Alexandria woman urges others to check for breast cancer

Jane McNiven, a 63-year-old GP practice manager from Alexandria, discovered an early sign of breast cancer after noticing something unusual while lying on her side in bed.

It felt like a small lump but it disappeared when she stood up.

Deciding to check herself properly in the mirror, Jane spotted a change in her right breast.

She said: "It would have been completely undetectable if I hadn’t checked in front of the mirror.

"I am so glad I did, because otherwise I would have just carried on as normal, completely unaware that anything was wrong."

She contacted her GP and was quickly referred to the Breast Clinic at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, where she underwent scans and a biopsy.

Jane said: "It all happened very quickly.

"I was told I would need surgery followed by chemotherapy.

"It was a huge rollercoaster of emotions, but I felt grateful that I had found the lump early and that treatment could start straight away."

Following surgery, Jane felt well enough to continue working between treatments.

She said: "I was very fortunate to feel relatively well physically, but cancer also brings a mental and emotional load.

"I decided to focus on looking after my health and getting on with life as much as I could."

A passionate dog lover, Jane had recently welcomed two new Scottish Highland Terrier puppies before her diagnosis, bringing her total to four: Edward, Ebony, Tromie, and Dugald.

She said: "My family and the dogs kept me going.

"I walked them every day, which really helped keep my fitness levels up.

"I then decided to start walking to raise money for cancer charities."

Jane's granddaughters, Daphne, 11, and Evie, nine, also decided to help. 

The pair organised a school fundraiser through the charity event Scotties in the City, raising money for Maggie’s, the cancer support charity.

Earlier this year, the girls also attended Crufts and received the Young Person’s Award for their fundraising efforts.

Jane's granddaughters being awarded at Crufts (Image: Supplied)

Jane said: "Going to Crufts is really special for our family, and seeing the girls recognised for their fundraising was one of my proudest moments.

"It’s something I might never have experienced if I hadn’t checked my breasts, been diagnosed early and received treatment."

Jane and her granddaughters at Crufts (Image: Supplied)

Now recovering and looking ahead, she is determined to encourage others to regularly check their breasts.

Jane said: "I urge everyone to check their breasts regularly.

"Look, feel, and know what’s normal for you.

"Even if you attend regular screening or have recently been given an all-clear, changes can still happen in between.

"Checking my breasts, especially looking in the mirror, saved my life.

"Please make it something you do for yourself."

Rosemary Stevens, consultant clinical oncologist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said Jane’s experience highlights why breast awareness is crucial.

Dr Stevens said: "Jane’s story is a reminder of why being breast aware is so important.

"Breast screening can save lives, but it is also vital that people also know how their breasts normally look and feel and check for changes in between screening appointments.

"Also, this is important for women who may not yet have reached the routine screening age of 50.

"Checking your breasts doesn’t need to take long, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it.

"What matters most is getting to know what’s normal for you.

"If you notice any change, whether it’s a lump, a change in shape, skin texture, nipple position or discharge, please contact your GP practice without delay.

"Finding cancer early often means treatment is more straightforward and outcomes are better."

For more information on breast checks, visit NHS Inform at www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/breast-screening.