I thought I needed a new bra, not surgery
WALK TO RAISE AWARENESS OF DISEASE Mum reveals her shock after breast cancer diagnosis
The mum of two was diagnosed with the disease last November after being called for a routine mammogram.
The mark under her breast disappeared after she underwent both surgery and radiotherapy.
And now Pauline aims to do everything she can to help people spot early signs of the disease.
Pauline, 54, from Glasgow, said: “I had what looked like a red blotch under my breast, which I thought might be caused by the wire in my old bras.
“I threw my bras out and got some nice new ones but the red mark kept getting bigger and bigger.”
Pauline attended her local GP who told her he wasn’t concerned. But she was advised her local breast screening service was offering early screening to women living in her area.
She said: “I was asked if I could go for a mammogram a year early and when I did, it showed a tumour in my breast.
“I had no symptoms of the disease at all – apart from this mysterious red mark. I felt fit and healthy and I could feel no lump.
“I was lucky it was so small when it was discovered – and I’m in no doubt that things could have been very different if I hadn’t been called for screening when I was.”
Pauline says her family were well aware of the importance of early detection for cancer.
She lost her younger brother David, 21, to a brain tumour 30 years ago.
She said: “David was only 16 when he was diagnosed, af ter months of being physically sick.
“Because he didn’t suffer headaches, no one was looking for a brain tumour all those years ago – and by the time they operated to remove the tumour, it was too advanced and they couldn’t get it all.”
Pauline, who is married to husband Paul and has sons Calum, 23, and Connor, 15, found walking a great therapy while recovering from her treatment.
Later this month, she will be joined by family and friends to take part in the first night- time Pink Ribbonwalk held in Scotland to raise funds for Breast Cancer Care. The walk, on Saturday, June 25, gives those taking part the option of following a five, 10 or 20-mile route through Glasgow, passing landmarks including the Clyde Arc (Squinty Bridge), Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Royal Concert Hall.
Around 700 people are expected to take part in a bid to help support those with breast cancer.
Emma Claridge, Pink Ribbonwalk manager for Breast Cancer Care, said: “We’re really excited to introduce our first ever Glasgow at Night Pink Ribbonwalk.
“We can’t wait to catch up with some familiar faces that took part in the Scone Palace walk last year and welcome the new walkers joining us in Glasgow.
“It will be so much more than just a night out.
“On the night you’ll be cheered along the way, get to add your personal message to the ribbon tunnel and receive a goody bag and a hot meal at the finish.
“You will also be given a medal and T-shirt as a souvenir of the walk. And, best of all, you will make a real difference for everyone affected by breast cancer.”