“When I learned that Yorkshire Cancer Research helped fund the breast cancer drug I was taking, it reaffirmed the importance of my work” – Christine’s experience

Christine Munro, originally from Wetherby, became part of the Yorkshire Cancer Research team in July this year, but her connection to the charity started five years before that - after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now five-years cancer free, Christine is pleased to be part of the charity’s life-saving mission, helping more people in Yorkshire benefit from advancements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, just like she has.

It was early 2020 when Christine received a letter inviting her to attend a routine breast screening appointment in a mobile unit at a supermarket car park near her home. 

She said: “As I had no symptoms, the thought they might actually find something didn’t cross my mind. My decision to attend that day was down to convenience – it was quick, easy, and meant I didn’t have to take too much time out of my day. I actually remember questioning whether I could be bothered to go. Now I know it was one of the most important decisions of my life.”

Christine’s mammogram detected a small mass at the back of her right breast, and following a biopsy, she was told she had early-stage breast cancer. 

“It was during the height of the pandemic when I received my breast cancer diagnosis, making an already difficult experience feel even more isolating. My husband wasn’t allowed in the room when they told me. I cried at first but then looked at the solutions. The doctor reassured me that catching it early, before I had any symptoms, would make all the difference.”

Just a few weeks after her diagnosis, Christine began treatment for breast cancer. She first underwent surgery to remove the lump in her breast, followed by a second operation to remove her lymph nodes. This was followed by several weeks of radiotherapy.

She recalled: “It all happened so quickly after my diagnosis. All I could think was I wanted it sorted as soon as possible – I just didn’t know how aggressive or fast-growing the tumour might be. It was such a difficult time, sitting alone, socially distanced from everyone and waiting to go into surgery.”

Two months after her diagnosis, Christine completed her radiotherapy and was prescribed a hormone therapy called Tamoxifen to reduce the risk of breast cancer returning. This groundbreaking drug, which helps treat and prevent breast cancer, was developed in part thanks to funding by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

With grants from the charity in the 1970s, a tenacious scientist called Professor Craig Jordan played a vital role in Tamoxifen becoming a gold-standard anti-hormone treatment for breast cancer. Tamoxifen has been used by millions of people around the world and is still prescribed on a daily basis in many countries. It is recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of the most essential medicines for the disease.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Yorkshire, with 4,400 women diagnosed with the disease every year in Yorkshire. Thanks to advancements in treatments, including those funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, and the improvement of early diagnosis through the national breast screening programme, survival rates are among the highest.

Following her experience with breast cancer, Christine is delighted to be part of a charity that not only funds life-saving discoveries and treatments, but innovative research and screening that improve early diagnosis.

She said: “I used to work in Bradford and I’m aware from speaking to local communities that not everyone feels comfortable attending screening. Yorkshire Cancer Research is helping break down those barriers by funding vital research that brings services into the heart of communities, so more cancers can be diagnosed earlier. I’ve experienced first-hand how important that is - early diagnosis gives people the best chance of survival.”

It's thanks to supporters – including those who shop, donate and volunteer at the charity’s shops - that Yorkshire Cancer Research can fund new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Today, Christine works as the Shop Manager at the Halifax shop. She enjoys every shift knowing her team is helping to contribute to the charity’s life-saving work. 

When asked why she believes the charity’s work is so vital, Christine concluded: “I travelled to Bradford, Leeds and Huddersfield for my treatment, and despite the challenges of the pandemic, I was amazed by how quick and efficient everything was - from diagnosis to treatment. I know I was lucky, and I want others to have that same chance. Sadly, the statistics around cancer in many areas of Yorkshire are shocking and too many people don’t have the same experience as me. That’s why I come to work every day – to help change that.”