Early detection saves lives: Gordons teacher delivers key message after beating breast cancer

A Gordons teacher is back in the classroom and keen to share her story after beating an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Michelle Petrou has stressed the importance of early detection as the 44-year-old has a new perspective on life.

The mother-of-four from Farnham has always led a fit and healthy lifestyle, balancing life around school runs, homework, cooking and teaching.

But her life changed shortly after celebrating her 40th birthday when she discovered a lump in her breast while showering. After being referred by her GP to a short hospital appointment in Windsor, Michelle was left “completely dumbfounded” at the diagnosis.

She said: “I had always checked myself from time to time, but never with any real expectation of finding anything serious.”

Medics told Michelle they needed to biopsy the lump immediately. But before the results came back a doctor announced he was sure was the lump was cancerous.

Within an hour, breast cancer was confirmed. Although initially she was told the lump was small and had been caught early, further tests revealed she had grade three aggressive breast cancer.

“I just sat there completely dumbfounded. It was a huge shock,” said Michelle in being given the worst possible news.

Michelle began six rounds of chemotherapy in September 2022, followed by a lumpectomy, and 15 rounds of radiotherapy. The chemo knocked Michelle “for six” while she also had 14 rounds of Kadcyla, a type of targeted cancer drug.

While daily tasks became difficult and physically draining, Michelle felt the toughest part was knowing her children were witnessing how poorly she was.

She said: “I desperately wanted to be well again, to see them grow up and have a normal life.

“But on my low days it was so hard to try and be normal when it was an effort to even get out of bed."

Michelle finished treatment in September 2024 but will take tamoxifen, a type of hormone therapy developed by Cancer Research UK (CRUK), for the next five years to prevent recurrence.

She said: “If sharing my story encourages even one person to trust their instincts when something does not feel right, and talk to their doctor, then it is worth telling.

“Early detection saves lives: No-one should assume they are too young or too healthy for cancer to happen to them.”

In addition to highlighting her story, Michelle hopes people will sign up to CRUK’s Shine Walk London as a way of supporting the charity which helped her beat cancer.

She has previously taken part in the flagship 10k nighttime walking event from Battersea into central London, with this year’s walk taking place on Saturday, September 19.

“Shine Night Walk is an uplifting and unforgettable evening where thousands come together to take on a unique challenge, make memories and make a difference for people affected by cancer,” said Jose Ramos, CRUK spokesperson for the South East.

“Every step taken at Shine Night Walk helps create a brighter future - one where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”