Sam's support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
14 October 2021
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, West Midlands Police Federation rep Sam Hughes has joined other breast cancer survivors in encouraging members to talk more openly about the issue.
Sam, who was diagnosed in 2017, has recently turned her experiences into an informational guide for members full of practical advice on chemotherapy, Federation support, and self-care tips.
Recalling her months of treatment, Sam says: “While I received a lot of wonderful support, many people were often unsure of how to talk to me – some didn’t even want to say the word ‘cancer’, as if it was contagious. It made an already difficult situation very lonely. I’m glad that others are now also speaking out and helping demystify ‘the c-word’.”
Tara McGovern, a detective chief superintendent with the Met Police, found a lump in her breast on New Year’s Eve 2018 and two weeks later was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She had lost her mother to the disease when she was just 11 and so began regularly checking her own breasts every month.
She said: “When I found the lump, I knew it wasn’t right and I acted straight away. It was small and my surgeon was surprised I had even noticed it. But, because I understood and knew my own body, I found it incredibly early and even though it was aggressive, I got through it. My oncologist said ‘I am going to make you feel dreadful for 18 months, but then you are going to live the rest of your life’. And she was right.”
Tiff, a Police Federation National Board member and former Leicestershire Police Federation chair, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. She said scrolling through social media one day led to her doing a spur-of-the-moment check of her breasts.
Tiff said: “July 9th of last year, I will never forget the date, I was flicking through Twitter and I saw (sports presenter) Jacquie Beltrao talking about the importance of checking. I thought maybe I should do it. And there they were.
“Two pea-sized, hard lumps and I just knew straight away. I didn’t know how aggressive it was or if I had found it early or late. I could tell everyone around me wanted to ask me ‘so what happens next’ and I just didn’t know. Because I didn’t have the answers. But I knew I was going to fight it.”
Sam said: “I’m so glad Tiff and Tara have joined me in speaking out about their experiences and encouraging others to get checked. It’s not a club anyone really wants to join, but I know all three of us are determined to use our diagnosis to help others in the same situation.”
West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott said: “Sam, Tiff and Tara are all exceptional women and I’m thankful to them for sharing their experiences so openly and honestly. I’m also thankful to them for highlighting the importance of carrying out regular checks and taking quick action if anything seems amiss.
“Their stories are an inspiration to us all and we wish them well.”
Tara has spearheaded the launch of the Change and Check campaign, starting in the Met and spreading to forces nationally. The campaign highlights the importance of checking your breasts, knowing the signs and symptoms and how to check.
She said: “It’s best to check yourself on a monthly basis, at the end of your menstrual cycle. Look in a mirror, lift your arms and look from your neck down to below your breasts. Check, feel and press with the flat of your fingers.
“If you’re menopausal, then just make sure it’s the same time every month – log it in your phone to remind you.
“It’s a straightforward, five-minute check. Don’t worry too much about the method at the start, just get to know your breasts. It can save your life.”
Tara and Tiff will be sharing more about their journeys, the Change and Check campaign and their advice in a series of short videos through October on Federation social media channels.
In a message to anyone who may be newly diagnosed, or worried about a possible diagnosis, Tara and Tiff say: “It’s going to be OK. It will be a rough ride, it will be tough and you will feel pretty lousy. But there is nothing that will be thrown at you that you won’t be able to deal with. It’s going to be OK.”
Sam adds, “Throughout your journey you will get upset, sad and worried, all very normal reactions. You will look into the mirror and see someone you don’t really recognise, but it’s you. Be proud of what you have achieved.”
Read Sam’s booklet, The Dreaded C-Word.
