Country Stories

Jasmine’s breast cancer story and the importance of early diagnosis

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

World Health Organization | 21 Oct 2022

“My body knows how to recover. That’s what competitive strength athletics taught me. I’ve realized competing was the practice. Recovering from breast cancer is the game.”

Less than 4 months have passed since Jasmine Lake found a lump in her breast. While recovering from a recent double mastectomy, she spoke to WHO/Europe about her experience of being diagnosed and treated in England’s National Health Service (NHS).

A native of Singapore, Jasmine grew up in India and attended university in Canada before settling in London, United Kingdom, 11 years ago with her Canadian husband. She is a fitness coach and has competed at the world level in strength athletics.

“I check my breasts regularly, probably more than the average person.” She attributes her awareness of the importance of breast self-exams both to her physical fitness work and to social media, which she uses for work and where she encounters people who share their cancer stories.

“I was in the shower, and I felt a lump that wasn’t there before.” It was mid-June. She was not unduly worried. “I imagined it would be nothing. It felt like a bruise, a bit sore. Usually, breast cancer lumps don’t hurt, and they are hard, not moveable like mine.”

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