NI mum diagnosed with cancer after finding ice-cube shaped lump while pregnant

A Northern Ireland woman has opened up about her cancer diagnosis when she was pregnant, to raise awareness for a local charity.

Leanne Logan teamed up with her husband Simon to launch this year’s Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Belfast. It was an emotional moment as they lined up together with their girls, Miesha, 6, and little Myla who is just nine months old, at Stormont on Sunday start the event.

The 36-year-old, who has completed her treatment, said she discovered a lump in her breast, but was told that it was unlikely that it was something to be concerned about.

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"I found a lump in my breast, which was quite large and shaped like an ice cube," the Lisburn mum said.

"This alarmed me, but when I visited my GP he said it was unlikely it would be anything to worry about. However, I was concerned about my unborn child, so decided to make a private appointment.

"That was when I was given my devastating diagnosis."

Tests revealed that the best treatment for Leanne was surgery and as a lumpectomy revealed that there were no clear margins, she had a mastectomy, at ten-weeks pregnant.

"I was terrified as I thought this was my last chance to have another baby,” she added.

"But I was assured it was very treatable."

But Leanne’s worries were compounded by the added complication of a problem which arose during her first pregnancy. She developed HELLP syndrome, which is a rare pregnancy complication, a type of pre-eclampsia occurring in only 0.1 percent to 1 percent of pregnancies. It requires close monitoring and medical intervention to manage complications.

Many women with HELLP syndrome need to deliver their baby early, as was the case when Miesha, now six, was born.

"She was delivered by emergency C section nine weeks early, weighing just 2lbs 9ozs," Leanne added.

"There was a possibility this could occur again with another pregnancy, but thankfully that did not happen. However when Leanne’s blood pressure rose slightly two weeks before her due date, little Myla was delivered safely weighing in at 7lb 3ozs.

"I am passionate about raising awareness of breast cancer across both women and men. I hope by sharing my story it will help women who are in the same position as I was. I had never felt more alone than during the early months of my pregnancy wondering if everything would be ok.

"I have had a full body MRI scan which confirmed that I am cancer free throughout the rest of my body. I have my two precious little girls and I couldn’t be happier."

Leanne’s husband Simon said: "I Race for Life for Leanne, who is doing amazingly well now after recovering from cancer. I’m so proud of her. She’s had a lot to cope with and she’s a wonderful mum to our daughters, Miesha and Myla."

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Every year around 10,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland. Money raised at Race for Life has helped develop radiotherapy which benefits more than 130,000 people with cancer in the UK every year.

Cancer Research UK funded scientists led the development of the Human Papillomavirus Virus vaccine, which is expected to prevent almost 90 per cent of cervical cancers in the UK. The charity also funded many large clinical trials looking at the effectiveness of the drug tamoxifen and the research shaped the way the drug is used to treat breast cancer.

Now organisers of the 5k and 10k event are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters. And they’re appealing for people to make every step count by paying in sponsorship money as soon as possible.

Jean Walsh, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Northern Ireland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Belfast.

"No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK.

"Life-saving research already helps people living with cancer every single day. It’s thanks to our supporters who fundraise that we can go further to discover new ways to beat the disease and create a future where everybody can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

"It was a fantastic day at Race for Life Belfast full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.

"Now we’re asking everyone who took part to return the money they’re raised as soon as possible. Funds raised - whether it’s £10 or £100 - will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping save more lives."

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress. Money raised has helped develop radiotherapy which benefits more than 130,000 people with cancer in the UK every year.

Andy Curran, Chief Executive of Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to continue as headline sponsor for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, with the opportunity to encourage participation across the country.

"By working to raise funds for life-saving research, we can move towards a future where people live longer and healthier lives, free of cancer."

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