A mum-of-two who was told by a GP she was "too young" for breast cancer and that her symptoms were "probably just hormones" has been diagnosed with the disease. Lauren Ratcliffe, 36, from Corby, Northamptonshire, first found a lump in her breast at the end of June and booked a doctor's appointment.
The teaching assistant said the GP examined her but "didn't think it was anything sinister" and suggested the lump was hormonal because her period was due. Lauren felt "fobbed off" and was told she was "too young for it to be anything serious anyway".
Second opinion led to diagnosis
After her cycle, the lump was still there, so her husband Andy, 41, urged her to go back and get a second opinion. When she saw a different doctor, she was referred to a breast clinic and later diagnosed with breast cancer following an ultrasound, biopsy and two mammograms at Kettering General Hospital in August. The cancer has also been found in her armpit.
Lauren, who is mum to Tyler, 16, and Chloe, 12, said life has been "really tough" since the diagnosis. She said: "I feel like I'm going through all the emotions and everyone has good and bad days."
Family history and treatment ahead
Lauren, who has a strong family history of breast cancer, is now the fifth woman in her family to have the disease and the youngest. She said chemotherapy is likely to shrink the cancer, followed by an operation.
She said: "I've reached the point where I've accepted what's happening and I just want treatment to start so I can get on the road to recovery."
Warning to others and fundraising appeal
Lauren urged others to check themselves monthly and not to take "no" for an answer. She said: "Any lump should be referred to hospital for further investigation. If you feel you're being ignored, go back and get a second opinion."
A GoFundMe page has been set up by her husband to help with the financial impact of her treatment. Lauren said the support gives her strength to fight, adding: "It gives me that boost to fight, which is amazing."
