Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Plymouth survivor urges people to check themselves
Hellen Baker was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 37
Last updated 13th Oct 2020
A breast cancer survivor from Plymouth is urging others to regularly check themselves as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Hellen Baker was 37-years-old when she found a lump. She decided to examine herself following the media attention surrounding breast cancer at the time, admitting she had not thought to check before.
"Just a few weeks after checking every day, I noticed a small hard lump, I told a few people who said 'your only young, it won't be anything bad', but I just had a feeling it was bad news so went to the doctors.
"They were not too concerned but thankfully sent me for a screening at The Primrose Centre at Derriford Hospital, which is when they found the fast growing aggressive tumour in my right breast."
Hellen Baker, breast cancer survivor
She recalls the moment when doctors told her the news:
"I just thought I was going to die. My whole world just collapsed. I was on my own as my mum was out in the waiting room. I just went blank. I think people were talking to me but I couldn't hear what they were saying. My mind had just gone"
"They told me due to the growth rate and type of cancer, if I hadn't have found it when I did, I wouldn't be here! I was young, with no symptoms, I couldn't take it in."
Hellen Baker
In 2013, she started treatment which included a few months of chemotherapy, intense radiotherapy as well as a year of Herceptin injections while remaining very positive throughout the time which she feels really helped in her recovery.
She also attended a local breast cancer group, 'Bosom Pals', which is run by the Primrose Foundation at Derriford Hospital. It was there she was able to make friends with people who were going through the same journey which, she says, made her not feel so alone.
"Having cancer was a wake up call to me, it has made me a much stronger and more positive person. I have met some amazing friends too who have all had this silent deadly disease."
She say she had opted for a full mastectomy, and waited until 2016 to undergo a breast reconstruction.
Now aged 46 and cancer-free, Hellen is urging everyone to check their breasts on a regular basis:
“Just please, please check. Even if you're doing it once a month; just do it as often as you can; whenever you are in the shower or when you go to bed at night, it doesn't take very long and it could save your life because it certainly saved mine so men and women please check that area.”
Hellen is now a member of a group called Dare 2 in Plymouth who raise awareness and much needed funds for the Primrose Foundation.
If you would like some help or support for you or a loved one, visit The Primrose Foundation website here.