Hundreds of NHS staff involved in care of young woman who received ‘shock’ breast cancer diagnosis
A graduate who put her cancer symptoms down to hormones and stress is calling on other young people to seek medical help when something doesn’t feel right with their bodies – urging “if in doubt, get checked out.”
Mia Ancell was just 23 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at St George’s Hospital – just weeks after moving to the capital to start her first job out of uni.
The marketing executive had treatment and surgery at the South West London hospital, where hundreds of people were involved in her care – from doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants in the emergency department, the Rose Centre Breast Unit and the chemotherapy unit; to the surgeons, pharmacists, psychologists, admin teams, and other specialists in the months that followed.
Now, as well as encouraging people to book a medical appointment if they notice symptoms, she has thanked the countless staff at St George’s who played such a pivotal part in her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
“It’s amazing how many people touch your experience, and the importance of all of them,” said Mia. “So many were involved in my care, more than I can even count. The scale of it – how many people it took to look after me – is unbelievable. They are just incredible. I can’t shout about them enough, how amazing the care was.
“It was nice that I was taken so seriously – though I probably left it longer than I should have to get help. Had I thought this could happen, I would have taken those symptoms more seriously.
“It’s not about scaring people – most of the time it isn’t cancer – but I am a firm believer that you should get checked out when something doesn’t feel right. It’s so important, and it’s about knowing what is normal for you. If in doubt – go and get checked out.”
Mia, now 25, moved to London in October 2022 with her best friend, having finished her masters and landing her first job. It was at this point she started to notice something wasn’t right with her body.
“I had had some symptoms, like swelling in my breasts, but thought it was just hormonal,” recalled Mia. “I also had some chest pains over the course of a few weeks. But I didn’t think it could be anything serious – I was only 23, wasn’t aware of what to look out for, and didn’t even consider I could have cancer.”
Eventually, Mia visited St George’s emergency department about the chest pains – which turned out to be related to anxiety – and was asked if there was anything else concerning her. It was at this point she mentioned the breast swelling.
Doctors carried out checks and referred Mia to the Rose Centre for a breast “one-stop” appointment, where she was seen by a doctor and had an immediate ultrasound, mammogram and a breast biopsy. Within 10 days she received her diagnosis: stage two breast cancer, which had spread to her lymph nodes.
“To experience that at 23 was quite a shock,” said Mia. “But as much as I was shocked, I had had time to come to terms with it. In my head, I think I had been getting ready – though I didn’t want to admit this to friends and family. You don’t want to think it’s going to be that.
“It was a really weird time – I was going to all of these appointments in my first month of living in London. There was so much going on. I had to send an email to work to let them know – I had only been there a month.
“It’s strange, looking back, but the thought of losing my independence and social life was a really big deal to me.”
Mia’s treatment at St George’s – a specialist cancer hospital that treats children and adults – started with chemotherapy. She went on to have a mastectomy and breast reconstruction, radiotherapy, and other treatment alongside regular appointments with her consultant.
During this time she “kept as busy as a person with cancer can”, going on walks and reading. She also started thinking about how she could show her gratitude to her teams – and decided to raise money for the St George’s Hospital Charity by running a half-marathon.
“I spent so much of my time feeling bad, feeling sad, and it was really nice to get back to my life,” said Mia.
“St George’s was the reason I had such a good experience, and I felt so grateful, which is why I decided to raise money and run a half-marathon. Before being diagnosed, I had enjoyed running for fun – but 5ks!”
Weeks after running her half-marathon and raising £2,189, Mia was invited back to St George’s to meet dozens of people involved in her care – including her oncologist and Clinical Director for Cancer, Dr Muireann Kelleher – as well as Sky Sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao. Jacquie explained that she is continuing treatment for breast cancer, and has been equally vocal in her praise for the breast surgery and oncology teams at St George’s.
In the emotional gathering, Dr Kelleher and Jacquie thanked Mia – jokingly asking “what on earth possessed” her to take on such a physical challenge.
Dr Kelleher said: “Mia is an outstanding young woman who is known by many of our staff. I’m so proud of her – not just for raising this money, but also for highlighting the importance of seeking medical help when something doesn’t feel right.
“It’s important to be aware of any new or worrying symptoms – and although these are highly unlikely to be cancer, particularly in very young people, it’s important to get worrying symptoms checked out quickly. Ruling out cancer is a huge relief and confirming cancer early means treatment is often more successful.”
Katy Vaughan, CEO at St George’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Mia and proud to have her as part of Team St George’s. Her determination to take on this challenge, especially after facing such a difficult diagnosis at a young age, is truly inspiring.
“The funds Mia has raised will directly benefit the dedicated teams and facilities that provided her with exceptional care, and ensure future cancer patients receive the best possible treatment at St George’s Hospital.”
To find out more about the signs and symptoms of cancer, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/symptoms/
