World Cancer Day - Julie's story

This World Cancer Day we are sharing Julie’s story, a specialist teacher from Lydd, who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2023, at the age of 47.

Julie said: “I had never really checked my breasts for signs of breast cancer, there’s no history of cancer in my family and so I didn’t think I needed to. One day I just happened to drop a cloth and as I bent over to pick it up, my hand brushed my breast and I noticed a lump.

“I’m fortunate that I noticed it when I did, because I was quickly diagnosed with being in the early stages of an aggressive form of breast cancer.

“Being told you have cancer is very scary. Being told you need chemotherapy is very scary. What you don’t know in those early stages, is that there is an incredible team there to support you every step of the way, and you can even find yourself making friends and becoming a part of a new community.

“For me, my experience of having cancer was positive. I was very lucky to not experience many side effects from chemotherapy. I lost my hair but I wasn’t unwell, and I was still able to work and continue life as normal.

“One of the big things for me was being listened to. Cancer was affecting me, it was affecting my body. I might share the same diagnosis as other women but we are all unique and our care should reflect that.

“I can’t stress enough how important it was for me to feel listened to, and I’m so grateful that the team of people looking after me, including my clinical nurse specialist, Vanessa Potter, always took the time to listen to me, and give me personalised care.”

Now cancer-free, Julie is a part of the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance as a patient partner, giving her the opportunity to help make improvements to our cancer services.  She is also involved in Breast Cancer Now, taking part in studies and research groups, and has recently trained to become a Public Health Volunteer.

She said: “I have really found my community since having cancer. I’ve made friendships through Instagram and also going to events held by Cancer in Common, a small charity that holds get-togethers across the UK for people who have had cancer. We can all celebrate life together, while understanding what we’ve all been through.

For more information about breast cancer and how to check your breasts or chest, please visit the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/how-to-check-your-breasts-or-chest/. If you notice anything unusual, please contact your GP.