A BREAST cancer survivor from Ollerton is urging women in eastern Cheshire to 'Be Clear On Cancer'.

Margaret Robson, who has just turned 73, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April, but is doing extremely well as it was detected early.

The grandmother of two did not have any suspicions that she had breast cancer, but simply booked herself in for a mammogram as she knew she had not had one for three years.

“I had always been alright and I just assumed I would be alright this time, so I was quite shocked when I wasn’t,” said Margaret.

“You don’t tend to look at yourself in the way you do when you’re younger, you sort of just get on with your life.

Margaret underwent surgery at Macclesfield District General Hospital in May and then received support from the Macmillan Unit at the hospital

The unit’s services are commissioned by NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS England – who jointly plan and buy cancer services in Eastern Cheshire.

The cancer was fortunately contained in a single area so Margaret did not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but she will now be called for mammograms every year.

“When I got the mammogram result and I knew I had to go back I was upset, because you do worry as you’re never sure it’s going to be exactly how we think it’s going to be,” said Margaret.

“I didn’t feel fantastic for two or three weeks but I feel alright now in general.”

The Chapel Road resident is now supporting the 'Be Clear On Cancer' campaign, which is currently focused on encouraging women over 70 to ensure they keep looking out for signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

If women over 70 do have symptoms they are worried about, they should make an appointment with their GP urgently.

Additionally, women over 73 can opt to continue in the breast screening programme, which currently calls women aged 47-73.

The Boothsmere WI member added: “It’s really important to stay aware. I’ve spoken to women and they’ve said to me we’ve reached 70, we don’t need to worry – but you’re actually more likely to get it at this age.”

Dr Paul Bowen, chair of NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG and GP with McIlvride Medical Practice, Poynton, added: “One in three women who get breast cancer are over 70, but survival rates are better when the disease is diagnosed early.

“I urge all women over 70 to 'Be Clear On Cancer', as finding out early could save your life.”

If you’re over 70, you can ask for a free screening every three years, just get in touch with your local breast screening unit to make an appointment. Find your local unit on NHS Choices.

Find out more about the 'Be Clear On Cancer' campaign at nhs.uk/be-clear-on-cancer/breast-cancer/home