Young Wirral cancer patient's message of hope to others

Harriet Harrison from West Kirby found a lump in her breast in April. The 24-year-old was then referred for scans and experts were described as hopeful the lump would be nothing concerning. However, a biopsy revealed breast cancer.

Recalling the moment that would lead to a cancer diagnosis, Harriet said: "I was just in the shower and felt something in my breast. I didn't think much of it but booked a doctor's appointment just in case".

Breast cancer is most common in women over the age of 50, however it is possible for women in their 20s and 30s to also develop breast cancer. If breast cancer is caught early, a patient’s chances of making a full recovery are good.

Harriet Harrison has used a cold cap to help her keep her hair during chemotherapy treatment (Image: The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust) After diagnosis, Harriet went through 'lots of appointments', which included genetic testing to establish if there was a family history of breast cancer or if any relatives might be more likely to develop some form of cancer.

Harriet continued: "All the genetic testing came back clear. This was a relief and the result I wanted – whilst it made me question ‘why me?’ I was happy there was no risk to the rest of my family".

Harriet also went through the process of freezing her eggs so she can consider having children in the future.

She began chemotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, choosing to be treated in the specialist Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Unit at the organisation's Liverpool hospital.

On her treatment, she said: "As I'm really young to be in this position, I felt like the TYA unit was the right place for me to be treated.

"It's all been really overwhelming so I've appreciated the peace and quiet of the unit and the specialist support from nurses who know what it’s like to treat people my age."

Harriet explained that she knew nothing about breast cancer or chemotherapy before her own diagnosis, adding: "I've learnt a lot over the past few months and I’m an expert now! I hadn’t realised how ill I'd feel with my treatment.

"That's been really tough – sickness and fatigue – but I’m working with my medical team to manage it.

"I also use a cold cap, a type of swimming cap that pumps cold water through it to restrict blood flow to my head and help me keep my hair. It’s worked really well so far, which I’m grateful for."

Harriet has been getting through her experience with the support of her parents, boyfriend Nick and her friends, who have been helping her to keep a level of normality during her treatment.

“My family and friends have been amazing.

Harriet Harrison (centre in black) has been supported by friends and family (Image: The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust) "My mum and dad have been with me for every appointment and treatment and Nick is always with me.

"My girlfriends have been brilliant too – we all worked together at Hickory's in West Kirby when we were younger.

"We still have nights in and get together – just normal stuff really, which has helped me forget about what I’m dealing with."

Harriet’s friends and family have also been fundraising to support cancer research and Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, the charity dedicated to supporting patients at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre through research and improving patient experience.

Dr Jane Dufton, consultant clinical oncologist at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is leading Harriet's care, said: "Whilst it's unusual for someone in their 20s to be diagnosed with breast cancer, unfortunately it's not impossible.

"Harriet has dealt with a lot over the past few months but is doing really well.

"We’re working closely with her to ensure she can tolerate her treatment and feel as well as possible.

"She’s nearly completed her course of chemotherapy and all her team is really hopeful she’ll recover well."

Harriet has this advice for others going through their own experience of cancer treatment: "I had no idea what having cancer would entail before starting all this but you’ve got to stay positive.

"My family and friends really help – surround yourself with your favourite people.

"I'm looking forward to getting through this and putting it all behind me."