Breast cancer survivor calls for regular checks (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Breast cancer survivor calls for regular checks ahead of Marble Hill's Pink Ribbonwalk

12:00pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Rachel Bishop

A Twickenham mother-of-three has survived breast cancer twice, and now wants to encourage others to check themselves regularly.

Maggie Bradley, of Hampton Road, was first diagnosed with breast cancer when she was pregnant with her second child. She initially thought the lump was hormonal so was shocked to discover it was breast cancer.

The 39-year-old said: “I was absolutely not expecting it, but the medical staff were very positive about the treatment and very reassuring. But of course cancer has a very horrible ring to it, and you do tend to assume the worst.

“It’s not at all a death sentence, but it’s easy to come to that conclusion.”

Being pregnant affected her treatment slightly as she could not have an MRI or Cat-scan but she had a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and her baby boy was born happy and healthy after being induced two weeks early.

She was not able to breast feed, but she says this was a small problem in the scheme of things.

The breast cancer returned in the same breast six years later, but this time the lump was smaller and easier to deal with and was completely removed.

She said: “I was a bit shocked because it was five years since the first one. I kind of was getting a bit of confidence that I was through that and that was the past.”

Mrs Bradley said she wants to raise awareness of the disease by taking part in the walk and encourages others to check their breasts regularly.

She said: “I was very lucky because I was not someone who checked my breasts regularly and I think the sooner you find something the sooner it is sorted out and the easier it is to treat, so there is a better chance of survival.”

She praised Breast Cancer Care for the information and support it provides for anyone touched by breast cancer and said she hoped more people would take part in the walk.

Mrs Bradley said her family was a great support to her throughout her treatment and her children, 10-year-old James, eight-year-old Douggie and five-year-old Isla, were a helpful distraction from what she was going through.

She will be walking with a group of friends who are all mothers at the school her children attend, who will be cheered on by their children and partners.

Visit pinkribbonwalk.org.uk.