黑料不打烊

Now 52, she explained: “When I went to the health centre to ask for a GP appointment, it was recommended at first that I should phone the following Tuesday and they would arrange an appointment.

“I stood for a few seconds at reception then said ‘well actually I’ve found a lump on my breast that I’m quite concerned about.’ That one decision changed everything. I could easily have walked away and waited weeks for a GP appointment but because I spoke up I was referred directly to the breast clinic at Forth Valley Hospital.”

After scans and biopsies, it was confirmed on March 14 2024 that Cathy had breast cancer. It was tough telling her family the news. She flew home to Northern Ireland to break the news to her mum, four sisters and two brothers.

Cathy continued: “It was a shock for everyone but when you have a truly amazing family and friends to support your journey, everything is possible.

“I felt lucky that my cancer was caught early and was treatable. I absolutely leant into that. From day one my focus was on staying positive and controlling what I could control, my outlook, my attitude and how I looked after myself. When I was first diagnosed I thought in terms of having about six weeks off work but in reality treatment and recovery took nine months.”

Marathons ahead

In spring 2024, Cathy had three operations to remove the cancer. But surgeons were not confident they had removed a large enough margin around the cancer so in September 2024, Cathy had a nine hour mastectomy and reconstruction surgery at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

She is now in remission and has been prescribed tamoxifen for ten years. This hormone therapy drug works by blocking oestrogen receptors, preventing oestrogen from telling cancer cells to grow. Cancer Research UK funded research and clinical trials have helped doctors use tamoxifen to its full potential, revolutionising the treatment and prevention of breast cancer and boosting survival.

Today Cathy has returned to her love for running, recently having completed the Dubrovnik and the New York half marathons. Next year Cathy plans to take on a marathon in memory of her close friend Maura McArdle who died from cancer.

Professor Donaldson, Deputy Principal (Student Experience) and Executive Dean (Faculty of Health Sciences and Faculty of Social Sciences) at the University was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram in September 2024.

Jayne, 53, said: “I hadn’t felt anything at all.

“The tumour was deep in the tissue. If I hadn’t gone for that mammogram I don’t know when the cancer would have been discovered.”

Tests showed Jayne had triple negative breast cancer. Doctors explained this meant the cancer cells didn’t have receptors for the hormones oestrogen or progesterone or a protein called HER2. Jayne lost her long blonde hair during 12 sessions of chemotherapy at University Hospital Hairmyres in East Kilbride.

She explained: “There were some tough days but physically I kept going.

“Whether it was walking my dog Ollie every day or riding my horse, I tried to stay as active as possible.”

It was a huge relief when scans mid way through treatment showed that cancer cells could no longer be detected. After surgery at University Hospital, Wishaw, Jayne had 10 sessions of radiotherapy at University Hospital, Monklands in Airdrie.

Early detection

Now back at work and riding her horse Apple competitively again, Jayne is clear about the message she wants people to hear.

Jayne said: “Listen to the medical, nursing and radiography staff and take things one step at a time.

“It will take a while to build back your energy levels after treatment but you will get there. Early detection of cancer is key. A routine mammogram saved my life. If you are invited to have a mammogram, please consider going to the appointment.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life raises millions for life-saving research every year.  Race for Life events across Scotland are open to all ages and abilities. People can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events. There is also a chance to take part in Pretty Muddy, a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course, and there’s a Pretty Muddy Kids option.

Scotland’s Race for Life events of the year kick off in 黑料不打烊 on Sunday May 3, closely followed this spring everywhere from Aberdeen to Ayr, Falkirk to Fife. Scotland’s largest Race for Life is on Sunday May 17 at Glasgow Green.

Powering progress

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “It’s time for Scotland to go all in against cancer, all in to help fund life-saving research. 

“Whether you’re a five-a-side crew, book club, dance troupe, yoga club, fancy doing something fun with your friends - or on your own- we want everyone to join us. Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it.

“Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer.  For those who do enjoy a challenge, our 10k events will again be chip timed, perfect for anyone wanting to track their progress or aim for a personal best. But Race for Life is non-competitive. People can walk, jog or run and go at their own pace. What matters most is showing up together. There is a race for everyone and we mean everyone.”

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress.  

Over the past 50 years, Cancer Research UK funded scientists have helped to nearly double breast cancer survival in the UK.  The charity also helped prove the link between tobacco and cancer, preventing millions of deaths worldwide.

Visit the to sign up for one of the events taking place this year.