Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Son ‘dropped everything’ to be with mum Cancer survivor thanks to screening
An Airdrie man whose mum’s breast cancer was found early as a result of screening has spoken of what her survival has meant to him.
Thomas Small, 23, told his “My Survivor” story as part of the Detect Cancer Early survivors’ campaign to help change the way cancer is viewed, and encourage more people to act.
Thomas, who refers to his mum Christine as the “centre of the family”, spoke of his gratitude that she attended her screening appointment when invited.
Mum-of-three Christine, 57, originally from Coatbridge, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2016 after attending her second routine mammogram since turning 50.
The tumour was found early and treatment was successful, with surgery to remove the lump three weeks after diagnosis, followed by three weeks of radiotherapy.
Thomas said: “I was studying in London when my dad rang to tell me the news. I remember having an instant feeling of dread hearing the word cancer, but I spoke to my mum briefly who told me that once the tumour was removed she’d be fine.
“I dropped everything to go back to Scotland and be with her. She’s without doubt the centre of our family and the person we all turn to in times of need, so I just wanted to be there for her before she started her treatment.
“Although we were so worried, hearing it was treatable helped us deal with her diagnosis.
“We don’t dwell on what happened, and mum is back to supporting and looking after all of us.
“I’m so glad she chose not to shy away from her mammogram appointments, and to this day feel very lucky that she was diagnosed so early on.”
Research shows that fear of a potential cancer diagnosis continues to stop people acting, and the initiative aims to illustrate that more people are surviving cancer than ever before, and drive home that early detection plays a big part.
A new TV advert encourages people to join the movement by sharing what a loved one’s cancer survival has meant to them, using #MySurvivor in a bid to tell the other side of the story.
Women between the ages of 50 and 70 are invited for breast screening every three years. It is estimated that screening alone saves around 130 lives each year in Scotland, helping pick up tiny cancers that cannot be seen or felt, often when they are less advanced.
Christine added: “The diagnosis was a shock – even though breast cancer is so common, you never think you’ll be the person that gets it.
“The relief hearing the tumour was the size of a pinky fingertip and could be removed with surgery was huge.
“Your worry is always for those around you, but my husband and three children were a massive support.
“Even throughout the radiotherapy, life was practically able to carry on as normal and after a couple of months’ recovery, I was back at work.
“I’d encourage people not to ignore their screening invitations. As my experience shows, the earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat, and I’m very grateful it was found when it was.”
For more information visit getcheckedearly.org.
She chose not to shy away from her mammogram appointments. I feel very lucky that she was diagnosed so early on