Genetic test that gave cancer sufferer Joyce peace of mind

Joyce Friend, of Firle Road, underwent a mastectomy and lymph node removal, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Joyce, 63, had already lost her mother and sister to cancer and knew she was at risk so earlier this year she decided to go for genetic testing.

She said: 'I knew I was high risk because of my family history and having had cancer myself.

'The tests revealed I am carrying the gene and that I had an 85 per cent chance of developing cancer in the other breast so I opted for a second mastectomy.

'It has been a rough four months but I'm feeling much better now and I have peace of mind.'

Joyce said: 'Breast cancer affects so many women every year. Holding your own pink party is an excuse to relax and catch up with friends while raising money for Cancer Research UK's research into the disease.

A range of fun and fashionable clothes and accessories is being sold at Peacocks stores to support the charity.

The event coincides with breast cancer awareness month in October and supports the charity's All Join Together campaign which aims to increase awareness of breast cancer and raise vital funds for research into the disease.

To find out more about Cancer Research UK's All Join Together campaign and register for a fundraising pack, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/breastcancer or call on 08701 60 20 40.