Nurse's plea after breast cancer diagnosis: ‘Don’t ignore the signs’
Susan Royse stresses importance of early detection and knowing what's normal for your body
A Northampton nurse who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer is urging people to “know their normal” and seek medical advice if they notice any changes.
Susan Royse, 46, an Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist at Northampton General Hospital, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April after discovering a small lump while bathing.
Despite initially believing the lump may have been linked to hormone treatment, Susan kept an eye on the area and became concerned when it continued to grow and became painful.
She contacted her GP practice and was seen the same day before being referred to a breast clinic under the two-week wait pathway.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, Susan is encouraging both women and men to become familiar with their bodies and not ignore potential warning signs.
According to Cancer Research UK, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 59,400 new cases diagnosed each year, equivalent to around 160 cases every day. The charity also estimates that around a quarter of all new breast cancer diagnoses are in people aged 75 and over.
Breast cancer can also affect men, and symptoms can include lumps, skin changes, dimpling, rashes, itching or changes to the nipple.
Speaking about the experience, Susan said: “I noticed a very, very tiny lump in my left breast. I thought I’d keep an eye on it because I’d not felt it before and assumed it was probably related to hormone treatment. Unfortunately, it didn’t disappear and actually seemed to get bigger and bigger.
Although she was initially reassured it was likely to be a cyst, further investigations including mammograms, ultrasound scans and biopsies revealed she had grade three invasive ductal carcinoma, a hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancer, often known as triple-positive breast cancer.
Susan said receiving the diagnosis was life-changing but stressed she felt fortunate the cancer had been identified before it had spread beyond the breast.
She said: “Within a couple of hours I’d been seen and diagnosed. Of course, your whole world changes at that point, but I was thankful that it had been picked up.
Susan is currently nearing the end of four months of chemotherapy treatment, having already undergone surgery and lymph node removal.
'Early detection and early diagnosis saves lives'
She will also receive radiotherapy, hormone therapy and a year-long course of targeted HER2 treatment.
Despite the challenges of treatment, she said the support of family, friends and colleagues has helped her through some of the most difficult moments.
“My husband, children, parents, friends and colleagues have all rallied around me,” she said. “The practical support, the meals, lifts to appointments and simple check-ins have meant everything.”
Susan has also found comfort from connecting with others affected by breast cancer through Northampton charity Breast Friends Northampton.
“The people I’ve met through treatment and support groups have been incredible. There’s always someone who understands what you’re going through and can offer support when you need it.”
Susan said: “I always thought it couldn’t happen to me. I’m young, fit and below the routine screening age, but breast cancer doesn’t only affect older women.
“If anything feels abnormal, don’t hesitate. Get it checked out straight away.”
She also believes more could be done to help people understand how to examine themselves and recognise potential signs of cancer earlier.
“Knowing you should check yourself is one thing, but people also need to know how to do it and what they’re looking for,” she said.
While encouraging people to seek help promptly, Susan also wants others facing a diagnosis to know that breast cancer treatments have advanced significantly in recent years.
“There are now lots of treatment options available. The treatments I’m receiving today wouldn’t have been available 20 years ago.
“Breast cancer is a very treatable condition, and the earlier it’s caught, the better the chance of a successful outcome.”
Susan also praised the care she has received from NHS staff, particularly the chemotherapy team and specialist breast care nurses supporting her throughout treatment.
“I’m very grateful for the speed at which I was seen and for all the care and attention I’ve received along the way,” she said.
“Know your normal, and if something doesn’t feel right, act on it.”
Anyone concerned about a lump, breast changes or other symptoms should contact their GP practice. If you are unsure where to seek help, visit nhs.uk or call NHS 111 for advice.