‘We all need to be checking ourselves regularly’

22nd October 2024

“You think when you are a certain age that it is not going to happen to you.”

Nicola Pope was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 41 years old and is now eager to share her story to encourage women to be ‘breast aware’ so that they can get to know their breasts and recognise any changes.

Nicola found a lump in her breast and received the devastating news that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2023.

With no family history, it was during a breast self-examination that Nicola discovered a lump in her breast and after contacting her GP, was referred to the Glenanne clinic within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

Whilst Nicola is still completing treatment (which should be completed in January 2025), she wants others to realise the importance of women regularly checking their breasts as she knows from first-hand experience, that if found early, it is more likely to be treated successfully.

“I would have been checking myself but not often as I should have as I think when you are a certain age, you think it is not going to happen to you.

“If you are checking yourself regularly and find a lump then you will know that lump has only been there a short time. If you are not checking and you find a lump, then you won’t know how long it is there which can add to more stress. I do think women have a fear of checking, for a fear of what they might find but we all need to be checking so that you will know what it normal for you and what is different.

“I was diagnosed when I was 41 so was not part of the breast screening programme, which starts when you are 50, so it’s really important women of all ages get to know their breasts and are able to recognise any changes.”

Nicola said that the support she received from the Breast Cancer Care team who helped and supported her through her diagnosis and treatment plan, has been fantastic.

“At the start when I was diagnosed, I was overwhelmed and thinking ‘what am I going to have to go through’, but the team in Glenanne have been amazing. Obviously, I have my family and my children, but it is the team that have helped me get to where I am. They were and still are here to support me.”

Aine Feeney, Breast Care Nurse Specialist, said that it is important to feel all parts of your breasts including your nipples and in and around your armpits.

“No one knows your body better than you and everyone will have their own way of touching and looking for changes – there’s no special technique and you don’t need any training. Just remember, there are five things to think about when checking yourself.