PhD student, 35, diagnosed with breast cancer after finding lump applying sunscreen

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Luckily it was bone marrow tissue that wasn’t broken off in the bone, so they got it out and it was encapsulated in a membrane.” The doctor’s reaction very much changed when she was doing the ultrasound Charlotte Nash-Pye He added: “I always try to be there for Charlotte, having gone through this journey myself, and weirdly, it feels like I’m reliving it through her in a way.” Charlotte said: “Because my parents worked full time, I was often the one who would take him to an appointment, especially after the initial diagnosis when it became more ongoing with regular check-ups.” Charlotte learned how to drive just three months after her 17th birthday so she could be even more available for her brother. “I realised that it was very important to get my breast checked within a week of getting home from holiday.” My brother’s experience definitely prepared me for the idea that you’re never too young to get cancer and it’s not always a genetic thing Charlotte Nash-Pye She added: “Thankfully, my doctor was very good, very professional and said, ‘I cannot be sure that this is nothing to worry about. “My brother’s experience definitely prepared me for the idea that you’re never too young to get cancer and it’s not always a genetic thing.” She said: “It does seem to be a complete freak occurrence that both Greg and I at a very young age have had two forms of cancer.” In the same week as her diagnosis, Charlotte began to freeze embryos and was referred for an MRI scan and mammogram. She said: “My reaction was ‘okay, what do we do now?’ and they were surprised by how well I took the news.” I am lucky that cancer treatment has developed so much that I can be treated and this diagnosis doesn’t need to ruin my life Charlotte Nash-Pye She added: “What I went through with my brother made me deal with it in a more productive way.” On September 2, two days after her diagnosis, she began IVF harvesting as her diagnosis was treatable with hormones and could help extend her life, but she would not be able to get pregnant.