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- Karen’s Journey with Breast Cancer and the Power of Knowing About Breast Density
Karen’s journey with breast cancer and the power of knowing about breast density
I’ve always been prone to cysts in my breasts — something I used to consider an annoying but harmless part of life. I found them in my twenties, thirties, and forties. They came and went every decade or so, and I always got them checked out. This habit kept me very aware of my breast health, and I became diligent about checking myself.
Over the years, I was told I had “lumpy breasts”. I’m small-chested with a low BMI, and no one ever mentioned the term “dense breasts” to me — or what that even meant — until I met Miss Harleen Deol, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon.
In January 2023, at 59, I discovered what felt like a small pea-sized lump in my right breast. I assumed, once again, it was a cyst. Still, I went to see my doctor and was referred for further tests. Not wanting to wait for an appointment, I decided to explore my options using my private health insurance — something I’ve maintained since my years as a professional dancer when taking time off wasn’t an option.
After researching carefully, I chose to see Miss Deol. Her background, expertise, and the genuine care that came through in her profile gave me confidence. She was available that very next day.
During my consultation with Miss Deol, I had a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy. For the first time in my life, someone explained that I had dense breasts — and what that meant. Miss Deol told me that dense breast tissue can make it harder for mammograms to detect abnormalities, which is why additional screening methods are necessary.
A few days later, Miss Deol gave me the news: I had breast cancer. It was a surreal moment, but I immediately felt I was in the right hands. She calmly outlined the plan on a piece of A4 paper, step by step. She made it all understandable — and most importantly, she made it feel manageable. I will never forget her kindness in that moment.
My diagnosis was HER2-positive triple positive, stage 1 breast cancer, which is known to spread quickly. I began treatment privately with 14 rounds of chemotherapy. Thankfully, the tumour responded and shrank, and I had a lumpectomy in a local private hospital in September 2023. I followed this with 15 rounds of radiotherapy at GenesisCare in Elstree and continued with targeted injections every 3 weeks until May 2024.
Throughout my treatment, I received the most exceptional care. The medical teams, from Miss Deol’s clinic to the staff at GenesisCare — were kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in my well-being. They weren’t just treating my cancer; they were caring for all of me.
At GenesisCare, I was encouraged to engage with the full range of supportive services: counselling, reflexology, exercise medicine — even transport for those who needed it. I especially benefited from the gym and physio support. Twice a week, I’d go for radiotherapy and then head straight to the onsite gym. They knew exactly how to push you safely, and I felt so empowered.
I love endurance sport and road cycling, even when I was first diagnosed, one of my first questions was whether I could still go to bike camp in Lanzarote just 3 months away, a trip I take every year with 24 women and amazing coaches. Both my oncologist, Dr Shah and Miss Deol were fully supportive.
Along with my beautiful friends, My husband, also an endurance cyclist, was my rock. During treatment, he’d drop me off at the hospital and then head off on his long training rides, only to return to the ward to have lunch with me. The nurses would hear his footsteps and say, “Doug’s here, Karen.” That sense of community and support was so powerful.
In May 2025, I celebrated my first cancer-free anniversary. I'm not on long-term medication, which is a relief, and I’ll continue annual follow-ups for the next five years.
Looking back, I had my first mammogram at 50 and two more before my diagnosis — but no one ever told me I had dense breasts. If I had known, I would have sought additional screening sooner. This is why I’m passionate about supporting GenesisCare’s dense breast awareness efforts. All women deserve to know their breast density so they can make informed decisions. That’s why GenesisCare is providing this information to anyone undergoing a mammogram and they are currently the only UK provider to do this as standard.
I now feel lucky that I felt that lump. Without it, my cancer may not have been detected until much later. I urge every woman to ask about her breast density after a mammogram. Knowledge is power, and early detection saves lives. I talk to my friends about it now — many of them had no idea what “dense breasts” meant either.
Breast cancer is never an easy journey — but with the right team, the right information, and the right support, it can be one you move through with strength and clarity.