Breast cancer survivor in Shrewsbury urges others to take physical health seriously
Dawn Williams used weightlifting to keep her strength during chemotherapy
A breast cancer survivor living in Shrewsbury is urging other adults to take their physical health seriously.
Dawn Williams says weightlifting whilst she was on chemotherapy helped better her chances of recovery.
Dawn's story...
Dawn - a single mother of three - was diagnosed with cancer in 2023. She had found a lump, which did not appear cancerous on ultrasound or mammogram checks.
The year later, she decided to get it checked again and a biopsy revealed the lump was cancerous.
"Hearing those words that you have cancer sets you off in different directions. For me, I was determined to get through it, but I needed to give myself the best chance of getting through it.
'That was my gift'
"There are not many things in a cancer journey that are your gift, but by staying fit and healthy... that was my gift," she said.
53-year-old Dawn had already started weightlifting in lockdown and had entered herself into the English Weightlifting Championships, before her diagnosis.
She said: "The Championships were at the end of October and I got my diagnosis at the start of the month. I ended up winning gold and was determined to keep up exercising throughout my cancer journey."
'It is a myth'
Dawn was able to deadlift 100kg whilst undergoing treatment: "I think it is a myth that you should not push yourself during chemotherapy.
"If you do not feel well then rest, but on those days where you are feeling unsure you feel so much better when you push yourself. I found it made my treatment journey so much easier.
"It kept me focused because you cannot think about anything else other than lifting weights when you have a heavy weight over your head.
"It was a way of me shutting out the world and just being 'Dawn' and not a cancer patient. It also strengthens your muscles and bones which become compromised when you undergo chemotherapy," she said.
'Ditch that bit of cardio'
Dawn has this message for other women: "I am 53-years-old so I would class myself as a 'woman of a certain age'. I think any women like me should get into strength training.
"Get your bones strong and get your muscles strong. If anything does happen, then you are super strong and you can deal with it. It could be as simple as a fall.
"Ditch that bit of cardio and get out and lift some weights, it is so good for longevity and staying younger for longer," she said.