Mum-of-two given devastating cancer diagnosis even with no symptoms

This Morning: Breast cancer examination

Kami Lester, from Halewood, Merseyside, received a shocking diagnosis – cancer. “I went along for my mammogram in November 2021,” Kami said. “Although I’m in my early 50s, it was actually my second one.” Kami revealed: “I’d been part of a special project in my area, where women were called for their first mammogram before the age of 50.”

The routine mammogram raised concerns for medics, so Kami was asked to return to Linda McCartney Centre at the Royal Liverpool Hospital.

“I went back to the hospital in the New Year when my diagnosis of oestrogen-positive breast cancer was confirmed,” said Kami.

Breast cancer symptoms

While Kami said didn’t experience any symptoms, it’s still vital to know the signs to look out for.

The NHS advises booking a doctor’s appointment if you notice any of the following signs of breast cancer:

• A new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before
• A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
• A discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
• A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
• A change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
• A rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
• A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast.

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Oestrogen-positive breast cancer

Cancer Research UK says around 75 out of 100 breast cancer cases are oestrogen-positive (ER+).

When specialists identified three tumours in Kami’s right breast, “it was a huge shock, but the staff at the hospital were just amazing”.

The 52-year-old added: “Everything happened very quickly – I then had a lot more tests, which determined my treatment plan going forward.”

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Booked in for breast conservation surgery and tumour removal on February 22, 2022, Kami felt like the whole experience had been a “whirlwind”.

Her husband, Jon, and two children, – Meg, 23, and Joe, 19 – “struggled to take it all in”.

Kami then had radiotherapy at the Clatterbridge Cancer Hospital in Liverpool.

“Because I’m post-menopausal – I’d previously had a hysterectomy – I’ll be taking the drug Letrozole for five years as well,” Kami added.

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“I’m now concentrating on regaining my physical health and have taken up yoga and swimming,” she said.

“I’m hoping to start wild swimming at some point, which is very exciting.”

Kami is now up for the “MoonWalk” challenge, which involves taking to the streets in a colourfully decorated bra for 15.1 miles.

The upcoming charity event will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Kami said: “I’m really looking forward to raising money which will help support other people and their families through breast cancer treatment.

“The other reason I’ve signed up is simply because I can – I still have my health and completing the walk is a great target to aim for.

“I’m proof of how important it is to go for your routine mammogram. My message to all women is, ‘Don’t put it off – it could save your life.'”

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