A Bridlington mum who faced breast cancer while pregnant will star in a new TV advert in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Hayley Cragg hopes to highlight the importance of research into cancer prevention and treatment by backing the charity’s campaign, which launches today (Monday, 13th March).
With more than 30,000 people diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire every year, the region is one of the hardest hit by cancer. Yorkshire Cancer Research funds pioneering research to help prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer in the region.
Hayley, 35, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 while pregnant with her son Louie. Now, just over a year after having her baby, she hopes to inspire others to check their breasts for signs of cancer.
Hayley said: “I wanted to do something to raise awareness of the symptoms to look out for and to let people know about the importance of charities like Yorkshire Cancer Research. Thanks to research, I was able to be treated effectively, even while pregnant. I now hope my experience can encourage people to go and get checked and attend their breast screening when invited.
“Taking part in the campaign has made me realise that I’ve been through a lot, and it’s nice to look back and see how far I’ve come. I’m stronger than I thought. If I can get through this, I can get through anything.”
Hayley noticed a lump in her breast just a day after finding out she was pregnant.
She said: “I remember thinking that the lump was probably just pregnancy related. I rang my mum, and she reassured me and told me to speak to my GP. I went to the doctor the same day and was referred to Castle Hill Hospital in Hull for an ultrasound and other tests.
“When I went back for the results, I was told it was cancer. It was a massive shock. I was heartbroken. I kept thinking ‘How can I have cancer when I’m pregnant?’. There was so much going through my head.”
At 18 weeks pregnant, Hayley had surgery to remove her breast.
She continued: “Once I’d had the operation, I was told that they had successfully removed the cancer, but I’d need to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
“Five weeks later, I started chemotherapy. I was really scared, But I was reassured that the type of chemotherapy I received was safe to be used in pregnancy, so it wouldn’t affect my baby.
“So much research must have gone into determining how to give chemotherapy safely during pregnancy. It’s because of research that I was able to have treatment and that my baby was safe and happy.”
Hayley had chemotherapy every three weeks before pausing treatment to prepare for giving birth. Louie was born in February 2022, and Hayley and her partner Luke were “over the moon” when he arrived.
She said: “I was so happy when he came out and I could see him. He was just this perfect little thing.”
A week after he was born, Hayley resumed her chemotherapy, taking Louie to the hospital with her for appointments.
She said: “My sister came with me. We called her my ‘chemo buddy’ and she’d help with Louie while I was having treatment. Everyone at the hospital was lovely. The nurses all loved seeing him and having a cuddle.”
Once Hayley finished her chemotherapy, she had five rounds of radiotherapy to help prevent the cancer coming back.
More than a year on from her diagnosis, Hayley has now finished her treatment, and is preparing to have reconstructive surgery.
Hayley continued: “Before I was diagnosed with cancer, my mental health was really poor. Having cancer makes you see things differently. I appreciate my kids and my partner and everything he does for us so much more. I was always self-conscious and worried about what people thought. I don’t feel like that anymore.”
Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Hayley’s experience is a powerful testament to the huge advances that have been made in the treatment of breast cancer thanks to research. Now, nearly all women diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage will survive for five years or more.
“But there is still more work to be done to prevent breast cancer, ensure all women are diagnosed at the earliest possible stage and to improve treatment so more women survive. With the support of people in Yorkshire, we can help make this a reality.”
Every year, 4,300 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Yorkshire. Less than 25 pregnant women in Yorkshire are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. It is extremely rare, and the cancer can usually be treated successfully without affecting the baby.
Yorkshire Cancer Research funds £10m of vital cancer research in the region every year.
Later this year, thousands of women in Yorkshire will be offered genetic tests as part of a £3.1m clinical trial. The findings could transform the way women and their families find out if they are at high risk of breast cancer, meaning they can take steps to prevent cancer if they wish.
The charity is also funding programmes to help more women take part in breast screening, which helps find cancer at an early stage when it can usually be treated more successfully.
Yorkshire Cancer Research is also committed to funding exercise programmes for people with cancer across the region. Evidence shows that exercise before, during and after treatment can help reduce the risk of breast cancer returning by more than 20%, helping to improve survival rates.
The TV advert featuring Hayley and her family will be broadcast across the region on ITV throughout spring.
To find out more about the campaign and learn more about breast cancer symptoms and screening, visit: ycr.org.uk/Hayley
