongly supports. Find out what to expect at a mammogram.

Published On: October 14th, 2024 /

Would you like to share your story?

We’re always looking to speak to people who are interested in sharing their story and experience of breast cancer. It not only helps us spread awareness but can be helpful for others who are dealing with the disease. If this is a cause close to your heart and you would be comfortable sharing your journey with other supporters, and potentially the media, then please get in touch today by emailing info@preventbreastcancer.org.uk

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About Prevent Breast Cancer

Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.