An M&S Bracknell employee saved a mum-of-two from chemotherapy during a bra-fitting appointment.

If Julie Brown had not identified a changed in Emma Ball’s breast size, she would be facing a mastectomy and intensive drugs, Julie learned on Thursday (August 18).

Emma, from Bracknell, was diagnosed with stage two cancer, but she said she may not have checked her breasts until October if it weren’t for Julie, when the cancer would have reached stage three or four.

“I am forever grateful to the amazing Julie for noticing and giving me the prompt,” said Emma, who is now cancer-free.

“I dread to think how things could have been if I left it to October in breast cancer awareness month.

“Myself and my family owe so much to this lovely lady.”

Julie prompted Emma to seek medical advice in May after noticing her left breast was larger than her right, which is not normal for Emma.

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Emma checked her breasts after the bra-fitting appointment and found a lump, before visting a GP.

She underwent two surgeries, removing a 7cm cancer, and will embark on a three-week course of radiotherapy in September, but she will not need chemotherapy.

Doctors have prescribed 10 years of hormone therapy to ensure the cancer does not return.

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Sophia Dawood, Store Manager at M&S Bracknell, said: “We’re extremely proud of Julie, who has been part of the Bracknell team since we opened five years ago.

“Our Bra Fit team always encourage customers to check themselves regularly as it’s so important to look out for breast cancer symptoms. It was an emotional morning for the whole team and we wish Emma all the best in her recovery.”

The NHS Breast Screening Programme advises women to look at and feel their breasts, learn what is normal for them and to report any changes to a GP without delay.

Women aged 50 to 70 should also attend routine screening.

Emma, who has two children aged five and 10, added: “All ladies and men should check themselves as you never know.

“Thinking "oh it's nothing" could turn out very much to be cancer and if you can get it seen and treated as soon as possible this will make a difference to the treatment plan you receive and your life.

“For me, I have two children and although it’s been a hard summer with me not being able to do anything with them, we will have many more summers to make memories - so please check breasts.”

The NHS advises women to look out for:

  • Changes in the size, outline or shape of your breast
  • Change in the look or feel of the skin on your breast, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
  • A new lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit
  • A discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
  • Any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in or pointing differently
  • A rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
  • Any discomfort or pain in one breast, particularly if it's a new pain and does not go away (although pain is only a symptom of breast cancer in rare cases).

Always see a doctor if you are concerned.