A young mother has bravely revealed her harrowing experience after being repeatedly told by doctors that her painful breast lump was simply a blocked milk duct – when in reality it was an aggressive form of breast cancer.
Jade Baldwin, 29, first noticed symptoms while breastfeeding her newborn son. Despite multiple visits to her GP, medical professionals assured her the issue was merely a common breastfeeding complication. "I was in excruciating pain, but they kept saying it was normal," Jade recalls.
The Devastating Truth
After months of worsening symptoms, Jade demanded further tests. The shocking diagnosis? Stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma – a fast-growing cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes.
"When they finally told me it was cancer, my world collapsed," says Jade. "All those months of being fobbed off could have cost me my life."
A Warning to Others
Jade's case highlights a dangerous gap in medical awareness. Breast cancer symptoms in new mothers are frequently mistaken for breastfeeding-related issues. Experts warn this can lead to delayed diagnosis when early detection is crucial.
Key symptoms women should never ignore:
- Persistent lumps that don't resolve
- Unusual nipple discharge (especially bloody)
- Skin dimpling or texture changes
- Unexplained breast pain
- Sudden size or shape changes
Fighting for Change
Now undergoing gruelling chemotherapy, Jade is campaigning to improve cancer awareness among healthcare professionals treating new mothers. "No woman should have to fight for a diagnosis," she says tearfully.
Her message to other mums? "Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, keep pushing for answers."
