A GP and single mother from Scotland has issued a powerful plea for women to trust their instincts after her own breast cancer was missed during an initial examination.
A Mother's Instinct Proved Right
Clare Whitney, a 45-year-old GP from Dumfriesshire, first discovered a small lump in her left breast during the summer of 2022. As a health professional familiar with breast cancer symptoms, she sought medical advice but was initially told there was 'nothing of concern'.
Despite this reassurance, Clare could not shake the feeling that something was wrong. Acting on her gut instinct, she returned to hospital 18 months later. Further investigations, including an MRI scan in January 2024, revealed a shocking truth: cancerous lumps were present in both of her breasts.
Rapid Treatment and Personal Insight
Facing the diagnosis as a single mother to two young children, aged seven and ten, Clare moved swiftly into a practical mode. Her treatment was aggressive; she underwent a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on February 28, 2024, followed by a five-day course of radiotherapy in April that same year.
Clare admits that her medical knowledge was a double-edged sword during her ordeal. While it helped her understand the procedures and recovery timelines, 'nothing could prepare' her for the profound exhaustion that followed radiotherapy.
A New Perspective on Patient Care
The experience has fundamentally changed Clare's approach to her work. She has since moved from her role as a GP partner, which involved running a practice, to a salaried position with fixed hours, allowing her a better work-life balance and time to be there for her children.
She now feels a deeper connection with her patients' anxieties. Remarkably, her first patient upon returning to work was a woman presenting with a breast lump. Clare states that her journey has given her a greater understanding of the stress and uncertainty patients face, making her more empathetic in her consultations.
Her key message is unequivocal: 'Listen to your own body'. She urges anyone who notices a change, even after being given an all-clear, to persist and get checked again. Clare's story underscores the critical importance of patient advocacy and the value of a second opinion in cancer diagnosis.
