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Survivor leads calls to show support for vital cancer research

“If I had been diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago, the outcome might not have been the same for me – and that’s down to research.”

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Carla Roberts

Breast cancer survivor Carla Roberts considers herself one of the lucky ones.

She is alive thanks to the work of scientists who are tirelessly searching for better ways to prevent and treat this disease.

In May last year, the 54-year-old, from Dudley, was diagnosed with breast cancer after being given extra mammograms as part of a genetic screening programme, due to her family history of the disease.

After an intensive course of chemotherapy, finishing in January, Carla also tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation, which means she is more at risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.

“As soon as I knew I had the faulty gene I just wanted both breasts gone,” said Carla, who was diagnosed with ‘triple negative’ breast cancer, meaning some hormonal therapies and targeted cancer drugs don’t work.

Carla Roberts with her dog Tiggy

"I opted for a double mastectomy as I wanted to be sure it couldn’t come back.”

The Covid-19 pandemic had started and the UK had gone into lockdown by the time Carla had her radiotherapy in June this year, but luckily her treatment schedule wasn’t affected.

Carla’s mother, Carol,74, had breast cancer at the age of 41 and has since tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation. Carla’s 19-year-old daughter, Annabel, is awaiting genetic testing to see if she too has the mutation.

Carla, a manager for the Department of Work and Pensions, has now finished her treatment and has returned both work and her hobby of horse-riding.

“I find the best way to deal with it is to keep myself busy, so I returned to work as soon as I could and kept up walking with my dog, as well as looking after my horses. I had to stop riding for a while, but I’m just getting back to it now,” said Carla.

Carla on her horse

She is also grateful for Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Chat forum. She even hopes to meet face to face with fellow chat users from across the UK when life returns to normal.

Carla is sharing her story to compliment Cancer Research UK’s latest TV appeal, which features a direct plea for donations from leading scientist, Professor Richard Gilbertson.

Carla said: “My experience means I understand the importance of Cancer Research UK’s work all too clearly. If I had been diagnosed with cancer ten years ago, the outcome might not have been the same for me – and that’s down to research.

“I hope that people across the Midlands will be inspired by the charity’s determination to carry on beating cancer and give what they can.”

Cancer Research UK is expecting a staggering £160 million drop in income this year, which it says is putting future breakthroughs at risk.

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