A Bolton mum who was told she had breast cancer when she was 28 weeks pregnant, is backing a Cancer Research UK campaign to help fund more big breakthroughs in research.
Lindsay O’Malley, from Darcy Lever, assumed her left breast felt hard because she was pregnant. But she had an aggressive form of breast cancer which had already spread to her liver.
Lindsay, who was aged 33 at the time, was given staged chemotherapy treatment at 30, 33 and 36 weeks of her pregnancy. Baby Rebekah was born safely and recently celebrated her 14th birthday.
Lindsay was given more chemotherapy following the birth followed by surgery to remove her left breast and then radiotherapy.
Husband James rallied to support Lindsay, their two-year-old son Joshua and new baby Rebekah.
While Lindsay was recovering from the gruelling treatment, she requested genetic testing having found out that her birth mother had been treated for breast cancer. Lindsay had been adopted.
Lindsay tested positive for the faulty BRCA1 gene. She urged her birth mum to consider genetic testing and she too tested positive. Lindsay chose to have a full hysterectomy which plunged her straight into the menopause in her 30s. The following year she had preventative surgery to remove her right breast.
Thirty years ago this month, Cancer Research UK scientists were at the forefront of the discovery of the BRCA genes – helping to unlock the knowledge that faults in these genes increase people’s risk of developing certain cancers including breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers.
As Lindsay knows all too well, around a staggering 70% of women with faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes will develop breast cancer by the age of 80.*
But the 47-year-old feels, “forewarned is forearmed” and three decades later this incredible breakthrough is saving and improving the lives of people like her – now and in the future – by revolutionising how these cancers are prevented, diagnosed and treated.
Lindsay credits research with her survival and that’s why she’s sharing her experience during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to shine a light on how people across the North West can help drive more discoveries by donating monthly to the charity.
After years of studying, Lindsay recently qualified as an adult nurse and has just started work.
She said: “James and I were determined to remain positive throughout my pregnancy with Rebekah. I was incredibly fortunate to have such amazing support from my family, friends and the church community. At the time, the oncology team in Bolton hadn’t dealt with someone who was pregnant with cancer, so it was a scary time. But I was in safe hands and received excellent care every step of the way.
“If I had been pregnant with cancer 20 years earlier, then I wouldn’t have survived.
“But advances in research are fantastic. Thanks to Cancer Research UK so many preventative measures and targeted drugs are now available because of this landmark discovery.
“The size of the prize that has come from investing in BRCA research over the last 30 years is remarkable. And most important of all, it has given families like ours hope. Advances like this simply wouldn’t be possible without regular monthly donations from the public that keep the charity’s scientists researching month in, month out. This vital work needs our support to help create more ‘Eureka!’ moments.”
The charity has been responsible for a new family of drugs called PARP inhibitors. Often used to treat people with faulty BRCA-driven cancers, researchers are now exploring how they could be used to treat many more types of the disease.
Lindsay added: “Knowledge is power and now I feel the children and I can look forward to a better and brighter future. Cancer Research UK has helped to change the course of my family’s cancer story, so I’m determined to help raise vital awareness and funds.
“We have been very open with our children about my cancer treatment and we will discuss the BRCA gene with them when they are older. I feel incredibly lucky to see them both growing up.”
With around 44, 700 people diagnosed with cancer every year in the North West, Lindsay’s message is clear – to save lives tomorrow, the charity needs people’s support today.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North West, Jane Bullock, said: “Together, we are beating cancer. From understanding DNA repair and helping to discover the BRCA genes to developing treatments for faulty BRCA-driven cancers, we’re making huge leaps forward thanks to the generosity of our supporters. So, we’re grateful to Lindsay for helping to highlight the enormous difference a regular income makes to our work.
“It means we can plan ahead, committing to long-term research projects with huge potential to help save more lives. And because of monthly donations we can learn more, faster and accelerate progress.
“We hope people will consider giving regularly to the charity, if they can, because our work isn’t done yet. We want to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. No matter who they are or where they’re from.”
