30-06-2025
West Lothian mum given devastating diagnosis at routine scan despite no symptoms
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A West Lothian mum was diagnosed with breast cancer out of the blue without suffering any symptoms.
Angela Mairs was given the devastating diagnosis following a routine mammogram in March last year. After the scan she received a letter saying it had been inconclusive as she was asked to attend a follow up.
According to Angela, she didn't even take her husband to the appointment as she had no reason to be concerned. Sadly, further tests showed Angela had Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), an early stage form of breast cancer.
Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Angela is now urging people to take the opportunity of screening and is set to take on a marathon-length moonlit challenge in Edinburgh.
The 58-year-old, from Uphall Station, will take part in this year's MoonWalk Scotland, where women and men wear brightly decorated bras and walk 26.2 miles through the streets of Edinburgh.
(Image: MoonWalk Scotland)
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer out of the blue," said Angela. "It was the third mammogram I'd had since turning 50.
"I'd had absolutely no symptoms beforehand - no lumps, rash or puckering of the skin, classic symptoms of possible breast cancer. Then I received a letter saying the scan had been 'inconclusive' and asking me to attend for a follow up.
"I am a bit busty and thought there was simply some sort of technical issue with getting the right type of images. I didn't take my husband along to that second appointment, I wasn't concerned at all.
"Everything snowballed from there. There was an area in my left breast which needed to be investigated further. I had an ultrasound scan and two biopsies and returned to see the consultant a couple of weeks later for my results. He told me I had Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), an early-stage form of breast cancer, which was a huge shock.
(Image: MoonWalk Scotland)
"Some cells in the lining of the ducts of the breast tissue had started to turn into cancer cells, but hadn't yet spread elsewhere.
"If they hadn't been discovered when they were - by the mammogram - this would have been a real possibility.
"DCIS cells look like grains of rice on scans - they're quite small, which is why I wasn't able to feel anything untoward myself."
Angela had surgery to remove the cancer in June last year. Although it went well, a wound became infected. She has also had five radiotherapy sessions.
Prior to Angela's surgery she received hormone therapy to slow the growth of cells, but an unfortunate side-effect is symptoms of the menopause.
She has also thanked those around her for their support, including her husband Derek, 22-year-old son Jake and his partner Neve.
"My friends and family have been absolutely amazing," she said. "My husband is self-employed and my friends were incredibly supportive while I was recovering from surgery, so that he could keep on working.
"I felt like I had my own private 'meals on wheels' service and they gave me with lifts everywhere too. After having been off work for a large part of last year, I now feel as though I'm back to business as usual and enjoying my normal life.
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"I do need to build up my stamina. Taking part in The MoonWalk Scotland in September and all the training I'll need to do beforehand will give me a fantastic focus, as I try to regain my fitness."
This won't be the first time Angela has taken part in the Full Moon event, she completed it back in 2019.
"I really enjoyed the night and loved the wonderful atmosphere - there were people out on the route supporting us at 2 o'clock in the morning," she recalled.
Walk the Walk has already contributed millions of pounds in grants to the Breast Unit at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.
Angela added: "I've well and truly used all the services at the Western General which Walk the Walk has helped to fund - the mammography unit, operating theatre and breast cancer ward.
"I'm also incredibly thankful for the mammogram which discovered my cancer when it did. This wasn't detectable without a mammogram, there were no symptoms. If breast cancer is caught early enough, a lot can be done to prevent the disease spreading.
"I'd urge everyone who is invited to take up the offer of getting a mammogram. It could save your life".
The event has been going for the last 19 years and the date for this year's is Saturday, September 6. To sign up for The MoonWalk Scotland 2025, visit:
