Katie Warren, a 70-year-old Tamworth resident, was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in August 2022 after a routine mammogram revealed the disease despite her having no symptoms whatsoever. The shock diagnosis led to two surgeries and radiotherapy, ultimately saving her life. She now urges women to attend breast screening, sharing her story alongside friend Julie Allen, who helped raise £1,735 for Breast Cancer Now through annual afternoon tea parties.
A Routine Appointment Turns Into a Life-Changing Diagnosis
In August 2022, Katie received a letter inviting her for a routine mammogram at the breast cancer unit. Having no lumps or any other warning signs, she attended without concern. 'I had no warning whatsoever. People say they worry every time they go, and I say I don't. I never even think of it. But, when it happens, it's such a shock — especially when you don't get any symptoms at all,' she told BirminghamLive.
According to the NHS, a mammogram, or breast screening, can detect cancers that are too small to see or feel. Shortly after her scan, Katie received a letter asking her to return to the breast cancer unit. 'I was so shocked. I thought, I think they've made a mistake. It seemed I was there for hours and hours, and it was just a shock. You just can't believe it. I know it's called life, but it's a shock when you don't expect it,' she recalled.
Surgery and Further Complications
Katie was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer, a type that can be harder to detect. She underwent an operation in October 2022. However, just before Christmas that year, she learned that cancer cells might have spread to her lymph nodes. 'They were worried the cancer cells spread. That was another worry. That [operation] was probably worse because I thought I'd got over it,' she shared.
Following her second surgery, Katie was scheduled for a week of radiotherapy in March 2023. She noted that she 'had to wait quite a bit' for the treatment, which Breast Cancer Now explains can happen if a wound needs to heal first. In March 2023, both Katie and her friend Karen, who was also undergoing breast cancer treatment, rang the bell at the hospital to mark the end of their cancer battles. 'We were so happy. It was just amazing,' Katie said, breaking down in tears.
Mammogram Saved Her Life
Katie credits the routine mammogram with saving her life. 'Without it, I wouldn't have known I had cancer,' she stated. The experience prompted her and her friends Julie and Karen to set up a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Now, the charity that supports research and treatment. For the past few years, they have held an afternoon tea party, raising £1,735 so far.
Julie Allen, who accompanied Katie to many appointments, explained the motivation: 'The fundraising came about because of the good care Katie and Karen received. Breast Cancer Now was advertising for people to hold an afternoon tea. We love afternoon tea so that was that.' She added that local businesses such as The Queen's Head, The Red Lion, Morrisons, Planters, Buzzard Valley Vineyard, The Snowdome, Statfold, Suncream Dairies, and Manor Farm Fruits donated raffle prizes. 'I ask local companies if they could donate raffle prizes and a lot of them do,' Julie said.
Ongoing Support and Gratitude
Katie expressed deep gratitude for Julie's support. 'She works so hard,' she said, tearing up. The friends continue to hold the annual tea party, and donations are still welcome. Julie thanked everyone who has already contributed. Katie's story underscores the importance of routine breast screening, even for those without symptoms. As she put it, the mammogram 'saved her life.'
