Woman Urges Breast Cancer Awareness After Aggressive Diagnosis at 27

A persistent feeling of being run down and catching every bug going were the initial, subtle signs that led Natasha May, then 27, to discover she had an aggressive form of breast cancer. May, now 34, is sharing her story to emphasize the critical importance of regular self-checks and advocating for one's health, especially for younger women who may be told they are too young to have the disease.

In early 2020, May, a teacher, experienced unusual exhaustion and a general malaise. She initially attributed these symptoms to the demands of her job during the winter months. However, the situation escalated when she discovered a lump in her breast. Despite her concerns, when she contacted her GP practice, she claims a receptionist dismissed her worries, stating she was too young for breast cancer.

"Don't be ridiculous. You're 27. It'll be hormonal," May recalls being told. She was advised to call back in a month or two if the symptoms persisted. Unsettled by this response, May sought a second opinion from a private GP. While this doctor also expressed surprise that it could be cancer given her age and lack of family history, May's persistent conviction led to a referral to a breast clinic.

A week later, following a mammogram and ultrasound, her diagnosis was confirmed: stage one, grade three triple-negative breast cancer. This form of the disease is characterized by the absence of receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2, making it more challenging to treat and often associated with lower survival rates compared to other breast cancers. The five-year survival rate for triple-negative breast cancer is approximately 79%, versus about 91% for breast cancer overall.

May underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy between June and August 2020, followed by a lumpectomy about six months later. Her treatment concluded with approximately ten rounds of radiotherapy in November 2020. She also received hormone therapy injections to protect her fertility. Reflecting on her journey, May stated, "I don't think I realised until a couple of years ago the severity of what I went through and what that could have meant for my future."

Her daughter was born in 2024, a milestone that has further underscored the significance of her early diagnosis and treatment. "Having my daughter made me realise that if I hadn't had all this testing done, I wouldn't be here for her now. I wouldn't have even had her," May said.

Organizations like Breast Cancer Now and Cancer Research UK recommend genetic counseling and testing for BRCA mutations for individuals diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly at a younger age. The UK's NHS Breast Screening Programme automatically invites women aged 50 to 53 for mammograms every three years, but women aged 40 to 49 can discuss their individual risk factors with a doctor, and private screening options are available.

May's message to others is to be aware of your body, recognize what is normal for you, and to advocate for yourself. "There's no age limit on cancer. It doesn't discriminate by age, race or gender. You have to be in tune with your body, know your norm, and feel comfortable advocating for yourself."

Robin Woolcock, chair and founder of the UK Charity for Triple Negative Breast Cancer, highlighted that early detection is paramount, especially for triple-negative breast cancer due to its challenging nature. "If it is found early and treatment begins quickly, there is a good chance of a disease-free future," Woolcock said. "Triple-negative breast cancer is increasingly being found in younger, pre-menopausal women before the age at which they are offered mammograms, so breast self-checking is vital for people of all ages."