Amost 3 years ago, my husband and I moved to Melton Mowbray from London. Just over one year ago I received a letter from Leicestershire Breast Screening Unit to attend the mobile unit at Tesco's car park for a routine mammogram. (The date was our wedding anniversary). I was amazed that the system had found me despite moving from London.

A week later I was recalled to Glenfield Hospital as there was a problem. At the second appointment they did further tests and we were asked to return in one week for the results. We decided not to worry as up to this point I was feeling well and was not aware that anything was wrong. We returned the following week to receive the news that I had breast cancer, a malignant tumour which would require surgery scheduled for mid October.

I was extremely fortunate that chemotherapy was not required as the tumour was localised. After the removal of the lump and a few lymph nodes and five weeks of radiotherapy, I was given Tamoxifen for 5 years. Around the time that this was going on, the Melton Times featured a lady in similar circumstances who said that a visit to Tesco saved her life. I can wholeheartedly agree with her. I feel very grateful that the cancer was detected so early and for the care that I have received from the medical profession and the support of my husband, family and friends. The house was filled with flowers and cards for some time and it was good to know that people were thinking of me and praying for me.

I am a fairly reserved person but if telling my story can help someone who has just heard the words "You have breast cancer" then I am more than happy to talk to them.