Denise Kearney was diagnosed with breast cancer after she felt a “hard” lump on her right breast when she was coughing in bed due to a chest infection
A grandmother insists her persistent smoker’s cough unexpectedly turned out to be a lifesaver after she discovered a lump in her chest that led to her breast cancer diagnosis. Denise Kearney, formerly a smoker of up to 40 cigarettes a week and who had been diagnosed with a chest infection, was coughing in bed when she clutched at her chest and felt a “hard” lump on her right breast.
Urged by intuition, Denise, 46, promptly opted for medical attention and was referred for a biopsy, leading to the discovery she had grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Vowing to face what comes with resolve, Denise has undergone two operations to remove the cancerous growth and lymph nodes, and is bracing herself for a 20-week chemotherapy plan.
Denise, who works as a pub cook in Orpington, Kent, said: “Smoking saved my life. If it wasn’t for the chest infection it could have been worse. It’s like a sign from above.”
Denise’s history with cysts meant she knew something was amiss when she felt her lump back in July 2024. Recounting the moment, Denise said: “I had a chest infection due to smoking. I couldn’t lie down properly. I was coughing and I crossed my chest and held my boobs. I felt a hard lump at the surface. I instinctively thought, ‘what is that?’.”
Denise wasted no time in seeing her GP and, following a prompt biopsy, she was given a definitive breast cancer diagnosis on July 24, 2024. Sharing the weight of the diagnosis, Denise confessed: “I held my breath for a long time. The world went foggy. It was so strange. I didn’t process it for a few days. When I got my surgery date through, I thought, ‘this feels real’.”
Denise underwent surgery to excise the 35mm tumour and further tests on some lymph nodes that had caught the doctors’ attention. Unfortunately, one tested positive for cancer, leading to a secondary procedure to remove a total of 20 lymph nodes.
Post-surgery, she’s had her dressings taken off and is gearing up for chemotherapy later this month. Speaking about her experience, Denise shared: “My boob looks like it is smiley. I’m really happy with the outcome.”
She kicked her smoking habit immediately after her cancer diagnosis, grateful for how it inadvertently led to an earlier detection. Denise now passionately advocates for regular breast checks and draws strength from her two daughters, Lauren, 26, and Molly, 17.
Stressing the importance of promptness in dealing with such health scares, Denise remarked: “Fast actions can save you from it getting worse.”
