Inspirational Croydon mother urges women to check themselves this Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Melissa, a local mother of two and Breast Cancer patient at Croydon University Hospital is urging women to get intimate and check their breasts regularly this Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.
Before the UK went into its first lockdown, Melissa was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She found a small lump in her breast by chance, and after an initial internet search she put it down to the lump being caused by hormones. After it played on her mind for some time, Melissa decided to seek medical advice, and quickly was scheduled in for a mammogram.
Melissa explains:
“I remembered a nurse at the local surgery showing me with a prosthetic boob how to self-examine. I recalled her telling me it can feel like a small hard lump like a lemon pip. Mine felt like a lemon pip."
Since then, Melissa has undergone chemotherapy and surgery to remove a lumpectomy and 19 lymph nodes. She has also recently helped Macmillan staff at Team Croydon this Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise a fantastic £565 on their tombola stall, raising funds for Macmillan’s Breast Cancer Support services.
Melissa’s now using her platform and urging everyone to check their breasts regularly to catch any possible signs of cancer as soon as possible. The symptoms can include:
- a lump in the breast
- a change in the size or shape of the breast, such as swelling in all or part of the breast.
- dimpling of the skin or thickening in the breast tissue
- a nipple that’s turned in (inverted)
- a rash (like eczema) on the nipple
- discharge or bleeding from the nipple
- swelling or a lump in the armpit.
- pain or discomfort in the breast that does not go away
Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Services Manager at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust Sarah Pritchard said:
"Knowing what changes to look for and when to see your doctor could make a real difference. Don’t be scared if you have symptoms. Get them checked."
Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the UK, with their being more than 54,500 cases diagnosed every year. Men can get breast cancer too, but the it is most common in women over the age of 50.
ENDS
1. For more details on our Cancer Information and Support Services, visit our Macmillan page.