A lump that changed everything

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026

What began as a small swelling under Nicola's arm quickly became a diagnosis that would change life for her and her family. This is a story of uncertainty, resilience and a reminder of the importance of getting checked when something doesn't feel right.

Thank you to our colleague Lee Dyer and his wife Nicola for sharing their story.

"You have cancer." Nothing can prepare you for that news.

In February of 2026, Nicola noticed a lump and swelling in her armpit. Like many people, she hoped it was something harmless that would simply disappear with time. After careful consideration, she decided to arrange a mammogram appointment.

Over the following weeks, a series of investigations including a biopsy, CT scan and MRI confirmed the diagnosis: HER2-positive breast cancer.

For Nicola and her family, the news was devastating.

No one is ever truly prepared to hear the words, "you have cancer." In that moment, everyday concerns fade into the background as uncertainty, fear and countless questions take their place.

Facing the Road Ahead

Following her diagnosis, Nicola's clinical team developed an extensive treatment plan designed to span at least 12 months.

The road ahead would include:

Six rounds of chemotherapy
Surgery to remove affected lymph nodes
A lumpectomy
Radiotherapy

As treatment plans were confirmed, family life changed almost overnight.

Plans for holidays, weekends away and concerts were cancelled. Activities that once filled the calendar were replaced with hospital visits, treatment appointments and recovery time.

For Nicola and her loved ones, life was temporarily placed on hold as they focused on what mattered most: getting through treatment together.

Finding Strength Through Treatment

Nicola began chemotherapy treatment in May. Like many people undergoing chemotherapy, Nicola experienced difficult side effects, including hair loss and nausea.

For her family, however, the most difficult challenge was not the treatment itself, but watching someone they love endure it. As a husband, seeing Nicola in pain while feeling unable to take it away was one of the hardest parts of the experience for Lee.

Yet throughout treatment, Nicola continued to face each challenge with remarkable strength and determination. She even started a chat group with others who were diagnosed with cancer around the same time so they could share tips on managing treatment and most importantly, to make each other laugh.

Did You Know?

Breast Cancer in the UK^*

Around 59,400 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year.

Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer annually

Early detection can play an important role in improving outcomes.

*Information available from Cancer Research UK: Breast cancer | Cancer Research UK

A Message to Others

For Nicola and Lee's family, this experience has reinforced an important message that is worth sharing.

Breast cancer can affect anyone, and seeking medical advice early can make a difference to outcomes.

Whether you're checking yourself, encouraging a loved one to seek advice, or attending routine screening appointments, taking action matters.

Breast Cancer Now offer free resources and information for patients and families.

Check. Check Regularly. Take Action.

GB-NP-2600118 October 2026