West Belfast woman urges others to attend breast screening after cancer detection

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 19:32 · Archive

A West Belfast woman diagnosed with breast cancer through routine mammogram screening is urging others to prioritise breast health.

A West Belfast solicitor in her mid-forties was diagnosed with breast cancer after undergoing routine mammogram screening at Action Cancer in March 2025. Despite having no symptoms, no family history of breast cancer, and considering herself fit and healthy, an area of concern was identified during the screening appointment.

Shauna Benson, who works as a solicitor and is an active member of the West Belfast Coolers Running Club, said she was shocked to receive a letter less than a week after her mammogram advising that further investigation was needed. She had booked the screening appointment after friends from her running club encouraged her to attend. The screening itself took about fifteen minutes and was described as uncomfortable rather than painful.

Following the initial mammogram, Benson attended a follow-up appointment at Belfast City Hospital with her husband. A physical examination and additional mammogram confirmed the diagnosis. Benson is now urging other women to make breast health a priority and to attend screening appointments, saying that early detection through the screening process has been significant to her situation.

How it is being reported

• 'Fit and healthy' Belfast mum's life-changing breast cancer diagnosis after early detection"I've had to grieve for the person I was before cancer, but I know I'll get back to myself in time."Belfast Live · 17 Oct, 19:11
• ‘Breast screening saved my life’: West Belfast mum urges women to book a mammogram this OctoberA West Belfast mum-of-two whose breast cancer was detected through a routine Action Cancer mammogram is urging other women to make their breast health a priority this October.News Letter · 16 Oct, 11:26

In this story: Shauna Benson · West Belfast · Action Cancer · Belfast City Hospital · West Belfast Coolers Running Club

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