Imagine how nerve-racking it is to be told your life expectancy could be six months to one year. I was 33. Even now, words can’t describe how I felt when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. I had none of the typical risk factors – I was young, I lived a healthy lifestyle, I had no family history of breast cancer.

My journey started at a family planning appointment, with a routine question about any existing health problems. I didn’t think much of it, but mentioned a small lump on one side of my breast which was very painful. My doctor was quick to act and urgently referred me for further investigation.

Fairly swiftly, I had an appointment where I was examined and had a biopsy, where a sample of cells were taken from my breast. Just five days later, I heard the words no one ever wants to hear. It was an overwhelming shock, and my emotions were all over the place.

A specialist care team explained the treatment recommended for my aggressive form of cancer alongside the potential side effects. Over the course of five months, I had a mastectomy which is surgery to remove my breast, followed by several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

My treatment was difficult, but I came out the other end and have been in remission for almost 29 years. I am so thankful to my immediate family who helped me to stay positive every step of the way. And to MacMillan Cancer Support nurses who gave me so much support and advice throughout my treatment.

Know your own body and look out for symptoms

I know first-hand that age isn’t a bar to developing breast cancer, so this isn’t just something to think about when we’re older. From today, please get to know your own body, by regularly self-checking for lumps, changes or anything unusual. Check yourself after every period, or on a regular basis if you don’t have periods.

If you notice a lump, a change in size or shape or nipple discharge, it’s important to contact your GP surgery and get checked. If something doesn’t feel right, you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or hesitant about speaking up. I’m older and wiser, with more experience having worked in general practice for almost 20 years. Although pain isn’t a common symptom of breast cancer, I realise now that I should have booked an appointment to see my own GP when I found the lump in my breast.

Find out more about symptoms to look out for and access advice about checking your breasts.

Take up the offer of screening

At 33, I was too young for breast screening, but we are very fortunate to have quick and efficient screening services in England that investigate and rule out certain forms of cancer.

Breast screening saves over 1,300 lives a year in the UK. If you’re aged 50 up to 71, you’ll be invited to your free breast screening appointment (mammogram) every 3 years. Female staff will do the mammogram and explain everything that will happen, so there’s no need to feel nervous or uncomfortable. Screening can check for cancers that are too small to see or feel – even if you don’t have any symptoms.

Find out more about breast screening.

The importance of early diagnosis

I know the thought of getting a cancer diagnosis is scary, but I strongly recommend you book and attend your screening appointment when invited. And talk to your GP surgery about lumps, symptoms or any worries. I am fortunate that my cancer was picked up at an early stage. Getting diagnosed early means you can get treatment straight away. And the earlier it’s spotted, the more likely we can go on to live a normal healthy life.