Unusual Symptom Uncovered by Pet
Lesley Goodburn, a resident of Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, attributes the early detection of her lobular breast cancer to an unexpected interaction with her dog, Gertie. Two years ago, Gertie accidentally bumped into Ms. Goodburn's chest, leading her to notice an unusual ridge. This seemingly minor incident prompted her to seek medical attention, ultimately resulting in a diagnosis of lobular breast cancer.
Ms. Goodburn has spent over a decade advocating for cancer awareness since her husband's passing. However, she admits that she might have overlooked this particular symptom without her dog's intervention. Lobular breast cancer, which accounts for approximately 15% of breast cancer diagnoses, often does not present as a typical lump, making it challenging to detect.
Understanding Lobular Breast Cancer
According to Ms. Goodburn, who is now cancer-free, lobular breast cancer originates in the milk-producing lobules and frequently manifests as a ridge rather than a distinct lump. She emphasized that symptoms can be varied and subtle, including itching, tingling, pulling sensations, dimpling, or changes in skin texture. Unlike other forms of breast cancer, it can be difficult to identify through standard mammograms, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses.
Following her diagnosis, Ms. Goodburn underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy before achieving remission. She firmly believes that Gertie played a crucial role in saving her life, stating, "Without a shadow of a doubt, Gertie saved my life. Without that bash, I would never have realised there was a ridge there. I would never have gone to the doctors."
Raising Awareness and Advocacy
Lobular Breast Cancer UK reports that around 8,400 individuals are diagnosed with this condition annually. The organization notes that the cancer's growth pattern, often in straight lines or single cells, makes it less visible on imaging tests like mammograms. While there are no specific treatments solely for lobular breast cancer, existing therapies are effective.
Ms. Goodburn has a long history of fundraising and advocacy, having raised over £50,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK in memory of her husband, Seth, who passed away in 2014. She has now joined Lobular Breast Cancer UK to encourage others to seek medical advice if they notice any unusual changes in their bodies. "If you feel like something's wrong, go and get it checked out," she advises, emphasizing the potential life-saving impact of early detection.
Source: BBC News