RACE FOR LIFE: Findon mum beating breast cancer

Sally, from Findon, said: “I expected to be in and out in 10 minutes and hear nothing more about it other than a letter saying everything was fine. So, when I was recalled and told I had breast cancer, I was shocked.

“However, I was doubly fortunate because not only was it found early but I had invasive lobular breast cancer, which doesn’t tend to form a lump, so if I hadn’t had the mammogram, it could have been many months or even years before it was picked up.”

Mammogram revelation

Sally, 54, underwent a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy and hormone treatment after her diagnosis in December, 2008.

Now two years on she has been told her cancer is still in remission.

Now, Sally is urging women not to ignore mammogram invites and is preparing for her third Race for Life to help fund-raise for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

Sally, who works as a health administrator at Swandean Hospital in Worthing, said: “I’m aware that many women don’t go for mammograms when they are invited but I would strongly encourage every woman to go along when the invite drops on their doormat.

“My argument is that it is better to hear bad news now than worse news later.

“Having that mammogram, at the very least saved me from more aggressive treatment but it possibly also saved my life.”

Healthy life

Sally, of Holmcroft Gardens, will be taking part in the Tesco and Cancer Research UK Race for Life along Worthing seafront on Sunday, July 10, at 11am.

Last year, Sally completed the Race for Life at Fontwell and the year before she took part in the Worthing Rugby Club race, in Angmering. She raised £400 from the two events and hopes to raise at least another £100 this time.

Sally says she has always been fit and healthy, something which made her cancer diagnosis more shocking.

She said: “I was stunned when I was diagnosed with cancer. I was very fit and healthy. I didn’t smoke or drink too much, I wasn’t overweight, I exercised regularly and had just started training for a triathlon. Nor did I have any signs or symptoms.”

The cancer Sally was diagnosed with, lobular breast cancer, makes up about one in 10 breast cancers. Invasive lobular carcinoma means the cancer started in the cells that line the lobules of the breast and has spread into the surrounding breast tissue.

Are you taking part in the Race for Life in Worthing?

The Herald and Gazette news team would like to hear from you.

Call the newsroom on 01903 230051 and select editorial for the Worthing, Lancing, Shoreham and Steyning reporters, or 01903 714135 for the Littlehampton Gazette team.

Sign up for Worthing Race for Life

To entre call 0871 641 111 or visit the website www.raceforlife.org