Surrey Woman Shares Wake-Up Call After Ignoring Early Breast Cancer Signs

“I Thought It Was Just Hormonal”: A Heartfelt Story With a Life-Saving Message

How many times have we brushed off an unusual ache or bump, telling ourselves it’s probably nothing? That was the case for Amanda Murphy, a woman from Surrey, who never imagined the fatigue and slight breast changes she noticed could be signs of early breast cancer.

At just 51, Amanda’s story reminds us how easily symptoms can be misunderstood—and why listening to our bodies could be life-saving.

Her Journey: From Dismissal to Diagnosis

Amanda first noticed something was off while on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Feeling tired all the time and noticing subtle changes in her breast, she assumed it was related to menopause or her new medication. Sound familiar?

“I thought I was just being paranoid,” Amanda said in her interview with SurreyLive.

Many women experience breast tenderness or hormonal swings, so it’s easy to see why she didn’t rush to her doctor. But deep down, something didn’t feel quite right.

Eventually, Amanda called her GP. After being referred for a mammogram, her world shifted. She was told she had grade 2 invasive ductal breast cancer. It had been growing silently while she carried on with daily life.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is something no one ever wants to hear. In Amanda’s case, the breast cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes.

But thankfully, her medical team acted quickly. Amanda underwent a mastectomy, lymph node removal, chemotherapy, and radiation. It was a whirlwind—but one that’s potentially saved her life.

“Looking back, I wish I hadn’t waited,” she said. “If I’d gone in earlier, maybe things would’ve been caught sooner.”

Early Breast Cancer Signs Most Women Overlook

Amanda’s story is unfortunately common. Many women ignore the early signs of breast cancer, confusing them for something else—like hormones, stress, or aging.

So, what should you be watching for?

• New lumps or thickened areas — especially if they feel different from the rest of the breast
• Changes in breast size or shape — even subtle ones
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin — often resembling orange peel texture
• Changes in the nipple — becoming inverted or changing position
• Unusual discharge—especially if it’s bloody or happens without squeezing

And here’s a simple rule: If something feels “off,” trust your gut. Make the call. Book the appointment. It could make all the difference.

Think It’s Just Hormonal? Think Again

It’s easy to attribute changes in your body to hormones, especially during menopause or while on HRT. But Amanda’s experience reminds us not to make assumptions.

She had no family history of breast cancer and lived a relatively healthy lifestyle. And yet, cancer was quietly developing.

Spreading Awareness: Amanda’s New Mission

Now recovering from her treatment, Amanda isn’t staying quiet. She’s sharing her story with the hope that other women will feel empowered to speak up and seek help early.

Her message is simple yet powerful: Don’t wait. If you feel something strange, don’t brush it off. Early detection saves lives.

She’s urging every woman—no matter their age or background—to:

• Know the normal look and feel of your breasts
• Check yourself monthly, ideally a few days after your period ends
• Speak to a doctor if you notice anything unusual

“If My Story Helps One Woman, It’s Worth It”

Amanda hopes her honesty will encourage more women to prioritize their health without guilt or delay. Like many, she juggled work, family, and life’s daily pressures. Health wasn’t always top of the list.

But now, she knows taking just a few minutes to check in with your body can make the biggest difference.

Why Regular Breast Checks Are So Important

Did you know that nearly 1 in 7 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime?

And yet, many women admit they rarely check their breasts or wait too long to speak to a GP. Early-stage breast cancer is highly treatable, but late diagnosis can mean more invasive treatment—or worse.

That’s why awareness and early action are key.

Tips for Doing a Self-Exam at Home

It might feel awkward at first, but with practice, self-checks become part of your routine.

Here’s how to do it properly:

• Undress from the waist up and stand in front of a mirror.
• Look at your breasts with your arms at your sides, raised over your head, and hands on hips.
• Check for visible changes—swelling, dimpling, or changes in skin texture.
• Use your fingers to feel your breasts using a circular motion, working your way from the outer edge to the nipple.
• Don’t forget to check under the armpits and around the collarbone.

If you’re unsure about how to do it, ask your GP or nurse, or check out guides from organizations like Breast Cancer Now or the NHS.

Final Thoughts: Let Amanda’s Story Be Your Reminder

Let’s be honest—life gets busy. It’s easy to ignore signs or chalk things up to everyday stress. But Amanda’s experience teaches us that paying attention, even to the little things, can save your life.

Her bravery in speaking out is not only inspiring, but also a powerful reminder: Don’t wait. Don’t second-guess. Just check.

If you found Amanda’s story valuable, why not share it with a friend or loved one? You might just help someone else catch a warning sign early and take action.

Related Keywords

To help this message spread and reach more people, here are some key topics we’ve covered in this post:

• Early signs of breast cancer
• Breast cancer awareness
• Self breast examination tips
• Hormone replacement therapy and cancer risks
• Surrey woman diagnosed with breast cancer
• Importance of early cancer detection

Need Help or Support?

If you’re concerned about breast symptoms or need someone to talk to, here are some helpful resources:

• NHS Breast Screening Services: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening/
• Breast Cancer Now Helpline: 0808 800 6000
• Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

Don’t put off that check. Like Amanda, your story could be one of survival, too.

Stay aware. Stay vocal. Stay strong.