Laura Rowley, a 43-year-old woman from South Brent, Devon, experienced lactation despite not being pregnant, which turned out to be a symptom of breast cancer. She initially felt embarrassed about the discharge from her right nipple and was prescribed hormone medication, but the symptom persisted. After noticing dimpling on the same breast, she was referred to a breast unit. The moment she removed her bra, the doctors' expressions confirmed her worst fears.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Medics discovered a tumour, which was biopsied and confirmed as Grade 2 HER2-negative breast cancer. Laura underwent a mammoplasty to remove the cancerous tissue and a reconstruction in a single three-hour operation, along with the removal of six lymph nodes. She then received 10 sessions of radiotherapy and five booster sessions. Laura is now recovering and hopes to return to work soon as an apprenticeships business development officer.
Early Symptoms Overlooked
Laura first noticed the lactation in mid-2025 and visited her GP. Initially, it was dismissed as elevated prolactin levels, and she was referred to an endocrinologist. However, the medication made her feel unwell and failed to stop the lactation. In September 2025, she returned to her GP, who found a lump during a breast examination and referred her to the Primrose Breast Care Centre at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.
Laura said: "I could see by everyone's face as soon as I removed my bra that they knew what it was. The doctor said there was a 99% chance it was cancer, but I held onto that 1% chance it wasn't." The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.
Surgery and Recovery
On November 6, 2025, Laura had surgery at Derriford Hospital and was discharged the same day with strong painkillers. Radiotherapy followed in January, along with vitamin B12 injections to combat exhaustion. She was also prescribed tamoxifen to block oestrogen, which was feeding the tumour. The hormone blockers pushed her into early menopause, causing hot flushes, fatigue, and brain fog.
Laura and her husband Jamie, 54, who previously battled kidney cancer in 2009, have no children together, but Laura is a proud stepmother to his two children. Jamie supported Laura throughout her journey, drawing on his own experience.
Raising Awareness
Laura now wants to raise awareness that breast cancer symptoms can be unusual, such as lactation and dimpling, not just a lump. She urges people to speak up and get checked. Manveet Basra, associate director of public health, inclusion and awareness at Breast Cancer Now, emphasised the importance of regular breast checking and being aware of changes like nipple discharge, dimpling, or changes in size or shape. She said checking your breasts is as easy as TLC: Touch, Look, and Check.
