Imagine sitting a GCSE exam in the morning and heading into surgery in the afternoon. That’s exactly what happened to Amanda Lloyd-Jones when she was just 16. At the time, she had a non-cancerous lump removed from her breast. But fast forward two decades and Amanda’s early experiences proved to be a life-saver.
While on holiday in 2014, Amanda discovered a cancerous lump in the same breast. Thanks to her vigilance and lessons learned from her teenage years, she caught it early. Now, Amanda is 10 years cancer-free after surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. She’s passionately sharing her story to raise awareness about the importance of self-checks.
Amanda, a dedicated Year Five teacher from Cardiff, uses her experience to educate young people. Speaking at various events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Amanda emphasises that awareness is crucial. “It’s never too early to learn,” she says. She hopes to empower students and their families with knowledge that could save lives.
Her journey wasn’t easy—two lumpectomies, lymph node clearance, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy—but her determination to raise awareness is stronger than ever. Amanda’s eldest daughter even organised a successful fundraising event at Ysgol Plasmawr to contribute to the cause.
Did you know breast cancer doesn’t just affect women? Every year, around 400 men are diagnosed in the UK. Amanda urges everyone, regardless of gender, to check their breast tissue regularly. “If something feels off, don’t wait. Get it checked,” she advises.
Amanda’s story isn’t just about survival; it’s a call to action. With her personal experience, Amanda aims to instil hope, spread vital information, and break the silence surrounding breast cancer. Wearing pink isn’t just a fashion statement this October; it’s a rallying cry for awareness and education.
Bravo to Amanda and her school community for standing strong and making a difference! 🎗️ #BreastCancerAwareness #CheckYourself