Breast Cancer Awareness

Introduction to Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a serious disease that affects thousands of people every year. Two women from Margate, who were diagnosed with breast cancer, are urging people to understand the symptoms and have the courage to stand up for themselves when their concerns are ignored by doctors.

Eve Ross’s Story

Eve Ross, a 26-year-old kindergarten teacher, went to her doctor in January 2024 after discovering a small lump in her armpit. She was told it was just a cyst, but within three months the tumor had grown "to the size of a golf ball". The doctor dismissed it as inflammation, despite her severe pain. Eve said, “I was in so much pain at night that I screamed,” but the doctor didn’t give her any painkillers. She had to go to the emergency room and it took five months and four doctors before she was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.

Treatment and Aftermath

Eve underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and radiotherapy. Although she is now cancer-free, she said she felt “betrayed” by some of the medical professionals she interacted with. Eve is angry and wants to publish her story to raise awareness. She advises people to know their body and urge their doctor if they feel something is wrong. If the doctor doesn’t listen, find someone else, she says.

Victoria Riley-Sanford’s Story

Victoria Riley-Sanford, a 31-year-old woman, was diagnosed with breast cancer this year. She found a small lump in her breast and went to the doctor, but the doctor couldn’t feel the lump and told her it was hormonal. Victoria said medical staff continued to dismiss her concerns during a scan until she "threw a tantrum" and "burst into tears". Two weeks later, she was told she had breast cancer and had undergone a single mastectomy. Victoria is relieved that she had the surgery, but she is disappointed that it took five months for her concerns to be heard.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

According to Breast Cancer UK, around 56,000 women and men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Symptoms include lumps in the breast, chest, or armpit, changes in breast shape, redness, rashes, or changes in texture, and pain that does not go away. It is essential to be aware of these symptoms and take action if you notice anything unusual.