Don’t duck out!

GETTING their message across: Royton cancer survivor Lesley Petho (right) and Cancer Research UK area volunteer manager Laura Watts at the launch Picture: ANTHONY MILLER

A BRAVE cancer survivor has spoken of her battle against the deadly disease as she launched a national campaign to save lives.

Lesley Petho (49) says she was fortunate to be diagnosed early — and issued a heartfelt plea to women not to avoid breast screening.

The Royton mother-of-two credits family and friends with keeping her going during her fight against breast cancer, of which 146 women are diagnosed in Oldham ever year.

To highlight the message “don’t duck out of breast screening”, Lesley posed with rubber ducks at Cancer Research UK’s Market Place shop in Oldham as she kick-started the charity’s new campaign.

Designer toys are on sale in the charity’s shops throughout October as part of the “It’s a Girl Thing” breast cancer awareness and fund-raising drive.

When Lesley found a lump in her right breast in February, last year, she immediately booked an appointment with her GP. She was referred to the Royal Oldham Hospital for tests, which revealed breast cancer.

Lesley, who works for British Gas at Trafford Park, underwent surgery to have the lump removed in March, last year, followed by a course of chemotherapy. She continued working throughout her treatment and received three weeks of radiotherapy at the Christie.

The treatment was completed in December and she now needs three-monthly check-ups.

Lesley said: “I’m proof there are effective treatments for breast cancer.

“Sadly, however, not everyone survives. I was fortunate to be diagnosed at an early stage and received excellent treatment.

“I do still feel nervous each time I go for a check-up. I don’t know what the future will hold, but I would urge any woman who finds a lump, to see their doctor immediately.

“I want to encourage everyone to support Cancer Research UK’s campaign, which aims to highlight the need for more research and encourage local people to get involved with fund-raising.”

Thankfully, more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before because of research, better treatments and earlier detection.

Cancer Research UK spent £45 million last year looking for new ways to prevent and diagnose the disease and develop improved treatments.

The rubber ducks, on sale for £4.99, have become must-have items in previous campaigns and this year have been given a celebrity makeover by Sharon Osbourne and Twiggy, among others.

The campaign will also encourage people to organise pink-themed fund-raising activities before the end of October.

For more information visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/ breastcancer or call 08701-602 040.