Delayed Mammogram Leads to Early Breast Cancer Detection for Cork Woman

A routine mammogram delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately led to the early detection of breast cancer for Anna Hickey, a 55-year-ancient mother of two from Ballinspittle, Cork. Hickey’s experience highlights the importance of regular breast cancer screenings and self-checks.

The Unexpected Diagnosis

Hickey’s over-50 breast scan was postponed due to the pandemic. When she finally underwent the mammogram in August 2023, it revealed an anomaly, prompting a call back for further investigation The Irish Times. Following a third mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early form of breast cancer.

“This would not have been picked up if I’d had my mammogram on the original date, and then by the time I went for another one, it would have been a very different outcome,” Hickey stated Europe Says. Remarkably, she had no symptoms at the time of diagnosis.

Treatment and Recovery

Hickey underwent a lymph node removal in December 2023 and a mastectomy on her right breast a few months later The Irish Times. Fortunately, the cancer had not spread, allowing for reconstruction to be performed simultaneously, avoiding the immediate loss of her breast.

Recovery was prolonged due to infections following the reconstruction, which involved using skin and blood vessels from her stomach The Irish Times.

Importance of Screening and Self-Checks

Speaking on Daffodil Day, an annual fundraising campaign for the Irish Cancer Society, Hickey emphasized the value of both self-checks and mammograms Echo Live. Her surgeon confirmed that a physical exam would not have detected the cancer.

“So whatever checks people are doing themselves, if you identify any sign of a lump or a pressure or any of the signs of breast cancer, absolutely go,” Hickey urged Echo Live. Mammograms are available to individuals of all ages with a valid reason for screening.

Signs of Breast Cancer

According to the Irish Cancer Society, potential symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A lump or thickening in your breast or armpit
• A change in size or shape of your breast
• A change in the skin of your breast
• A change in your nipple

While breast pain alone is rarely a symptom of cancer, it’s always best to consult a doctor Europe Says.

Around 44,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Ireland Echo Live.