Steph Peacey, 28, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in August last year after she noticed that her left breast felt different-hard and full-and her nipple was inverted
A 28 year old woman experienced unexpected and subtle warning signs that led to a shocking diagnosis of one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. Steph Peacey initially ignored the changes in her breast, because she hadn’t detected an actual lump.
“My left breast felt different-hard and full-and my nipple was inverted,” she revealed. “I didn’t think it was serious. I thought cancer always came with a lump, and I was so wrong.”
It wasn’t until she noticed a cloudy discharge coming from her nipple that she decided to seek medical advice. After being sent to a specialised clinic for an ultrasound, a deep-set mass was discovered – not easily detectable through self-examination.
Following a three-week wait after a biopsy, Steph’s worst fears were confirmed.
“Everyone said: ‘You’re too young for cancer. It’s probably just a cyst.’ But deep down, I knew it was more serious,” reports Surrey Live.
In August, her fears were realised with a diagnosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer and the revelation of a mutated BRCA1 gene. Steph recalls the profound moment of learning her condition: “When the head of the breast unit entered the room, I knew something was wrong. Then came the words: Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It felt like the ground shifted beneath me. Shortly after, I learned that I have a mutated BRCA1 gene.”
Sheph added: “These genes normally act as tumour suppressors, but having a mutated version significantly raises the risk of breast cancer—by 45% to 85%—and ovarian cancer—by 10% to 46%.
“This is a hereditary condition, and genetic testing is often offered after a diagnosis of triple-negative breast or ovarian cancer to check for BRCA mutations.
“Before my diagnosis, I had never heard of this, and I believe more people need to be aware. Knowing about my BRCA1 mutation has not only influenced the type of surgery I’ll undergo but could also shape my entire treatment plan.”
Steph, who’s been forced to quit her job due to her health battle, opened up about the financial strain: “The benefits put in place by the government aren’t enough to comfortably support someone out of work due to illness, and sometimes, they’re even declined to people like me who really need them.” She’s launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with her living expenses.
Her aggressive treatment involves six months of chemotherapy to tackle the 3cm tumour, followed by surgery and radiotherapy.
Finding solace online, Steph has turned to TikTok to share her experience and spread awareness: “I didn’t know anything about breast cancer before this. I thought checking for lumps was enough. Now I tell everyone: It’s not just about lumps. If anything feels or looks different, go to the doctor.”
