An NHS doctor has bravely opened up about her cancer battle, crediting early detection for saving her life and stressing the importance of spotting one symptom that led her to seek medical advice. Dr Rekha Gupta, who wrote about her ordeal on the NHS health blog, realised something was amiss when she encountered a painful lump in her breast at the age of 33.
A seasoned GP in Leicester since 2006 with a focus on obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Gupta’s prompt action upon discovering the lump led to a grim prognosis – she was given only months to live. Miraculously, thanks to catching the disease early, she is now celebrating 29 years of being cancer-free.
“Imagine how nerve-racking it is to be told your life expectancy could be six months to one year,” she recounted. “I was 33. Even now, words can’t describe how I felt when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. I had none of the typical risk factors – I was young, I lived a healthy lifestyle, I had no family history of breast cancer.”
Dr Gupta’s journey to diagnosis began at a family planning session, where she casually mentioned a small but painful lump in her breast after being asked about any health concerns. Her doctor immediately referred her for urgent tests, reports Leicester Live.
“Fairly swiftly, I had an appointment where I was examined and had a biopsy, where a sample of cells were taken from my breast,” she recounted. “Just five days later, I heard the words no one ever wants to hear. It was an overwhelming shock, and my emotions were all over the place.”
A dedicated specialist care team laid out the treatment plan for Dr Gupta’s aggressive cancer type, detailing the potential side effects. Over a gruelling five-month period, she underwent a mastectomy to remove her breast, followed by intense chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions.
She went on to say: “My treatment was difficult, but I came out the other end and have been in remission for almost 29 years. I am so thankful to my immediate family who helped me to stay positive every step of the way. And to MacMillan Cancer Support nurses who gave me so much support and advice throughout my treatment.”
Check for symptoms
Dr Gupta emphasised the importance of self-awareness: “I know first-hand that age isn’t a bar to developing breast cancer, so this isn’t just something to think about when we’re older. From today, please get to know your own body, by regularly self-checking for lumps, changes or anything unusual. Check yourself after every period, or on a regular basis if you don’t have periods.”
She urged: “If you notice a lump, a change in size or shape or nipple discharge, it’s important to contact your GP surgery and get checked. If something doesn’t feel right, you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or hesitant about speaking up.
“I’m older and wiser, with more experience having worked in general practice for almost 20 years. Although pain isn’t a common symptom of breast cancer, I realise now that I should have booked an appointment to see my own GP when I found the lump in my breast,” she expressed. Learn more about symptoms to look out for and access advice about checking your breasts.
Breast screening
At 33, Dr Gupta was too young for breast screening, “but we are very fortunate to have quick and efficient screening services in England that investigate and rule out certain forms of cancer,” she said. Breast screening saves over 1,300 lives a year in the UK. If you’re aged 50 up to 71, you’ll be invited to your free breast screening appointment (mammogram) every three years.
She added: “Female staff will do the mammogram and explain everything that will happen, so there’s no need to feel nervous or uncomfortable.” Screening can detect cancers that are too small to see or feel – even if you don’t have any symptoms. Discover more about breast screening.
The significance of early diagnosis
Urging people to visit a doctor as soon as they notice any symptoms, Dr Gupta advised: “I know the thought of getting a cancer diagnosis is scary, but I strongly recommend you book and attend your screening appointment when invited. And talk to your GP surgery about lumps, symptoms or any worries.
“I am fortunate that my cancer was picked up at an early stage. Getting diagnosed early means you can get treatment straight away. And the earlier it’s spotted, the more likely we can go on to live a normal healthy life.”
Breast cancer and its symptoms
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in the UK. It can affect anyone, regardless of their background. The severity of breast cancer varies based on the size of the tumour, whether it has metastasised, and the overall health of the individual.
Mammograms, or breast screenings, can detect breast cancer at an early stage when it may not be noticeable, increasing the chances of successful treatment. In some cases, breast cancer can spread to other areas of the body, which is referred to as secondary breast cancer.
There’s separate information about breast cancer in men. Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:
- a lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
- a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (may look like orange peel) or redness (may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
- a change in size or shape of one or both breasts
- nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
- a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)
- pain in your breast or armpit which does not go away – breast pain that comes and goes is usually not a symptom of breast cancer
It’s important to check your breasts regularly so you know what’s normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your breasts. See a GP if:
- you have a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
- you have any changes in your breasts or nipples that are not normal for you
- you have pain in your breast or armpit that does not go away
Certain symptoms, such as breast lumps, are quite common and can arise from various other conditions. Experiencing these symptoms doesn’t necessarily indicate breast cancer, but it’s crucial to consult a GP for a check-up. If cancer is the underlying cause of your symptoms, early detection can make treatment more manageable.
How to reduce your risk of getting breast cancer
The NHS says: “You cannot always prevent breast cancer, but going for breast screening when you are invited can help find cancers that are too small to see or feel. There are also things you can do to lower your chance of getting breast cancer.”
-
try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
-
try to lose weight if you are overweight
-
try to quit smoking
-
talk to your GP if you are worried about the affect the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy may have on your risk of breast cancer
