A woman from Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, is urging others to be vigilant about unusual bodily changes after her dog inadvertently led to her breast cancer diagnosis. Lesley Goodburn, who has spent over a decade promoting cancer awareness following her husband's death, said it was her pet, Gertie, who helped her spot something she had overlooked in her own health.
Two years ago, Goodburn was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer after Gertie accidentally bumped into her chest. The impact caused her to notice an unusual ridge in her breast, a symptom she later discovered was associated with this particular form of the disease. Lobular breast cancer affects the lobules, which are responsible for milk production, and accounts for around 15% of all breast cancer diagnoses in the UK, according to researchers.
Unlike more common forms of breast cancer, lobular breast cancer often does not manifest as a distinct lump. Instead, symptoms can include subtle changes such as itching, tingling, pulling sensations, dimpling, or alterations to the skin. Goodburn highlighted that these less obvious signs can make it challenging to detect, even stating that it isn't always picked up during standard mammogram screenings. This is because the cancer cells tend to grow in straight lines or as single cells, making them harder to visualise on imaging tests.
Following her diagnosis, Goodburn underwent a comprehensive treatment plan, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, and has since been told she is in remission. She firmly believes that Gertie played a crucial role in her early detection. "Without a shadow of a doubt, Gertie saved my life," Goodburn stated, emphasising that without the accidental bump, she might never have noticed the ridge and sought medical advice.
Approximately 8,400 individuals are diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in the UK each year, according to Lobular Breast Cancer UK. While there are no specific treatments unique to lobular breast cancer, existing therapies for breast cancer generally remain effective. Goodburn has now joined Lobular Breast Cancer UK's efforts to encourage people to seek medical attention if they notice anything unusual, regardless of how minor it may seem. "If you feel like something's wrong, go and get it checked out," she advised, stressing the potential life-saving impact of early intervention.