An inspirational NHS nurse is urging women to get their unusual symptoms checked after receiving her own devastating breast cancer diagnosis.
In 2016, alcohol care team lead Jessica Beck found an unusual lump in her left breast while showering.
With 12 years’ experience working within the NHS, she decided to have the lump checked by her GP, who referred her to the specialist team at The James Cook University Hospital.
Following tests and medical investigations, Jessica was diagnosed with stage 3b grade 2 breast cancer in February 2016.
When Jessica, now 48, was told she had breast cancer, she was ‘devastated’.
She said: “My children were aged nine and four years at the time. Being so young, I felt that I was alone, as we always associate breast cancer with women over 50.”
According to a study, most women are unaware of breast cancer symptoms beyond a lump, with less awareness of other signs such as nipple discharge, skin thickening and changes in breast size or shape.
This was the same problem faced by Jessica, as she was unaware of the other symptoms of breast cancer.
She said: “I was aware of some of the signs of breast cancer, mainly a lump and inverted nipple, but was not aware of many of the other symptoms. I think we all think it has to be a lump.”
The Guisborough resident underwent intense chemotherapy for six months and a mastectomy, a surgical procedure to remove her left breast and the cancerous lymph nodes in her breast.
Jessica then went on to have three weeks of radiotherapy, followed by her ovaries being removed – as a precaution due to the extent of her cancer.
The treatment did not end here as she had her breast removed and had to undergo a double breast reconstruction in 2017.
She said: “The initial fallout of such a diagnosis and gruelling treatment regimens can turn your world upside down, but I had a good support network with family, friends and the breast team.
I have been left with lymphedema in my left arm due to surgery and radiotherapy, so I have to wear a compression sleeve 24/7 and am supported by the lymphedema nurses at Teesside Hospice for this.
“I made a promise to myself that breast cancer would not define me or dictate my life.”
Jessica has made significant progress in her health over the years and is now urging women and men to get their symptoms checked and is raising awareness about breast cancer.
She added: “Never ignore any signs or symptoms of breast cancer, know your body and see your GP with any change. Early detection saves lives.
“To all those affected, it doesn’t just affect you physically and emotionally, but it also drains your mental health. Once you have gone through treatment, you will look back and realise that it was all worth it to be here to enjoy life with your children, family and friends.”
As a way to raise vital funds, Jessica has also fundraised around £1,000 participating in the Pretty Muddy event in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Breast clinical nurse specialist at James Cook, Charlotte Day said: “It is inspiring to learn more about Jessica’s journey, and I would like to thank her for sharing her story.
“It is vital for individuals to come forward as soon as they suspect something is wrong and contact their GPs.
“I would also urge women who get their invite for a breast screening to go without fail as early detection of cancers results in better treatment outcomes.”
Visit the NHS website for more information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.