Beth Jenkins, 42, thought a lump in her breast was anxiety. She was wrong.
MERTHYR TYDFIL, Wales — Beth Jenkins first noticed a small pea-sized lump in her right breast in 2018. After an ultrasound at that time, she was told the growth was likely glandular tissue and no biopsy was carried out.
Years later, after giving birth to her daughter Robyn, the lump grew significantly. Jenkins recounted that while changing her daughter’s nappy, Robyn accidentally kicked the right side of her chest, prompting her to revisit the concern.
Jenkins visited a locum GP at Practice 1 Keir Hardie Health Park in October 2024, when she was 40. She was told she was "too young to have breast cancer" and the lump may be linked to postnatal depression or "medical anxiety". She was prescribed antibiotics. "I haven't got medical anxiety, otherwise I'd be up the hospital and doctors' every week," Jenkins said.
It was not anxiety. Later medical investigation revealed Jenkins has lobular breast cancer. The tumour was external and measured 5cm (2in), and the disease had spread to three lymph nodes.
A statement from Practice 1 Keir Hardie Health Park said it could not discuss individual cases but encouraged patients to "make a second appointment" if they had concerns about their health or care.
Jenkins said the experience has been "frustrating" and emphasized the importance of patients trusting their instincts and seeking second opinions when concerns are dismissed.
