GETTING checked every three years was more or less routine for Zena Bagby, so after her regular breast examination in January the last thing she expected was to be recalled.

The breast screening unit, based in Lancaster, detected an abnormality in her right breast and just before she was due to go back for a further check-up four months later she found a small lump, which turned out to be cancer.

Brave Zena, 63, of Abbey Road in Blackpool, said: "They gave me a choice of either having the lump removed followed by radiotherapy or having the breast removed altogether.

"Being diabetic and a widow I decided that total removal was probably the best option for me."

Zena is thankful she wasn't alone in her important decision.

She was introduced to the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Community Health Trust's specialist breast care adviser Barbara Moss and was given the fullest support.

Zena speaks of Barbara with great affection:

"She's amazing, the sort of person you hope you might meet once in a lifetime. She really cares.

"It was a real relief to have her there every step of the way."

Four months after her mastectomy Zena is an immensely positive lady and is sure her cancer won't return, so much so she has booked herself a holiday to Benidorm.

"This will be the real test. I have a prosthesis which feels very natural and comfortable.

"You could say I've become very attached to it!"

All jokes aside, Zena is keen to pass the word on about the importance of breast examination and urges women of all ages to check their breasts regularly.

She added: "I have my bad days. My husband died of cancer nine years ago and there was very little support then.

"I think I have blamed myself for being so helpless. People like Barbara and Cancervive support group have helped me through that.

"In a way I feel this illness has been one of the most positive things that has happened to me.

"I now look at life in a whole new way and I truly value it.

"Cancer can be the beginning not the end."

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