If Jane McNiven (63), a GP Practice Manager from Alexandria, hadn’t checked her breasts in front of a mirror at home, she may never have known she had breast cancer and might have missed out on a year filled with precious family moments, and many more still to come.
Just over a year ago, Jane was lying in bed when she noticed something didn’t feel quite right when she lay on her side. It felt like a small lump, but when she stood up, it disappeared. Trusting her instincts, Jane decided to check her breasts properly in the mirror.
Standing face on and placing her hands around her neck, she could clearly see that something looked different in her right breast.
“It would have been completely undetectable if I hadn’t checked in front of the mirror,” said Jane.
“I am so glad I did, because otherwise I would have just carried on as normal, completely unaware that anything was wrong.”
Jane contacted her GP and was quickly referred to the Breast Clinic at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for scans and a biopsy.
“It all happened very quickly. I was told I would need surgery followed by chemotherapy. It was a huge rollercoaster of emotions, but I felt grateful that I had found the lump early and that treatment could start straight away.”
Following surgery, Jane felt well enough to continue working between treatments.
“I was very fortunate to feel relatively well physically, but cancer also brings a mental and emotional load. I decided to focus on looking after my health and getting on with life as much as I could.”
Jane and her family are passionate dog lovers and, just before her diagnosis, she had taken on two new puppies bringing her total to four Scottish Highland Terriers (Scotties): Edward, Ebony, Tromie and Dugald.
“My family and the dogs kept me going. I walked them every day, which really helped keep my fitness levels up. I then decided to start walking to raise money for cancer charities.”
Jane’s granddaughters, Daphne (11) and Evie (9), also wanted to help. They organised a school fundraiser through the charity event Scotties in the City, raising money for Maggie’s, the cancer support charity. Earlier this year, the girls attended Crufts, where they were awarded the Young Person’s Award in recognition of their fundraising efforts.
“Going to Crufts is really special for our family, and seeing the girls recognised for their fundraising was one of my proudest moments,” said Jane.
“It’s something I might never have experienced if I hadn’t checked my breasts, been diagnosed early and received treatment.”
Now recovering and looking to the future, Jane is determined to share her message with others.
“I urge everyone to check their breasts regularly. Look, feel, and know what’s normal for you. Even if you attend regular screening or have recently been given an all-clear, changes can still happen in between.
“Checking my breasts, especially looking in the mirror, saved my life. Please make it something you do for yourself.”
Rosemary Stevens, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:
“Jane’s story is a reminder of why being breast aware is so important. Breast screening can save lives, but it is also vital that people also know how their breasts normally look and feel and check for changes in between screening appointments. Also, this is important for women who may not yet have reached the routine screening age of 50.
“Checking your breasts doesn’t need to take long and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. NHS Inform advises looking at your breasts in the mirror with your arms by your sides and then raised, and feeling all areas of the breast, up to the collarbone and into the armpit, using both light and firmer pressure. What matters most is getting to know what’s normal for you.
“If you notice any change, whether it’s a lump, a change in shape, skin texture, nipple position or discharge, please contact your GP practice without delay. Finding cancer early often means treatment is more straightforward and outcomes are better.”
Changes in breasts to be aware of are:
- a lump or bump, or an area of thickened tissue on one or both breasts
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- a lump or swelling in either armpit
- skin on either breast that looks like orange peel
- crusting on or around either nipple
- a leaking nipple, that may or may not include blood
- dimples on your breast, or skin that’s become drawn in
- a nipple that’s become turned in
For more information on checking your breasts visit:
For more information on NHSGGC cancer screening visit: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/public-health/public-health-screening/adult-screening-programmes/
