OVER TO YOU

We asked our Prima panel to share what helped them…

Elaine, 57: ‘I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 46, but I never thought I would die. My advice would be to prepare for chemo by keeping a diary of side-effects and how you feel.’

Ann, 76: ‘At my breast cancer diagnosis five years ago, the consultants and nurses went to great trouble to explain every stage of my treatment, which helped me stay positive. Have faith in your doctors and try to remain positive.’

Mary, 68: ‘I was 56 when a routine mammogram picked up my cancer. My mum had breast cancer when she was 60, had a mastectomy and lived with good health until she was 94. Having seen Mum’s successful recovery allowed me to feel optimistic about my own outcome.’

Melanie, 43: ‘I was diagnosed in 2020 after finding a lump. Some weeks and months were harder than others, but my five-year-old son gave me a reason to get up every day. My family were a great support, as were the school mums in my son’s class who were a huge cheer group for me.’

• If you’d like to join our Prima reader panel, sign up at hearst-panel.co.uk