New Breast Cancer Battle for Pauline Flood from Bangor as she urges women to check for changes
Pauline Flood, who’s a former Comber High School teacher, was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer aged 42 and remained cancer-free for 34 years.
Now aged 76, Pauline was saddened to learn last month that the disease has returned and she is now living with Stage Three Breast Cancer.
Pauline, who’s from Bangor, was one of the first women in Northern Ireland to take part in the roll out of Breast Cancer treatment drug, Zoladex, for pre-menopausal women, which works by switching off the production of oestrogen and prevents the patients having irreversible surgical removal or irradiation of the ovaries.
Pauline is using Breast Cancer Awareness Month to remind women of the importance of knowing their own bodies, checking for changes and contacting their GP if they have any concerns.
Pauline recalled how in 1992 she was teaching at the time and was aware of discomfort in her right breast, close to her armpit.
Pauline said: “I remember being so glad to get my tight clothes off at the end of the day. I could feel that the area was becoming more painful.
“I attended a Well Woman clinic in Bangor, where I underwent a health check and was asked if I had anything unusual to report.
“I mentioned a lump in my breast and was immediately referred to the Ulster Hospital, where a biopsy was carried out
“The Doctor said that I would have to have a partial mastectomy or full mastectomy and I remember asking, ‘When will that be?’ and he replied, “Tomorrow.”
Pauline spent nine days in hospital and explained how much of a relief it was to have the painful lump removed.
She shared how her first Breast Cancer diagnosis was a distinct feeling of uncomfortableness around the breast, however this time there has been no pain at all.
Pauline said: “The second lump appeared quite quickly and it is quite pronounced. For any woman, I would say check your breasts, check for changes. Go for mammograms.”
Early detection of Breast Cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery. It is important to be ‘Breast Aware’ and proactive about breast health. Key symptoms to be aware of include:
Lump or thickening in the breast: A noticeable lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area can be a potential sign of Breast Cancer. It is important to carry out regular self-examinations and attend clinical screening appointments for detecting possibly changes.
Changes in breast size or shape: Any unexplained changes in the size or shape of the breast should be brought to the attention of a healthcare professional. This includes asymmetry between the breasts or sudden changes in contour.
Changes in skin texture: Skin changes such as redness, dimpling, or puckering may indicate an underlying issue. Pay close attention to any alterations in the skin’s appearance.
Nipple changes: Changes in the nipple, such as inversion, sudden discharge (other than breast milk), or changes in its appearance, should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
Swelling or distortion: Swelling, distortion, or changes in the appearance of the breast that are not attributed to normal factors should be investigated further.
Breast Cancer is not limited to women, men can also develop Breast Cancer too, though it is less common. It is essential for everyone to be vigilant and seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes in their breast health.
Pauline praised the care she has received from the South Eastern Trust Breast Care Team as she waits to have a mastectomy.
Pauline added: “The staff have been lovely, they are excellent.
“I remember when I was diagnosed and went through treatment the first time, my husband David and I would have gone up to the Golf Club that we were social members of. I had appeared in the papers having had taken part in the Zoladex trial.
“Women came up to me and said, ‘Oh I had it years ago but I never mentioned it to anybody. You are the first person to come out and speak about it. Women are now talking more about their Breast Cancer diagnosis and I think that they should.
