Young individual, aged 24, encountered dismissal from their GP who deemed cancer unrealistic due to youth, only to later discover the disease had metastasized to their brain.
In a heart-wrenching yet inspiring story, Alice Greaves, a 27-year-old woman who previously worked in finance, is currently battling an advanced form of breast cancer. Her journey serves as a stark reminder of the importance of early detection and awareness in breast cancer diagnosis.
Alice's cancer journey began in March 2023 when she started chemotherapy. She underwent a double mastectomy in August of the same year. However, her cancer progressed to stage four and had spread to her lungs by May 2024.
Alice claims that her doctor initially refused to examine her due to her young age. This delay in diagnosis led to a more advanced stage of cancer. She had to demand to be seen by a doctor who later found her breast lump to be "really bad."
Alice's close friend's breast cancer diagnosis prompted her to see her GP again in February 2023. Since then, she has been advocating for early detection and encourages people to consult their GP if they feel or see any changes in their breasts.
Breast tissue extends up to the collarbone and across to the armpit, so it's crucial to check these areas during self-examination. Charity CoppaFeel! recommends checking breasts monthly to detect changes quickly.
Preventing delayed diagnosis involves early risk assessment, education on warning signs, earlier personalized screening for high-risk individuals, and strong partnerships between patients and healthcare providers to recognize and act upon potential symptoms swiftly.
Women under 40 should understand their personal and family history of breast cancer and discuss their risk factors with a doctor by age 25, especially if they are in high-risk groups. For women at average risk, mammograms typically start at age 40, but those at higher risk should begin annual mammograms and possibly breast MRI screening as early as age 25-30.
Efforts to improve education and access to care for ethnic and racial populations who face higher mortality rates and aggressive breast cancer types are essential for preventing delayed diagnosis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by staying active, eating well, and limiting alcohol may also help reduce risk and support overall breast health.
Alice Greaves emphasizes the importance of trusting one's gut and seeking a diagnosis if something feels wrong. She encourages others to push for a diagnosis if they believe something doesn't feel right with their body.
In a five-step self-exam, one can check for changes in the breasts, such as lumps, changes in size or shape, changes in skin texture, nipple discharge, or changes in the nipple itself.
Alice's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection in breast cancer. By being aware of our bodies, seeking medical help when needed, and advocating for ourselves, we can help save lives and reduce the impact of this devastating disease.
[1] Breastcancer.org. (2021). Young Women and Breast Cancer. [online] Available at: https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/young_women
[2] CoppaFeel!. (2021). Early Detection. [online] Available at: https://coppafeel.org/early-detection/
[3] American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast Cancer in Young Women. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/breast-cancer-in-young-women.html
[4] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Breast Cancer in Young Women. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/young-women-treatment-pdq
[5] National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Breast Cancer. [online] Available at: https://www.nccn.org/patients/resources/patient_guidelines/breast/index.html
- Alice's battle with stage four breast cancer, which started due to a delay in diagnosis, underscores the importance of early detection and regular self-examination, as recommended by organizations like CoppaFeel!.
- To reduce the risk of breast cancer and ensure early detection, women are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, be aware of their personal and family history, discuss their risk factors with a doctor, and perform regular self-exams, following guidelines from websites such as Breastcancer.org and CoppaFeel!.
