WEST Belfast woman Shauna Benson says booking in with Action Cancer for breast screening saved her life.
The 48-year-old mother-of-two and lawyer from Mount Eagles is speaking publicly for the first time about her health experience because she wants other women to go and get breast screening.
The new Action Cancer ambassador went along for a mammogram, not because of any symptoms, but on the advice of family and older women in her friendship circle “for peace of mind”.
“I didn't have a care in the world,” Shauna said.
“Action Cancer were back to me within a week of the mammogram and from there I was seen at the City Hospital.”
Eventually the words “it’s early stage cancer”, “it’s treatable”, “it’s manageable” were ringing in her ears and she was told a care plan, an operation, radiotherapy, and referral to a social worker would follow.
“I remember asking, ‘pure, real cancer?’ and couldn't believe it.”
Shauna was running for West Belfast Coolers and swimming twice a week, plus eating very well, not smoking, not drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs, and had no history of breast cancer in her family, so she was stunned to be diagnosed.
Shauna believes that it shows cancer can happen to anyone.
“Early detection is so important,” she said. “The consultant said the lump was so far back and behind tissue I never would have felt it.
“If it hadn't been detected I wouldn’t be here today.
“I was 46 so I wasn't due to be called for another four years. I wouldn’t have seen four years.
“The treatment was all over and done in three months. I am now on two types of medication. It just completely turns your whole life around.”
The solicitor added: “It is a tiredness you can't explain. Your mind wants to go out and do everything but your body can't. If I am not having a great day I can just work from home in my pyjamas.”
Action Cancer says its screening is for “well women” who have no signs or symptoms and is the most effective tool for picking up cancers at an early and treatable stage.
At present the health service calls women for breast screening from the ages of 50-70, something Shauna thinks might need to be changed.
“The Trust should be doing it for us,” she said.
“I know of a number of people who have had breast cancer under 50, including one young girl in her 30s. It’s shocking. You are brought for cervical cancer screening sooner. Why can it not be earlier?
"The bottom line is my family, my husband and daughters could be looking at a very different situation today if I hadn't gone for that early screening. I am here for them. Early detection saves lives.”
Action Cancer offers screening to women aged 40-49 and 70+ and encourages women aged 50-70 to attend for routine screening when called by the health service.
“I have used loads of Action Cancer services including their Positive Living programme, therapies, counselling, and meeting others in similar positions.
“I had never been for counselling in my life, because you don’t think you need it. It has been brilliant.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among females in the North accounting for 30 per cent of all cancer diagnoses among women.
Action Cancer says the latest statistics show 1,513 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and sadly 310 die from the disease every year.
“For the sake of five or 10 minutes to get a mammogram that might save your life why wouldn’t you just get it done?"
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month so there is a focus on encouraging at home breast checks, professional breast screening or simply speaking to a health care professional if you have any concerns about your health.
Shauna is a keen runner and wants readers to help her raise some funds for Action Cancer on top of the £5,000 raised by Sarsfields GAC in West Belfast, the club her daughters play for, by marathon participation.
“The Coolers are such a great bunch of people,” she said.
“We are going to dress up in pink and do the 5K in the Falls Park. So we are going to join in and welcome others to wear pink, and bring a wee bun for afters if they want.
“It’s not even just about the money, the awareness is as important. I am trying to encourage other people to go and get the early screening done."
For more visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/shauna-benson-1
AMANDA'S STORY
"A few of my girlfriends and friends of friends were diagnosed with breast cancer, and had mastectomies in their 30s and 40s, so when I was turning 40 I decided it was time to put my big girl pants on, take my bra off, and get a mammogram done with Action Cancer.
The process was simple and efficient, and I got the all clear.
I booked in with them again at 45, and then got word back I was being referred to the Belfast Trust.
I went through various hospital checks and procedures and was told the lump I had was a non-cancerous fibroadenoma.
Over the course of the next year the lump was painful so I spoke to the excellent doctors and nurses again. The decision was made to remove it due to a very slight increased risk, leaving me with a minor scar and major relief.
I am still too young to be called for health service breast screening, so will book in again with Action Cancer before I reach 50.
I covered Action Cancer's costs myself, and that means it’s helping with the cost of screening for other women.
No-one is left behind, and really we are all part of a big girl gang so if you can make a contribution why wouldn’t you?"
