
A mum-of-two from Old Trafford wants everyone to know how to spot potential signs of breast cancer and to get help early.
Michelle Griffith who has had breast cancer is sharing her experience to help breakdown taboos and get more people to go and get help if they are worried.
The single mum, who has two grown up graduate daughters Kaziah, 31, and O’Cian, 27, was diagnosed with a very early form of breast cancer known as ductal cell carcinoma in situ in January 2017 when she was 44.
Artist Michelle Griffith, a former breast cancer patient, stands in front of a painted tree on the wall of a house in Old Trafford
Michelle, now 52, was treated with an operation where the surgeon removed the cancer whilst preserving the rest of the breast. This procedure is known as a lumpectomy. Michelle then required a second operation to ensure all the cancer had been removed. This was followed by radiotherapy and then Tamoxifen – an anti- hormone medicine which is usually taken as an oral tablet. She is now cancer free.
Michelle, who is a grandmother to Kaure, aged five, remembers feeling alienated during her breast cancer treatment back in 2017. While she got good care, she was the only black patient when she went for her treatment and didn’t get to eat the food she was used to or have a support network until she joined a support group led by Can Survive UK for women affected by cancer.
She said: “One day I went to the Kath Locke Centre (a community centre based in Hulme) I was literally in tears, but I was ushered inside and met Marcella Turner from Can Survive UK who really helped me.
“One week we did some printing making and up until that point I was a diagnosis and a number and this was like holding a mirror up and reminding me of who I was before cancer. It took me back to when I did my Fine Art degree. We laughed and joked about so many things. I told those women everything no holds barred and I trusted them implicitly. It’s been life-changing!”
With help from Can Survive UK and the Growth Company, a social enterprise which helps people and businesses to develop, grow and succeed through a range of employment, skills and business support services, Michelle has gone on to become a qualified art teacher and business owner who now produces creative art as therapy workshops for other people affected by cancer as well as those with special educational needs and disabilities and people who have been affected by domestic violence. Her work has also appeared in exhibitions including at Manchester Museum and Whitworth Art Gallery, where she also works as a supplier.
Michelle also encourages other women to learn how to check their breasts.
She said: “If you don’t know how to check your boobs, learn how to do it. I didn’t know before I got breast cancer and neither did my friends. You need to listen to your body.
“If you are worried do not sit there in silence. Go and get help. The chances are it’s less than what you think. Go straight to your GP.”