Check your ‘bumps’ for lumps, says Emma

7 October 2021

All officers should be checking their “bumps’ for “lumps” according to Suffolk Police Federation equality lead Emma Arthurs-Newman.

Emma is in a good position to offer the advice and is speaking up as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

She explains: “I am four years into my own breast cancer journey. I discovered a lump while sitting my initial Federation reps’ course in 2017 and, after a few weeks’ wait for a check-up, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Grade 3 breast cancer.

“Despite catching it early, I needed pretty much all the treatments available. Four years later I am still trying to get used to the ‘new’ me. There are bits missing and I feel different, but I am still here.”

Emma is now an active member of a cancer peer support group within the Force and has managed to turn her experience into a positive by supporting others.

“I encourage everyone to check their bumps for lumps, male and female, and to make sure that anything that feels not quite right gets checked,” says Emma.

Emma, who is a professional development officer, has been with the Force for 18 years and became a Federation rep after her experience of being investigated left her feeling “broken”.

In her Force role she enjoys working with student officers and developing innovative training packages around tutoring. Since becoming a Fed rep five years ago, she has dedicated herself to representing colleagues, particularly around the Regulation 13 processes and half-pay matters.

Find out more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month.