Breast check routine that saved Tracey's life

AFTER her mother was successfully treated for breast cancer, Tracey Ward was determined to ensure she would be alert to any changes in her own breasts.

Each week while in the shower, Tracey, aged 42, from Wombwell, carried out a simple examination to check for lumps or anything that felt or looked unusual .

And years later that vigilance and attention to detail paid off. Doctors say that finding an aggressive form of cancer at an early stage has, without doubt, saved her life.

Now the mum-of-one is determined to spread the word about the need for women to regularly examine their breasts, a message which is especially apt as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"I see it as my mission to encourage women to become breast aware," said Tracey.

"I check week by week as you should know what your breasts feel like before , during and the week after your period," she said.

Tracy's cancer journey began on an ordinary day last December when she was carrying out her usual checks and came across a lump in her right breast.

She didn't hesitate to act and saw her family doctor who thought it was unlikely to be sinister but to be on the safe side referred her for tests.

Hospital doctors thought at first it was probably harmless but the test results revealed that she did in fact have breast cancer.

Results for the pathology lab showed the cancer was an aggressive type which can spread fast and affects between 15 and 20 percent of patients.

In Tracey's case her lump appeared very quickly and then it disappeared a few days later, so it could easily have been missed.

"My oncologist said the checks and knowing my own body so well has saved my life," said Tracey." If I'd left it I would have had only a year to live."

She is in the midst of treatment but having a close and supportive family makes a difference.

Daughter Caroline, 14, a keen singer, is supporting her mum and other women by breast cancer by raising vital funds.

Caroline is a member of Stephanie King's Stars of the Future, which showcases talented youngsters and has been an inspiration to her mum in the way she's coped with the diagnosis and has been supportive through the treatment.

Recently Caroline sang at their local Asda store in aid of the Tickled Pink campaign for Breast Cancer, watched by a crowd including her proud mum and Stephanie, to help raise money as October is breast cancer month.

"She is like me in character and when there's a problem we take the view you've got to take the view that you get on with things and you cope with them," said Tracey.

Stephanie is also full of praise for Caroline for her positive attitude and hard work.

In the nine months since her diagnosis Tracey's had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

She's been through chemotherapy and is now having the breast cancer drug Herceptin every three weeks, a treatment that will last until next August.

After this she will take tamoxifen for five years.

Sickness and exhaustion have been some of the side-effects of treatment and she has also lost her hair and gained weight through taking steroids.

But Tracey is upbeat and says that she has always been blessed with a practical and a positive attitude to life.

"I'm a bit of a party animal and feel that worry is a waste of energy and that I could use that energy for something more positive.

"People said they hoped I wouldn't change and I don't think it has although it has made me realise what was important in life," she added.

Vital checks that can keep you alive. Next page.Breast Cancer Campaign wants women to be familiar with their breasts' look and feel.

Understand how your breasts may change during the month and also as you get older.

Follow the five-point breast awareness code

Know what is normal for you;

Look and feel;

Know what changes to look for

Report changes without delay

Attend routine breast screening if you are over 50.

Changes to look for include:

A lump or thickening which is different to the rest of the breast tissue and continuous pain in one part of the breast or armpit.

One breast becomes larger or lower than the other one.

A nipple becomes inverted or changes shape or position.

Skin changes including puckering or dimpling.

Swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone.

A rash on or around the nipple.

Discharge from one or both nipples

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