Leeds cancer survivor urges women to attend vital screening tests

Karen, from Leeds, is now urging all women to attend the vital appointments.

She said: “I can’t highlight enough the importance of attending regular screening checks, and more importantly, going for call backs regardless of how reluctant you may be. I now encourage all my friends and family to take part in screening, whether it’s for breast, bowel or cervical cancer, and tell them to look out for any changes to their body.”

Karen turned 50 in October 2013 and was invited to attend her first appointment the following February. After a mass was spotted, she was found to have large 8cm tumour in her left breast, as well as a smaller lump in her right breast.

Karen, now 52, said: “I had no idea I had cancer. I’d had no symptoms and although I’d lost a lot of weight, this had been intentional so I didn’t see it as a warning sign. It came as a complete shock. Looking back, I probably had noticed changes in my breasts, but I’d put it down to ageing.”

She underwent surgery and radiotherapy and since then, Karen, a full-time carer to her disabled son, has dramatically changed her lifestyle. Last weekend she climbed the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Karen said: “I feel better these days than I ever have before and I love getting out into the countryside. I’m doing this not only for me as a survivor but for all those that have fought and won.”

Earlier this year, Yorkshire Cancer Research announced the early detection of cancer as one of its four main priorities for 2016.

The charity will run community health projects and invest in research to increase the number of people in Yorkshire who take part in national screening programmes.

Karen McLean is aiming to raise £500 for the charity by climbing Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent in 24 hours.

The experienced walker has also set herself the challenge of walking 1,000 miles during 2016 and has already clocked up more than 800 miles.