Phoebe’s story:-
Me and my family in Edinburgh celebrating my mum’s 50th a few days before my diagnosis. Dad (Chris), me, mum (Amy), Hugo and Finlay (my brothers).
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 28th January 2025 aged just 23.
It was a huge shock, but a year on, after treatment, I’m moving forward with my life. Taking on the Full Moon (26.2 miles) at The MoonWalk London in May is giving me a goal to work towards and a chance to give back to everyone who has supported me.
There’s no history of breast cancer, or any cancer, in our family. However, towards the end of 2024, I noticed my right breast felt sore. I’d been on the contraceptive pill for a long time and didn’t have the monthly fluctuations many women experience, so this wasn’t usual for me. When the soreness didn’t go away after a few days, I booked a GP appointment. I’m so glad I did.
The doctor felt something but he was fairly sure it was a cyst. Because of that and my age, I was referred as a low priority for further tests.
About six weeks later, I was seen by the breast team at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. By then, the soreness had gone and I hadn’t been worrying about it all. At the hospital, I had an ultrasound. The radiographer wasn’t overly concerned but wanted to rule out anything serious, so I had a biopsy. Although Broomfield doesn’t usually biopsy anyone under 25, they wanted to be thorough, and so did I. I returned for my results on 28th February 2025. Mum insisted on coming, even though I didn’t think she needed to – I was so grateful. Sitting with her, the consultant and a breast nurse, I was told that what they’d thought was something simple was actually breast cancer. I was still only 23 and later learned I was the youngest patient my consultant had treated, by about six years.
Mum was in shock and totally heartbroken. My parents had recently separated after being together since they were 18, so it was a lot for her to deal with. My first reaction was to say everything would be fine – I couldn’t imagine any other alternative. Looking back, the memory of hearing the that I had breast cancer is still so traumatic. I remember wondering why I’d been so unlucky and what I might have done to get breast cancer so young.
Me during chemotherapy with my mascot that my younger cousins got me as a friend to sit with me during treatment.
Thankfully, my prognosis was very positive because the cancer had been caught early. Everything moved quickly and I told everyone I knew straightaway. That first day was a blur though – I felt I was reassuring everyone else, when all I really wanted to do was cry.
Within days, I began fertility injections. At 23, I wasn’t sure I wanted children, but I wanted to have the option in the future. I also had genetic testing for 14 cancer-related genes; all were negative. I was told that my cancer was probably just one of those things for which there is no medical explanation. Yet.
I then had eight rounds of chemotherapy.
During my chemo, I wore a cold cap and I’m glad I did – I wanted to retain as much of my hair as possible, as I found the thought of losing it all quite traumatic.
I kept probably less than 20 per cent of my hair in the end, but my hair regrowth since the chemo has been good. The team at Broomfield Hospital were phenomenal throughout, supporting me and my family through a very stressful time. After six rounds of chemo, I had an MRI, which showed no evidence of cancer – an unexpected win. I still completed the final two rounds as I was advised by my doctors, finishing at the end of July.
Me at home losing my hair after a few weeks starting treatment.
Chemotherapy was tough – sickness, digestive issues, skin problems and fatigue – but within each three-week cycle, I had about twelve good days when I could work and stay with my boyfriend Max. He has been the most incredible support throughout everything – and so has my best friend Beth.
Me and my boyfriend Max celebrating my birthday. Wearing my wig.
Because of my age, my consultant said I could choose any surgery option, including a double mastectomy, which wouldn’t usually be offered without a family history of cancer. After thinking long and hard, talking to those around me and taking advice from cancer charities, I chose to have both breasts removed with immediate implant reconstruction. I wanted peace of mind and to reduce the risk of my cancer coming back.
My body had already taken a beating from the chemo, and now I faced five hours of surgery.
I chose to have both breasts removed in one operation and this was entirely my own choice. I wanted to close this chapter of my life and move forward. Although it was a big operation, the surgery went smoothly, and my post-op results showed no cancer in my breast tissue or lymph nodes – another huge relief. I recovered well and now give myself precautionary injections at home, which will continue for about a year.
Day of surgery. Very nervous. Newly shaved head as hair was growing. (1 month after last chemo).
I’d been about to move out of the family home when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but had to put those plans on hold, meaning that Mum came with me to every appointment. It was an in-between phase of life – I wasn’t a child but I found myself unexpectedly back at home. Mum wanted to protect me, and I’m incredibly grateful to her. During my dozens of appointments, my fantastic consultant made sure she spoke to me alone at times, giving me the space to make my own decisions.
It’s now more than a year since my diagnosis, and I still haven’t fully processed everything, because it all happened so fast. Sometimes I’ll cry when I’m alone in the car – my head’s like “wow – you’ve had a lot going on!” I’m proud of my body for what it’s endured, yet at times I resent it. I’m not sure whether I love or hate my body at times to be honest I haven’t worn a bikini since my surgery – that will be another big milestone.
Being so young, it’s been hard to meet and talk to others who’ve experienced breast cancer at 23.
I’m staying positive though and plan to start therapy this year. I want to live a long, happy, healthy life and not let my diagnosis define me. Once I’m fully recovered, I’ll volunteer for Breast Cancer Now’s “Someone like Me” programme to support other young women.
My celebration party in November 2025 where all my family and friends came together to celebrate me finishing treatment. Left to right, Sacha, me and Beth. Sacha and Beth are two of my closest friends from university
Taking on the Full Moon (26.2 miles) at The MoonWalk London is something else I’m really looking forward to. I’m back exercising, and taking on this challenge is giving me focus and a way to give back to the amazing people who’ve supported me. I’m signing up with friends and my mum – an all-female team. I’ve never done a full or half marathon before, so it’ll be tough, but achievable. We’ll all be there for each other every step of those 26.2 miles.
Going forward, I want to raise awareness about breast cancer in young people. Even if you think you’re too young, if something doesn’t feel right, get it checked.
If I hadn’t acted on those initial symptoms, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Early diagnosis saved my life – and it could save yours.”
Thank you for sharing your story Phoebe and we look forward to seeing you and your team at The MoonWalk London 2026.