Katrina (left) with her MoonWalk London teammate Nicky
Katrina’s story:-
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, aged 62, following a routine mammogram. I felt so lucky that my cancer was discovered early and was very treatable. I’m taking on the Full Moon (26.2 miles) at The MoonWalk London in 2026, to raise awareness about the importance of mammograms – and to set myself a wonderful and fun personal challenge too!
Before my own diagnosis, although there was no history of breast cancer in my family, I was very aware of the symptoms and checked myself regularly. Once I turned 50, I started going for my regular routine mammograms and never had any problems – they all came back clear. The same nurse did my scan each time I went back – I knew her quite well and we used to have a nice chat and a joke between ourselves during my appointment.
In the summer of 2023, I went for my mammogram as usual, but this time I was called back. They wanted to check something, but I didn’t really think anything of it. I then had another mammogram and was told that I needed an ultrasound scan and some biopsies. Even at this stage, I still wasn’t concerned!
A couple of weeks later, I went back to get my results. When my husband asked if I wanted him to come in with me for my appointment, I simply said that I was fine on my own. I went in and spoke to Sharon – the nurse I knew – and asked her if I should go and get my husband. When she said I should, I suddenly realised that something was wrong.
The test results showed that I did have breast cancer – news which came totally out of the blue. Although I was shocked, my immediate reaction was just to get my head down and get on with the treatment. In many ways, my husband and the rest of my family were more surprised than I was. When the people around you hear the word “cancer”, often their first thought is that you’re going to die. Of course, that can happen, but in my case – where the cancer had been discovered very early – I had a number of options, which was very reassuring.
I was told that I would be having surgery to remove around a quarter of my breast, including my nipple and had the operation a couple of months later. With all the staples they used, I thought it made my breast look a bit like Zippy from Rainbow! It wasn’t a mastectomy and wasn’t a lumpectomy – it was kind of half-way between the two. My surgeon also removed some of my lymph nodes to check for any cancer cells which might have spread, but thankfully, they were all clear.
Another couple of months later, at the start of 2024, I went from Guernsey, where I live, to Southampton for a week to have radiotherapy. And that was that! I even had my flights and accommodation booked for me to travel to Southampton, with absolutely nothing to pay. The whole system for diagnosing and treating breast cancer here in Guernsey is so smooth. We’re very lucky.
With my husband Chris in Portsmouth on the fourth day of my radiotherapy treatment
I had a few blips along the way during my treatment, but it was generally fairly smooth. I had a couple of weeks off work, then went back and carried on with my life. Occasionally I do feel a little tired, but my husband, family and wonderful circle of friends are always there when needed.
It’s so important that everyone who is offered a mammogram takes up their appointment. I’m living proof of that. People shouldn’t be scared – it really doesn’t hurt. I’m constantly reminding my friends to check their breasts regularly, which is still very important, but also to make sure they have their mammograms. We have a lovely team here in Guernsey and you always see the same people – it’s a very small team. It doesn’t take very long either – it’s generally over and done with in around ten minutes and sometimes even less.
If I hadn’t have gone for my regular mammogram and if my lump hadn’t been found when it was, my breast cancer could have been far more advanced than it was. The treatment might not have been so straightforward. It’s such an important message that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better!
I’ve signed up for the Full Moon (26.2 miles) at The MoonWalk London with my friend Nicky in 2026 to raise awareness of the importance of mammograms, but also because I fancied a bit of a challenge. It will be wonderful to raise some money in the process too. I know that Nicky and I will have a lot of fun – both at The MoonWalk itself and doing the training together beforehand. I’ve never done anything like a marathon before and nor has Nicky!
My story is a happy one and it’s had a good ending. I know that there are so many people out there who are a lot worse off following their own breast cancer diagnoses. However, I feel very lucky that I went and had my mammogram when I did, meaning that my cancer could be treated. This is such an important message to share”.
Thank you for sharing your story Katrina and we look forward to seeing you and Nicky at The MoonWalk London 2026.