Cancer patient holds event in Bourne to raise awareness of checking breasts

The importance of self-checking for cancer has been highlighted by a patient and the people who care about her.

Paula Harding discovered she had breast cancer in March and, having had the lump removed, is undergoing radiotherapy.

Although her cancer was picked up by a routine mammogram, the fact the lump in her breast grew from 12mm to 17mm in a month and resulted in cancerous nodes in her left armpit makes her keen people look out for signs in between NHS screenings.

On Friday (October 18), she arranged an awareness day at Wake House in Bourne, with support of her friends and colleagues from the Carers Sitter Service and Dementia Support South Lincs, as well as admin staff from the town centre venue.

Paula said: “The event was amazing thanks to the 60 or so who joined us, and especially thanks to senior breast care practitioner Nikita Copestake and nurse Elizabeth Stapleton who came along to talk to people.”

Nikita and Elizabeth, who are based at Peterborough City Hospital, brought along a mannequin with breasts that allowed them to demonstrate to people how to check for lumps.

As well as having a serious message, Paula’s event involved tea, cakes and goody bags in exchange for donations, and raised £460 for the Peterborough Breast Care Unit.

She said: “The nurses are like angels - so kind, patient and supportive, and my family and I were just so keen to say thank you.”

Paula also thanked friend and colleague Lindsay Ford for coming up with the idea of holding an awareness day at Wake House, Sara Banks for being her ‘right hand’ at work since her diagnosis, and her own daughters Angela Lawlor and Jack Barton, who have helped to take her to health appointments, since Paula’s husband has a debilitating heart condition.

“I consider myself extremely fortunate,” said Paula.

“Not only was my cancer picked up so it could be treated, but the breast care nurses have been superb in answering any questions I’ve had, with patience and understanding.

“The event is my way of thanking them.”