This Christmas marks 29 years since Carol Bryant who works in Greater Manchester found a lump in her breast which turned out to be breast cancer.
Thankfully Carol, who was just 30 at the time, went to her GP on Christmas Eve and went on to have successful treatment.
Now the mum-of-two is urging those with symptoms they are worried about to make time for themselves – even during the busy time of Christmas – and to get checked.
Carol, now 58, said: “I think it is really important if you find something that’s not normal for you to trust your instincts and put yourself first. A lot of women don’t put themselves first at many times of the year, particularly at Christmas. But it’s really important to get yourself to the doctors and get checked out. If breast cancer is found early and treated early, then there’s no reason why you can’t live a full and happy life for many years to come.”
Carol, a Project Manager with Tameside Council, was just 30 years old when she discovered a lump in her breast in December 1993.
But her cancer diagnosis hasn’t stopped her from having children, breastfeeding and doing the things she loves – like horse riding.
She said: “I remember noticing a lump while watching television and trying to feel discretely as my in-laws were over for Christmas! But I knew straight away I needed to get it checked out. I went to see my doctor on Christmas Eve.”
Carol was referred to Tameside Hospital for an appointment after Christmas where investigations including a mammogram and a biopsy later showed she had breast cancer. Recently married and looking forward to start a family, cancer had been the last thing on her mind.
She said: “When they told me I needed chemotherapy my first thoughts were would this mean I couldn’t have children? The doctors back then didn’t seem to think about the impact that might have. I think it’s better now.”
Carol had a lumpectomy, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy at The Christie and was given the all-clear. Fortunately, her periods returned and in March 1996 she went on to have her first child Oliver.
Carol, who now lives in Glossop, continued to have routine check-ups and in August 1997, the checks discovered she had some abnormal cells and needed another operation. She had also just discovered she was pregnant. This time she had a mastectomy to remove the pre-cancerous cells and went on to have Ellissa in May 1998.
She said: “I managed to breast feed both my children from my other breast which was really important to me. When both my children had started school and I was 38, I had a preventative mastectomy and reconstructive surgery which made me feel more confident.
“I’ve never shared by breast cancer story before. Of course, my friends and family know, but thisChristmas I wanted to show people that you can go on to have a family and a life after breast cancer.
“I was left quite weak after my surgery and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to horse ride again, but your body seems to adapt and I now horse ride regularly and own my own horse: Noris.
“It’s now almost 30 years since my breast cancer diagnosis and that feels really quite significant. I still remember what it was like to be diagnosed at 30. If I ever go back to hospital the emotions come flooding back.
“I never thought I might die. I was more caught up with my body image and when I saw my scar I was in floods of tears. It was tough being diagnosed at 30.
“I’ve received lots of help and support over the years and I think this is really, important to help you feel confident after surgery.”
Carol is now looking forward to a family Christmas and to getting out on some more horse rides with Noris.
Clare Garnsey, who is a breast cancer doctor and the Clinical Lead for Breast Cancer atGreater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “It’s very important to get to know how your own breasts look and feel, and know what’s normal for you. If you spot something that is different for you, or something that you are worried about, you should report this to your GP as soon as possible, even at busy times of the year like during the Christmas period.
“The chances are that it won’t be cancer, but if it is cancer, then catching it early means it will be more treatable.”
Breast cancer – know the symptoms
The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast.
Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by a doctor.
You should see a GP if you notice any of the following:
- a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- a discharge of fluid from one of your nipples, particularly if the fluid is clear or blood-stained
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as the nipple becoming sunken into your breast
Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.
For more information visit the NHS website. You can also watch this short animation about breast cancer.
