Navigating Breast Cancer in My Thirties: Beth’s Journey

Discovering a Suspicious Lump

On finding a lump in my breast, I initially shrugged it off as hormonal. However, the lump did not seem to go away, and I contacted the GP for advice.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis During a Global Pandemic

As a 31-year-old with no family history of breast cancer, amidst a pandemic, I was advised to wait another two weeks and call again if it was still there—it was. Following my GP appointment, my life was taken over by appointments, biopsies, and scans.

Facing Stage 2 Breast Cancer: A Treatment Plan Emerges

On the 3rd of August 2020, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and it was confirmed it had spread to my lymph nodes. I would require a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. I cannot explain the relief at that moment, knowing it hadn’t spread any further, that I had a treatment plan to focus on, and a recovery I plan to make. I will get through this.

Preserving Fertility While Battling Breast Cancer

For me, the real kicker was the fertility element; people don’t talk about that. So having had my mastectomy just over a week ago and feeling surprisingly good, I am undertaking a potentially grueling fertility program to harvest my eggs to (hopefully) ensure I can have children in the future, even if the treatment I need to keep me alive destroys my fertility in the process.

Young Adult Breast Cancer: Unique Challenges

I think being younger comes with its own challenges that may feel small but add up and can become overwhelming. Challenges around body image—hair loss, loss of fitness, disruption to career progression (that was a big one for me, as a nurse, I felt like I was suddenly getting somewhere having been offered a promotion that I can no longer take), and restraints to your independence. I live alone and am fiercely independent, and of course, the fertility. I appreciate these can be challenges for all women with breast cancer, and I am not saying being younger makes it worse, it doesn’t, just different.

Overcoming Isolation: The Importance of Support

For any age, cancer can be isolating. But don’t let it be. Let’s talk about cancer, educate and raise awareness, and consider sickness as well as just focusing on health. Let your friends in, talk to them openly—they want to help. Let them.

Learn Look Locate: Supporting Young Breast Cancer Survivors

At Learn Look Locate, Beth’s courageous battle against breast cancer touches our hearts deeply. We are honored to share her story, offering a platform for survivors to come together, learn, and find solace in one another’s experiences. Through our diverse range of resources including Beth’s survivor narrative, our mission is to empower individuals at every phase of their cancer journey. We proudly stand by Beth’s and all those who demonstrate remarkable courage, celebrating their strength and reminding the world that hope shines brightest, even amidst life’s greatest trials.