On Monday 7 February 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. Aged 28, the diagnosis was a complete shock – I had never even thought to check my breasts, everyone I knew with breast cancer was over 50! 

I found a small lump on my breast in November 2021 totally by chance, but as so many people do, I left it. After realising it was still there about a month later, I contacted my GP and my breast cancer journey began. 

My only symptom was the lump that I first found in my breast. It was not painful, but every person is different. Others may experience things such as pain, skin changes, inversion or discharge from the nipple, changes in size or colour, even fatigue and shortness of breath.  

You should check your breasts at least once a month and this is not just the actual breast itself, you need to make sure you are checking up to your collarbone and under your armpit too. You can do this by taking the flat of your hand and checking for anything unusual. But the aim is to really become familiar with what your breasts should feel and look like, then if there are any changes you will pick up on them. There are so many great resources online to help with this, such as Breast Cancer Now. 

It’s now approaching three years since my breast cancer journey began. I finished my chemotherapy in October 2022, shortly followed by the end of my radiotherapy in February 2023 – at which point I imagined my life would go back to normal. What I didn’t realise, however, is that once the active cancer treatment is finished, there are many other things that you must deal with. Not only the mental health struggles, but the side effects from the treatment itself. I’m still visiting the hospital more than I would like to, and I’m still trying to balance medications, being prescribed one thing to try tackle another. Injections and medication are keeping me in a medical menopause, with all the horrible symptoms. 

The post-active treatment side of cancer is not really something we hear about. There are some amazing charities that can help and support with all kinds of needs that you might have both during and after your cancer journey. One in particular is Maggies, which offers all kinds of different services such as financial advice, creative therapy and guidance for managing symptoms. 

On a more positive note, my hair is growing back very thick and beautifully curly. Losing it was one of the worst parts for me – I never realised how much your hair gives you confidence and is such a big part of your identity. My family and friends continue to support me, and I really have made some of the most amazing friends along the way. My lovely bakery has now officially been open for four years and is keeping me busy too. 

After attending St. James’s Hospital in Leeds for my first surgery and being shocked by the age gap between myself and the other women there, I decided I was going to share my story and raise awareness that young women and men can still get breast cancer. Nearly three years on from my diagnosis, I still have that same aim. I want my story to encourage others to check themselves regularly and feel more confident with knowing the signs and symptoms. If I can help even one person by doing this, then I’ll be happy. 

Aylish Griffiths graduated from Leeds Trinity University in 2021 with a foundation degree in Supporting Learning and Additional Needs.

Support and advice about breast cancer can be found on the Breast Cancer Now website.