With one in seven women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK in their lifetime, Joanna is raising vital awareness of the disease and everyone impacted by breast cancer.
After detecting a change in texture in her breast, Joanna, went to see her consultant. After a biopsy, she was told she had cancer in her breast. Her first thought was her three daughters, she wanted to protect them, but as treatment progressed and was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, she chose to open up. Joanna underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Joanna said:
“After noticing a change in texture in my breast, I went to see my consultant. I was then I was told I had cancer in my breast. My first thought was my three daughters. I wanted to be strong for them, and minimise the impact it would have on their lives. But as treatment started to progress, and I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. I knew I needed to tell them.
“My family and friends pulled together, offering me love and support. My daughters supported Breast Cancer Now in their own way. My eldest, Isabella, worked in corporate fundraising at Breast Cancer Now, Georgette took on the Pink Ribbon Walk at Hampton Court with one of my best friends, and they’re hosting an afternoon tea for Breast Cancer Now in August. My youngest daughter, Clementine, who was at university at the time, also fundraised by doing 100 miles during October raising over £1000.
“After a long stint of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I experienced a knock to my confidence. But through attending Breast Cancer Now’s Moving Forward course, fully funded by Asda Tickled Pink, I now feel a new sense of gratitude and love for those around me. It was a safe space for us to share our experiences.
“I'm very open about my breast cancer experience and the importance of being breast aware. I’ve given out Breast Cancer Now Touch Look Check leaflets out at work and encourage everyone to Touch Look Check!”
Joanna is supporting the Asda Tickled Pink partnership with Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel! to raise awareness of chest checking. Find out more at: https://corporate.asda.com/asda-tickled-pink-awareness-and-support
About Breast Cancer Now
We’re the UK’s leading breast cancer charity. And we’re combining the power of science and support to change breast cancer. Now.
We’re funding world-class science now, so no one dies of breast cancer in the future. We’re here with life-changing support now, so no one faces breast cancer alone. And we’re campaigning now – for better awareness, quicker, earlier diagnosis and access to treatments – so everyone with breast can live and live well.
We’ve been making change happen for over 50 years, and we’re not stopping now. Because we have a bold vision. That by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live and live well. We can’t do it on our own. But together, we can make change happen. Now.
If you’re worried about breast cancer, or have a question about breast health, we’re here. Speak to our expert nurses now by calling our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 6000 or visit https://forum.breastcancernow.org/
