Breast cancer survivor urges others not to delay screening

A staff member at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) who almost ignored her first breast screening invitation is urging others to attend after that one appointment changed her life.

Julie Moss, a Histopathology Support Secretary, was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer last year after attending her first routine mammogram at the age of 53.

She said: “I almost didn’t go. One of the girls at work told me it was painful and I nearly talked myself out of it. But something told me to go, and thank God I did.”

Julie had no symptoms and didn’t feel a lump. Her cancer was only detected because she attended her screening. She underwent a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy just over a week after diagnosis. Three weeks later, she was given the all-clear following surgery and a month later received one week of radiotherapy to complete her treatment.

She added: “You hear the word cancer and everything fades out. I completely broke down. Even my partner cried, and he never cries.”

Julie works behind the scenes supporting the hospital’s breast clinic and said her own diagnosis has given her a new purpose in her role.

She said: “I know what it’s like to wait for answers. That’s why I take pride in every single referral, I want others to be seen as quickly as I was. It’s become my mission.”

Julie also shared how support services such as Maggie’s Wirral helped her through the emotional impact of her diagnosis.

She said: “At the time, I thought I could just get through it. But Maggie’s helped me understand I didn’t have to. They gave me space to talk, to cry, and to feel what I needed to feel. That kind of support is priceless.”

Now, Julie is passionate about spreading the word, and has even inspired colleagues to book their own mammograms.

She said: “I dyed my hair pink and got all my colleagues to wear pink for breast cancer, and I helped on the Breast Screening Team’s stand in the hospital reception last year. One nurse came over and admitted she’d never been for a mammogram, and she was 56! After hearing my story, she said she’d book. I really hope she did. That might be one more life saved.”

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Trust is reminding people how vital it is to attend all routine screenings, and to speak to a GP if anything unusual is noticed.

Dr Ranj Mehra, Interim Medical Director at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “We know that early detection saves lives. Screening allows us to identify cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms develop. Julie’s story is a powerful reminder of why we must never ignore a screening invitation or any changes to our health.”

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at WUTH, added: “I want to thank Julie for bravely sharing her experience and using her voice to help others. Her story highlights how early intervention and the dedication of our staff can make all the difference.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Around one in seven women will be diagnosed in their lifetime, but survival rates are improving, especially when the disease is caught early.

Julie added: “I didn’t have a lump and I didn’t feel unwell. If I’d ignored that letter, it could’ve been too late. Don’t put it off. If you’re invited for a screening, go. It could save your life.”