Screening saved me: my breast cancer story by Claire Maoudis

Claire Maoudis from the Cancer Awareness team tells the story of her breast cancer diagnosis, the importance of attending screening appointments and her journey to becoming a passionate Cancer Awareness worker.

“My cancer was discovered through a routine mammogram. I attended my first mammogram at the age of 47 and then again at 50 at 53. Two weeks after my last appointment, I received a letter asking me to come back for further tests. Within two days, I was having biopsies, and the medical team told me almost immediately that it was likely to be cancer. When the results came back, I was diagnosed with a Grade 3 tumour.

“The biggest shock was that I had absolutely no symptoms. If I hadn’t attended that mammogram, my cancer would not have been detected. Looking back now, I truly believe that screening saved my life.

“Receiving the diagnosis was a massive shock. One moment I felt completely healthy, and within just a few weeks my entire life had changed. From having my mammogram at the beginning of May, I quickly found myself facing six months of intensive chemotherapy. Within five weeks, everything I knew had been turned upside down. I couldn’t work, and the treatment was brutal. I lost my hair, my eyebrows, my eyelashes and, for a while, I felt as though I had lost my identity too.

“After chemotherapy, I underwent a lumpectomy, but unfortunately the margins weren’t clear. Two weeks later, I had to return for a partial mastectomy. Following surgery, I had radiotherapy and an additional radio boost because the tumour was positioned so far back and was tethered to my chest wall – the positioning was such that, had I not attended my screening, it would have been much more advanced before I would have noticed it.

“Just when I thought the treatment was over, I was told I needed another ten months of chemotherapy. It felt like I was on a never-ending rollercoaster. Thankfully, I was able to retire at 55 and focus completely on my health, which was exactly what I needed to get through the treatment.

“Although my tumour was Grade 3, it had not spread to my lymph nodes. The surgeons removed and tested some lymph nodes, and receiving the news that the cancer hadn’t spread was a huge relief. Today, three years on, I continue to attend annual mammograms and follow-up appointments. Touch wood, there is currently no evidence of disease.

“The treatment was incredibly difficult, but it was worth it. I’m here to tell my story, and I feel great now – that mammogram definitely saved my life.

“One of the most challenging aspects of cancer was the impact it had on my family. My parents had lost two children before I was born, so as their only child, my diagnosis was especially difficult for my mother. While I was surrounded by doctors, nurses and treatment plans, my family could only watch from the sidelines, feeling helpless. I often describe cancer treatment as being in a bubble where you’re constantly doing something, while your loved ones are left trying to cope and support you.

“Cancer also had a huge impact on my mental health. After working for 37 years, my life suddenly became focused on treatments, hospital appointments and recovery. At times, everything felt chaotic and uncertain.

“My GP signposted me to Macmillan Joining the Dots, which became a vital source of support during my recovery. Through Joining the Dots, I was referred to Butterwick Hospice for counselling and to The Solan Trust for peer support. Both services played an important role in helping me navigate life during and after treatment. Through counselling, I was able to process what had happened, and through peer support I met people who truly understood what I was going through.

“I also received support from the Wellbeing for Life team, taking part in a four-week programme focused on supportive nutrition, tackling sleep problems and introducing suitable exercise. The programme gave me practical tools that helped improve both my physical and emotional wellbeing, at a time when I was trying to rebuild my confidence and regain a sense of normality.

“The friendships I made during treatment were incredibly important. Some of the best conversations and biggest laughs happened while six of us sat together having chemotherapy. We supported each other through the darkest days, and many of those friendships remain strong today.

“As my recovery progressed, I began volunteering with The Solan Trust, giving something back to a service that had helped me so much. It was there that I continued to build relationships with Emma and Sue from Joining the Dots, whose support and encouragement meant a great deal to me. Through the Trust, I heard about the HOPE (Help to Overcome Problems Effectively) Course, and attending the course became another important milestone in my recovery.

“The HOPE course helped me rebuild my confidence and gave me the tools to look forward rather than back. It helped me to make sense of everything I had been through and come to terms with the changes cancer had brought to my life. As I often describe it, the course helped me “tie up loose ends – put it all in a box. It was the end of one journey and the beginning of another.” By that point, I felt I had grieved for my old life and was finally ready to move on to a new one.

“Following the course, I set myself a goal: to update my CV and apply for the Cancer Awareness role. It was a challenge that gave me focus and purpose, and one that ultimately opened the door to the next chapter of my life.

“Over time, I made a conscious decision to turn the negatives into positives. Cancer changed my perspective on life. I no longer put things off for ‘next week’ or ‘next year’. Instead of buying each other presents, my friends and I now buy experiences and make memories together. We do things we’d never have considered before, from cold-water dips to outdoor adventures. I’ve learned that laughter and positivity really are powerful medicine.

“Cancer also led me to a new purpose. Today, I work in cancer awareness, educating people about the signs and symptoms of cancer and encouraging them to attend screening appointments. It has become my passion. If sharing my experience helps even one person seek advice earlier or attend a screening appointment, then it is worth it.

“One message I always share is how important screening is. I had no symptoms at all, yet my mammogram detected a cancer that could have become much more serious if left untreated. That’s why I encourage everyone to take up every screening opportunity they’re offered, whether it’s breast, bowel or cervical screening.

“For younger women who aren’t yet eligible for mammograms, it’s important to get to know what’s normal for your body and check your breasts regularly. Men should also be aware that breast cancer can affect them too. There is no right or wrong way to check; the important thing is knowing what is normal for you and seeking medical advice if something changes.

“Today, I live by a simple philosophy: don’t sweat the small stuff. Tomorrow is never promised, so make the most of today. Of course, there are still moments when I worry, especially during the quiet hours of the night, but I remind myself that I’m here, I’m living my life and I’m moving forward.

“If you’ve been invited for a mammogram, please go. It may be a little uncomfortable for a few moments, but those few minutes could save your life, just as my mammogram saved mine. And if you notice anything unusual or concerning, don’t wait, speak to your GP and get it checked.

“I’m living proof that early detection can make all the difference.”

Claire also spoke to Paula Town in one of the Cancer Champions Project's podcasts - listen here.

Cancer Awareness is part of Adult Wellbeing Services and is delivered in partnership with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.