‘My partner and I had recently decided to try for a baby - I was told I had to prepare for the fact I may never have children as treatment would likely make me infertile’. At just 25-years-old, Hannah was already reeling from the news of a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer after discovering a significant tumour.
But the young woman faced news that ‘felt worse’ than the nightmarish moment she was told she had cancer. From 2019, Hannah bravely battled the cancer, enduring gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy - the ordeal left her exhausted, sick and anxious.
Then, a beam of hope. Hannah was given the all clear from cancer in October of 2021 and shortly after, she was amazed to find that she was pregnant with a ‘miracle baby’.
READ MORE: More than a dozen GP surgeries in Greater Manchester are 'inadequate' or 'require improvement' - see if yours is on the list
Hannah Lynch, from Irlam, underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. Hannah was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer, aged 25, after discovering a lump in her left breast whilst in the shower. Although not initially concerned, Hannah visited her GP, who thought it could be hormonal because of her young age.
But after insisting on a scan, she received the devastating diagnosis. Hannah had surgery to remove an 8cm tumour, followed by an intensive course of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy at The Christie Hospital, Manchester.
Doctors warned her that treatment could make her infertile.
Hannah explained: “When I was told I had cancer, I just burst into tears. My mum and dad were with me and they broke down too. It was the worst day of mine and my family’s life. I immediately asked if I was going to die.
“Then I thought about how I’d lose my hair, I loved my long blonde hair, it was my crown.
“But then the worst part came. My partner Cameron and I had recently decided to try for a baby and they said I needed to prepare for the fact that I may never be able to have children, as the treatment was likely to make me infertile.
“This felt worse than the news I had cancer. I had my eggs frozen and had to accept that we may never have kids.”
Hannah was treated with four chemotherapy drugs, including docetaxel and carboplatin, both of which Cancer Research UK scientists helped to develop. Hannah was then referred to Wythenshawe Hospital for a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
She also opted for a risk reduction mastectomy and reconstruction on her healthy right breast. Thankfully, the day came in October 2021 when Hannah was told she was free from cancer - and it was followed by yet more unexpected incredible news.
Hannah, along with partner, Cameron, both now 29, welcomed their “miracle baby” Billie, now 18-months-old, into the world. “Just as I had the all clear, I found out I was pregnant. It was quite a surprise, she’s our little miracle,” said Hannah.
Now in remission, Hannah has annual check-ups to ensure the cancer hasn’t returned. As a cancer survivor, she has a vital warning to people.
She added: “It’s thanks to advances in research and treatments that I’m still here and enjoying my life. I love visiting new places and getting dolled up and going out with my family and friends. So many plans were spoiled due to my diagnosis and I’m determined to make up for it now.
“I suffered from PTSD, and I am still scared when I go for check-ups. The way the room smells brings all the painful memories flooding back, but I am better at talking about it all now and I want to spread awareness about early detection. People must seek help if something isn’t right, you know your own body.
“I am a cancer survivor because I just knew, even though I tried to come up with simple explanations for my lump, I had to get properly checked out.”
The primary school teacher says she owes her life to research and has signed up to Cancer Research UK’s Race For Life to help protect her daughter’s future. Hannah will be taking on the 5k run at Heaton Park in Prestwich on Sunday July 2.
“Now I’m out the other side, I couldn’t wait to sign up and I’m really looking forward to the event at Heaton Park,” Hannah continued. “I’m proud to Race for Life. We all have a reason to Race for Life and for me it will be for myself, but also for my daughter, for her future, so that treatments and awareness keep improving.”
Hannah is hoping to encourage people of all ages and abilities to join her and sign up too. This is the 30th year of Race for Life and participants will receive a medal to mark the milestone.
The event has an extra special meaning for Hannah as it will kick start her birthday celebrations as she turns 30 later this year: “I’m excited to Race for Life and to play my part to fund research today which I hope will also help beat cancer for Billie’s generation and future generations to come.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
Every year around 43,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime, says the charity. Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives.
Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North West, Jemma Humphreys, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Hannah for her support and honoured that she has chosen Race For Life to kick start her 30th birthday celebrations.
“We’d love for as many people as possible across Greater Manchester to join us during our 30th year of Race for Life. Sadly, cancer affects all of us in some way. Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life.
“Together we can bring about a future free from the fear of cancer. So we’re asking people across the region: Who will you race for?
“Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people, Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder, taking up the challenge of the 10K distance. But what’s for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities.”
The Race for Life raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer - including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.
To enter, visit raceforlife.org
Read more of today's top stories here.
READ NEXT:
