A MODEL was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer almost a year after doctors refused a mammogram claiming she was too young to have the disease.
Philecia La’Bounty, 35, first discovered a suspicious lump on her chest in July 2018.
However, doctors were quick to dismiss the TikTok star's concerns, potentially costing Philecia her life.
They told the young women her lump was benign – meaning non cancerous – and convinced her she was too young and healthy to have the disease while refusing to offer her a life-saving mammogram.
“Accepting this was a big mistake and I realise now that I should have fought harder for testing," Philecia, from California, US explained.
Tragically, some eight months later after two additional doctors appointments, Philecia, at just 29, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
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Stage 4 breast cancer means that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
In Philecia's case, her cancer had spread to her lungs, lymph nodes, and sternum.
“I automatically thought of death, like most people do when they hear the word cancer," she explained.
“I feel the doctors failed me," she added.
Since her diagnosis, Philecia has been put into a medically induced menopause, brought about by the cancer treatment chemotherapy.
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“I feel like a little old lady most mornings – my joints are stiff, and I’m in pain and exhausted," the star said.
The model froze ten eggs after she learned chemotherapy could leave her infertile directly before she started her first round.
"I’ve had the opportunity to carry a child taken away from me, and I don’t know what the future will hold," she said.
“Even if I have kids, it doesn’t mean I’ll necessarily be able to see them graduate.
It is life changing, and not just for me, but my husband, my family, and my friends too," she added.
She said she "tries not to think too much about being aware of the difference an earlier diagnosis could have made.
"It won’t make stage 4 go away," she adds.
“It never sat right with me to know I could have been at stage 2 or 3 cancer is disheartening," she said.
Cancer that’s diagnosed at an early stage, when it isn’t too large and hasn’t spread, is more likely to be treated successfully.
According to Cancer Research UK, those who develop stage 4 cancer only have a 22 per cent chance of surviving beyond 5 years.
Philecia is using her TikTok to raise awareness of breast cancer, it's symptoms and early menopause.
“It’s more common in young women than people expect.
"There’s an epidemic of young women discovering they have breast cancer, and going through early menopause as a result, and no one is talking about it," she explained.
She called for doctors to not dismiss women because of their age and for women to become advocates for their own health,
“I have such a sense of pride and accomplishment when I receive messages from people who don’t feel alone anymore or have been given an insight into what we go through due to the content I post.
“It makes everything I have been through, and I am going through far more positive," Philecia added.
How to check for breast cancer
1. Change in breast size or shape
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes – and can look and feel different throughout a woman's life.
Carolyn Rogers, senior clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, told The Sun Online: "They may change at the time of your period, when going through pregnancy as your body ages.
"By checking your breasts regularly, you’ll get to know whether a change in size or shape is part of what’s normal for you, or if it’s something unusual that’s worth getting checked out by your doctor.”
2. Redness or a rash
It is important to look out for signs of reddening or a rash, on the skin and around the nipple.
A rash in this area could just be triggered by new washing powder, or a lacy bra irritating the skin.
"But, if it's an ongoing issue, it could be a sign of something more serious," Carolyn warned.
3. Nipple discharge
If liquid comes from the nipple without squeezing it, it is important to get it checked by a doctor.
"We know from speaking to people on the Breast Cancer Care helpline that this can be a confusing one," said Carolyn.
"But, if it's not normal for you, then mention it to your GP."
4. Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone
Lumps are the most common sign of breast cancer, but they don't always appear in the breast.
"Breast tissue can be found under the armpits and up to the collarbone, so you may notice an unusual swelling in these areas," explained Carolyn.
As a result, when checking your boobs each month it is important to be thorough and check all around the breast and surrounding area.
5. Change in skin texture
From puckering to the slightest hint of a dimple – changes in the skin's appearance on your breasts can be a sign of cancer.
For example, if it looks and feels like the peel of an orange, go and check it out with your GP.
A recent survey by the charity found one in six women had no idea this could be a sign of the disease.
6. An inverted nipple
Some people naturally have inverted nipples, which is absolutely fine, but everyone's breasts are different.
"If your nipple suddenly starts to be pulled inwards, or changes its shape or position in any way, then it could be a warning sign," explained Carolyn.
7. Constant pain
A dull ache that won't go away in the breast or armpit, is a warning sign for breast cancer.
However, it can be difficult to identify.
"Having pain in the breast area is really common," said Carolyn.
"It could be caused by a number of things, for example changing hormone levels before your period or even a badly fitting bra."
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But, if the pain doesn't disappear after a reasonable amount of time, it is worth telling your doctor, she said.
For more information visit Breast Cancer Care.
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