Woman 'fobbed off' by doctors issues stark reminder to others after lump turned out to be cancer

A mum of two who was deemed 'too young for cancer' has warned others to push back against dismissive health advice.

Back in June, Lauren Ratcliffe discovered a lump in her breast and booked an appointment with her GP.

However, she believes she was 'fobbed off' by the doctor, who told her the lump was likely hormonal as she was due on her period, even though she has a history of breast cancer in the family.

"I took her word for it at the time," the 36-year-old recalled. "But after my cycle, the lump was still there. I kept mentioning it to my husband, and he said: ‘You really need to go back and get it checked again and get a second opinion.’"

Lauren returned to her GP and saw a different doctor, who this time referred her for further testing.

After undergoing an ultrasound, biopsy and two mammograms in August, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and informed that the disease had spread to her armpit.

Lauren made an appointment with her GP after finding a lump, only to be told that it was likely hormonal (SWNS)

The diagnosis also meant that Lauren was the fifth woman, and also the youngest, member of her family to be diagnosed with cancer.

Reflecting on receiving the diagnosis, the teaching assistant said that life had since been 'really tough' for her, adding: "At first it felt like a nightmare. I struggled terribly with sleep. I'd drift off and then suddenly wake up again with the thought, 'You've got cancer'.

"I do have good and bad days, but the key is to stay positive."

She is now likely to undergo chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, followed by an operation to remove cancerous tissue. Her husband has also set up a GoFundMe to help the family with the financial cost of her treatment.

"We've tried to keep life as normal as possible for our children," Lauren explained, adding that her husband, Andy, 41, struggled mentally with the news.

"There will come a point when treatment starts and they see me becoming unwell, and that will be difficult," she added.

She was later diagnosed with breast cancer after going for a second appointment (SWNS)

“I've had to prepare them for the possibility that I may lose my hair, but I've explained that it's all part of getting better."

Lauren, who shares Tyler, 16 and Chloe, 12, with her husband, is also keen to urge others to advocate for their health.

"My message is simple: check yourself every month. If you find a lump or notice anything that doesn't feel right, go straight to your GP," she said.

"Just be strong. Don't take no for an answer. Any lump should be referred to hospital for further investigation. If you feel you're being ignored, go back and get a second opinion.

“Sometimes I think about what could have happened if I'd simply accepted what I was first told and not gone back," she continued.

"That's quite a frightening thought."

You can donate to Lauren's GoFundMe here.