‘I hope Sarah’s diagnosis will make younger women more breast aware’

“I’m currently undergoing weekly chemotherapy sessions and I am fighting as hard as I possibly can,” said Harding on Instagram. The singer, who was born in Ascot in Berkshire, also shared a photo of herself in hospital, revealing that she had already received the devastating news that the cancer had spread from her breast tissue to elsewhere in the body.

The brave popstar’s candour could well produce The Angelina Jolie effect - when the Hollywood star went public about her breast cancer battle many women got tested as a result; Harding’s battle could have a similar impact in the UK, encouraging younger women to routinely check their breasts and get screened if they notice any change to breast tissue.

Recurrent symptoms of breast cancer include a new lump in the breast or underarm (armpit); thickening or swelling of part of the breast; irritation or dimpling of breast skin; redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast; pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area; nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood; any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

Remember that no breast is typical. What is normal for you may not be normal for another woman. Most women say their breasts feel lumpy or uneven. The way your breasts look and feel can be affected by getting your period, having children, losing or gaining weight, and taking certain medications. Breasts also tend to change as you age.

There are many other factors that can increase a person’s risk, including a family history of cancer and being overweight.

Many treatments are available for breast cancer and survival is generally good if the disease is detected early.

The usual first symptom of this form of cancer is a painless lump in the breast, although most breast lumps are not cancerous and are fluid filled cysts, which are benign.

The first place that breast cancer usually spreads to is the lymph nodes in the armpit.

To diagnose breast cancer a doctor examines the breasts and armpits. They may do tests such as a mammography, a special x-ray of the breast tissue which can indicate the possibility of tumours.

A biopsy may then be taken. This is when a small sample of tissue is removed from a part of the body. The sample is then examined under the microscope to look for abnormal cells, confirming or ruling out cancer.

Shauna Lawson from Lisburn is 35. She was diagnosed with breast cancer six months ago. Shauna was referred to the breast clinic for a check-up after visiting her GP and wants young women to be breast aware since most of the focus is on the over 50s age bracket among whom the disease is most common.

“I saw that Sarah Harding had announced her diagnosis and it makes me hope more younger women will see that this is a disease that can affect them too.

“I noticed a pea size lump around the nipple which I was keeping an eye on and noticed it had grown in size. I was worried but I carried on with my studies at Queen’s for a few months because I didn’t want to ruin Christmas for my children, Brandon, 15, and 13-year-old Cameron. But my message to other women is not to do what I did and to get screened and treated immediately.

“Once my GP felt the lump he immediately referred me to the breast clinic. I had an ultrasound and I had to have a biopsy. When the nurse came in to see me with the doctor I knew they were going to tell me I had cancer. It was stage two (cancers are graded in severity on a scale from one to four, with four being the most serious). The doctors said the kind of breast cancer I had would not be responsive to chemotherapy so I had to have a mastectomy performed on my left breast.

“Then lockdown happened and there was a chance I would have had to wait three months for the operation. I was worried because I know that when you get a diagnosis time is of the essence. I was pleading and on the phone all the time and I finally got word that I could have the surgery. So I had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. I lost my nipple but I will be able to get surgery to rectify this after lockdown.

“When I was in surgery they were able to see that microscopic cancer cells were visible in the first lymph node.

“So they really did catch it in time because otherwise it really could have spread all over my body.

“I am so grateful I was able to have the mastectomy in good time.

“There is no history of breast cancer in my family and I don’t smoke or drink much so I really was shocked when they made the diagnosis. I walk everywhere and have always been healthy. So it was a huge shock.

“Also, when you get a diagnosis and are a mother you worry about your illness having a detrimental effect on your children,

“I was determined to remain positive and not alllow myself too much stress or negative thinking. I just made the decision that I was going to try to have some quality of life for as long as I am here, especially for my boys.

“I made friends with another woman on the ward who was also waiting for a mastectomy and we were actually laughing and having the craic, which helped us stay sane and positive waiting for surgery and it was so good to talk to someone going through the same thing,

“It’s very important to me to advocate for Cancer Focus, who can put others in touch after a diagnosis, although it is obviously more difficult to have support groups at the moment due to Covid.

“I have had so much love and support from the people around me. These days I am feeling fantastic.”

Shauna’s message to other young women is to check your breasts regularly for any irregularities, know what is normal for you, and if you notice any changes in your breasts and are concerned by this do not hesitate to see your GP.

“Cancer Focus have a great slogan: ‘If in doubt, get it checked out. If I can help even one woman to find the courage to come forward and get tested it’s worth it.”

The latter charity, which supports women through diagnosis, treatment and beyond have just launched a new campaign urging women to have a girls night in and raise money for its support services. They are also concerned to emphasise that breast cancer, although most common among the older demographic, can also affect young women.

Rosie Forsythe, community fundraising manager, Cancer Focus NI, said: “This is such a good cause and a great way to raise money for a local charity. One in ten women in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.

“We know that there is a great need for more support among younger women in our community who have been diagnosed. With the money raised from the girls’ night in events, we plan to provide a unique new six week service that will give women a chance to speak to experts on a wide range of topics such as infertility and sexual relationships, as well as to meet others in a similar situation.

“The young women we want to help are at a stage in their lives where they may be making big life choices, such as marriage and starting a family. A breast cancer diagnosis can dramatically change all their hopes and plans for the future. It is vital we have the best possible support in place for these women, especially now when there are so many other stresses and difficulties in life because of Covid. We have a host of fundraising ideas. Do whatever you and your friends enjoy doing – and ask for a donation to Cancer Focus NI. It could be a girly movie, pamper party, pyjama party, pizza treats or dinner evenings – all within government social distancing guidelines, of course. It’s the perfect reason to have a good time with the girls. And share your girls’ night in on social media.”