Caitlin was just 24 when she felt something slightly unusual in her left breast. She went with her mum to the GP who referred her to the breast clinic at Huddersfield Royal infirmary. The doctor initially thought in his opinion that the thickened breast tissue felt normal, but thankfully Caitlin was sent for an Ultrasound scan to double check. This was followed by a mammogram and biopsy.

“Just over a year ago, I received the news that I had grade 2, triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma. Since my diagnosis, life has been a daunting whirlwind. Tests, scans and needles: it was all a completely different world. But it all happened so fast that I didn’t have time to take it in and process what was happening to me, mentally or physically”.

The NHS swung into action amazingly fast, with her first chemotherapy on New Years Eve 2024, starting just 28 days after diagnosis. Because of her age and before the Chemotherapy, she had to have quickly organised and intensive fertility treatment. On top of that, Caitlin was given Prostap injections to temporarily switch off ovarian function, inducing temporary menopause.

“…I feel I have been incredibly lucky: lucky to have had my concerns taken seriously, and lucky to have such an amazing support system around me, from my family and friends to the incredible healthcare professionals at each step of the way”.  

Five months of intensive weekly chemotherapy followed by two surgeries and 23 daily radiotherapy sessions. The last set of treatments is aimed at the HER2 protein gene, which is a receptor that can help cells (including cancer cells) grow aggressively. The treatment is called Kadcyla and is a targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer that works as an antibody-drug conjugate, delivering chemotherapy directly inside cancer cells to kill them while aiming to spare healthy tissue.

“I now feel it is my duty to spread awareness of the importance of knowing your body and understanding what’s normal, but also of taking action and advocating for yourself. It is daunting and it isn’t easy, but I’ve given myself the best possible chance by checking my chest and recognising changes. Ultimately what I want everyone to take away is the message;

KNOW YOUR NORMAL.

If your body has changed, if something’s not right, get it checked out. You’re not inconveniencing the doctors and health professionals, they are here to help. Do not let it slide! Be insistent. Nobody knows your body better than you.” xx