A lady with black curly hair in a pale blue hooded top sits on a silver corner sofa with cushions

Nikki Taylor, of Dukinfield, Tameside, is speaking out about her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

Nikki Taylor, of Dukinfield, Tameside, is encouraging others to be aware of breast cancer symptoms.

Nikki Taylor, 52, of Tameside, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February this year (2022).

The mother-of-three spotted a dint in her right breast when she looked in the mirror after taking a shower.

She said: “At first I thought I must have lent on something. But as soon as I saw it, I knew something wasn’t right. I rang the doctor the next morning.”

Nikki’s GP referred her to Tameside Hospital to be checked out and she had a mammogram, a biopsy and an ultrasound.

Nikki said: “Deep down I knew then it was cancer. I knew it wasn’t just some benign lump.”

The biopsy result confirmed she had breast cancer. Luckily Nikki’s cancer was caught early, and she was treated with a lumpectomy. She then had radiotherapy over 5 days at The Christie at Oldham. She did not need chemotherapy.

Nikki said:
“The first thing I said when I found out I had cancer was that I didn’t want people to make a fuss or mollycoddle me. I very much felt ‘it is what it is’. I just wanted to get on with things by keeping things real and not having people fussing over me. I work in social services with a lot of people who can’t get out of their beds, and I think that put things in perspective for me. I didn’t want sympathy. I had 5 weeks off work and my family and friends were great as well as the staff at The Christie and Tameside.”

Nikki was discharged from The Christie in August. Now she’s urging people over 50 who are invited for a mammogram to attend their appointment and wants everyone to know the signs and symptoms and to check their breasts.

Nikki said:

“Don’t be scared to check. A large percentage of the time it will turn out to be nothing, but it is better to get checked and seen than always not know. If it does turn out to be cancer, there is support out there. I’ve now finished my treatment. I know it will still be at the back of my mind, but I also know I’ve got a good breast cancer nurse at the end of the phone if I need to ask any questions.”

Nikki is now planning a trip to Sweden to visit the Christmas markets and is looking to take on a sporting challenge next year to mark one year since her diagnosis.

Nikki said:

“I liked to get away from it all by going to the gym or seeing my personal trainer while I was going through my cancer diagnosis and treatment. Now I’ve been discharged I’m getting back into my training and enjoying walking in the hills in Dukinfield and round the reservoirs. I plan to set myself some sort of challenge at the start of next year.

“This breast cancer awareness month I want everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for. If I just encourage one more person to check, then I’m happy! Look in the mirror, put your arms above your head and know your body and what’s normal for you.”

Clare Garnsey, who is a breast cancer doctor and the Clinical Lead for Breast Cancer at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:

“It’s very important to get to know how your own breasts look and feel, and know what’s normal for you. If you spot something that is different for you, or something that you are worried about, you should report this to your GP as soon as possible, just like Nikki did.

“The chances are that it won’t be cancer, but if it is cancer, then catching it early means it will be more treatable. We’d also encourage people between the ages of 50 and 70 to attend their mammogram when their invitation arrives in the post, as routine mammograms can detect cancer earlier and save lives.”

Breast cancer – know the symptoms

The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast.

Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by a doctor.

You should see a GP if you notice any of the following:

  • 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 one of your nipples, particularly if the fluid is clear or blood-stained
  • 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 the nipple becoming sunken into your breast

Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.

For more information visit the NHS website.