Scots mum who discovered cancer lump while breastfeeding opens Glasgow Race for Life

A Scots mum diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump while breastfeeding was cheered by the crowds as she opened Scotland’s biggest Race for Life.

Laura Eggo, from East Kilbride, discovered a lump while breastfeeding her daughter Ivy during the pandemic and at first thought it could be caused by a blocked milk duct.

But when the lump did not go away, Laura contacted her GP and was devastated on June 14, 2021 after tests revealed cancer.

In February this year, it was discovered that Laura has inherited the faulty BRCA1 gene. She now faces more surgery to cut the risk of cancer returning.

It was an emotional moment as Laura took to the stage at Glasgow Green on Sunday May 19.

The 42-year-old's words of courage were heard to the thousands gathered before around 6,647 runners set off through the streets in support of Cancer Research UK.

Laura said: “In the space of just a few months I went from the joy of celebrating the birth of our daughter with all the special people in my life to hours in a hospital ward.

“Cancer was one of the toughest things I’ve ever gone through and there were frightening moments. Life changes in a second when you’re told you have cancer. It was really weird. I wasn’t prepared for it. I spent my 40 ^th birthday preparing for chemotherapy treatment.

“It’s vital to raise awareness so women know that if they find a lump in their breast during breastfeeding their baby it is essential to get it checked out. I went to breastfeeding classes for mums to be but a need to be aware of breast lumps was never mentioned to me. After I discovered a lump, I ignored it for some time as I just put it down to breastfeeding.”

The proud mum of five-year-old daughter Ivy knows how vital it is to raise funds for life-saving research.

Laura, a biomedical scientist at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, said: “We all have a reason to Race for Life.

“For me it’s a chance to say thank you, to raise money to help people tackling cancer right now. Finding out I have the faulty BRCA1 gene was a shock. I will be looking at more surgery in the future but that news has made me even more determined to do what I can to support the discovery of more treatments and cures for my daughter’s generation.”

Her husband Brian who turned 50 last October also completed Race for Life Glasgow in memory of his big brother Alasdair Eggo who died from lung cancer aged 51 in December 2023.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k,10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

A total of £750,000 was raised at Race for Life Glasgow, vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer helping to save more lives.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Glasgow.

“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 Glasgow, 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’ve 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.”

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