“My sister’s breast cancer scare saved my life”
When her sister found a lump in her breast, Meera decided to get one of her own checked, which helped save her life. Now, she urges people to fundraise for research that could save others.
Meera is sharing her story in support of our fundraising for research into targeted treatments and improved advice and support for breast cancer patients.
While juggling life with two small children, Meera discovered a lump in her left breast which she believed was a blocked milk duct.
Meera said:
“I breastfed my son from birth. During this time, I noticed many lumps and bumps, so I just ignored it. Like lots of mums with young children, I didn’t think about my own health or prioritise it.”
Months later, Meera’s sister found a lump in her own breast. After being checked and receiving the all-clear, Meera began to think differently about her symptoms.
Following a GP visit, Meera was sent for further tests. After scans and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer in March 2025.
“It’s a reminder of why it’s so important to have these conversations with loved ones. My sister sharing her experience with me effectively saved my life.”
Her treatment involved sixteen rounds of chemotherapy over five months, followed by surgery and twenty rounds of radiotherapy. Reflecting on her diagnosis and treatment, Meera shared:
“It was heartbreaking and a huge shock. My biggest fear was not being around to see my children grow up.”
Now in remission, Meera prioritises exercise to support her recovery, visiting the gym at least three times per week to improve her strength and fitness.
“My gym has a machine that calculates your body composition and carries out a strength test to help you lift heavier weights over time.
“When I first took a strength test in January, after nearly a year of cancer treatment, I had the strength of a 73-year-old. My latest test showed that I now have the strength of a 25-year-old! Seeing this transformation has been incredible, as exercise has become a huge part of my life post-treatment.”
Recently, a study we funded showed that following evidence-based lifestyle recommendations can support long-term health after a cancer diagnosis.
Regular physical activity can also help people maintain a healthy weight, and having less excess body fat can reduce risk of several cancers.
Rachael Hutson, World Cancer Research Fund’s CEO, commented:
“We are incredibly grateful to Meera for sharing her experience, which shows how research into breast cancer treatments is changing lives and why it is needed now more than ever. We’re proud to be funding pioneering research at the University of Southampton, which is bringing us one step closer to kinder, more effective treatments for breast cancer patients.”
Supporting breast cancer research is important to Meera after she benefitted from ribociclib, a form of targeted therapy, following its introduction for primary breast cancer patients in February 2021.
“Research makes change happen. My biggest fear is dying while my children are young, and every breakthrough brings me closer to a future where that fear doesn’t become reality. People who fundraise may never meet the people they’re helping, but they give families like mine something priceless: hope and more time together.”
By signing up to one of our challenge events, you can offer the gift of hope to people like Meera.
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Health professionals are in a unique position to support people in making changes that can help reduce their cancer risk. But knowing what to say and how to have those conversations can be challenging.
We have the answer - join our FREE CPD-accredited 90-minute workshop next month!
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✔️ Explore the evidence behind our cancer prevention recommendations
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This is your FINAL CALL to join our August challenge! ⭐
Receive a FREE T-shirt and a shiny medal when you reach the target. Click the 'Events' link in our bio.
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Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and the second-most common cancer globally.
Register now for our ‘Jog 50’ miles challenge this month and help fund the science that changes what happens next for thousands of women facing a diagnosis. You’ll be more encouraged to ...complete it with a friend by your side! Walking, jogging, running - it all counts. 😎
Tap the ‘Events’ link in our bio to discover.
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This is your FINAL CALL to join our August challenge! ⭐ Receive a FREE T-shirt and a shiny medal when you reach the target. Click the link in our bio. #Friendship #Exercise #Running
August has arrived, and so has our fundraising challenge! ⚠️
Could you go the extra mile for cancer prevention? 🏅
Click the ‘Events’ link in our bio to find out more.
#Exercise #London #BreastCancer
“If I can raise an extra proud to give another person the chance to see their loved one get married, I’ll do it.” - @the_beard_goes_running
Earlier this week, we re-introduced you to James, who’s fundraising in memory of the women in his life all taken by cancer.
Every ...mile, every step and every challenge supporting @wcrfuk helps fund life-changing cancer prevention research 🔬
Hear what keeps James going, then take on a challenge of your own.
Explore our events today at the link in bio 🔗
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@Peppa Pig’s Dad ran recently in the @TCS London Marathon for the @National Deaf Children’s Soc - now you can walk, jog or run for us in your own area! Sign up on our website. #Charity #Fundraising #Exercise
When @jamesvincentradford's mum, Julia, was diagnosed with bowel cancer, she was told she had months to live. She died just six days later. Julia is one of three women in James' life that cancer has taken from him. Rather than letting grief define him, James chose to honour their memories... by fundraising for cancer prevention research. 🔬 His story is a powerful reminder that while we can't change the past, we can help create a better future for others. Every challenge taken on in support of World Cancer Research Fund gives people, like James, more time with their loved ones. From the @londonmarathon to @ultrachallenges, we have opportunities that truly make a difference! All on our website. 🪂 #Fundraising #Research #Charity
How have you turned grief into hope in your life?
James’ mum, Julia, was told she had months to live after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. Just six days later, she was gone.
Julia is one of three women in James’ life that cancer has stolen from him.
That’s why he... fundraises for cancer prevention research in their names 🏃♂️
We have events and challenges available to help give people, like James, more time with their loved ones.
@tokyomarathonfoundation, @manchestermarathon, even a skydive!
Click the link in our bio to discover them all 🗼
#Exercise #Grief #Charity
What are your plans in August? ☀️
Days at the park. Family holidays. BBQs with friends.
For many mums, August is about creating memories. But for mums like Meera, breast cancer changes everything.
This summer, you can offer hope to families facing cancer by ...taking on our Jog 50 Miles in August challenge.
Every mile you complete will help fund vital research to improve treatments, advice and support for breast cancer patients.
Whether you jog before the children wake up, squeeze in a lunchtime run or head out with friends after bedtime… everything counts.
Sign up at the link in bio and make your 50 miles matter for mums like Meera 💙
Know someone who would love this challenge? Tag them in the comments and share this post!
#Fundraising #Exercise #Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and the second-most common cancer globally. Register now for our 'Jog 50’ miles challenge on our website in August and help fund the science that changes what happens next for thousands of women facing a diagnosis. You’ll be more encouraged... to complete it with a friend by your side! Walking, jogging, running - it all counts. 😄 #Friendship #BodyImage #Silly
