In July 2024, renowned television presenter Lorraine Kelly launched a nationwide breast cancer awareness campaign aimed at encouraging people of all genders to regularly check their chests for signs of cancer. The initiative featured informative Change and Check stickers placed in public changing rooms, detailing the symptoms to watch for.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK, around 55,000 women and roughly 400 men are diagnosed annually. While most cases occur in women over 50, younger individuals can also be affected.
One such person is 27-year-old Alex Reddington. Inspired by Lorraine’s campaign displayed at her workplace, Alex performed a self-breast exam at home and detected a lump. Sharing her story on social media, Alex revealed how the campaign helped her identify her tumour early.
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“So, this is how I found out I had cancer,” Alex began her video. “A few weeks ago, I saw the Lorraine show’s breast cancer awareness promotion at work, with signs in the bathroom explaining how to check your breasts.”
“That evening, I checked myself and found a lump in my lower left breast. It was an unfamiliar feeling that made me nervous, so I booked a doctor’s appointment,” she recounted.
Initially, her doctor dismissed the lump as a cyst but referred her for an ultrasound. Although the first radiologist seemed unconcerned, the ultrasound technician noticed something unusual, leading to a mammogram.
“I had three mammograms,” Alex said. “They then took biopsies from the tumour and lymph nodes after noticing swollen lymph nodes, one of which looked particularly concerning.”
The doctor eventually told Alex, “I think we’re looking at breast cancer,” a stark contrast to earlier, more dismissive assessments.
While waiting anxiously for biopsy results, Alex was informed within a week that she had breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. Accompanied by her father, who flew from the United States to support her, she received the diagnosis and was told treatment would begin immediately.
“My dad broke down in tears,” she shared emotionally. “He’s always been my biggest support.”
Now, Alex has begun chemotherapy and is preparing for surgery, including a mastectomy and lymph node removal.
Thanks to Lorraine Kelly’s campaign, Alex’s attentive response to early signs has put her on the path to fighting her cancer with timely care.