Loose Women presenter Kaye Adams expressed admiration for her podcast co-host Karen McKenzie’s composed reaction to a recent breast cancer diagnosis. On their podcast How to Live to 60, Karen shared how she discovered a small lump in her breast and quickly sought medical help. The NHS acted promptly, providing a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy all on the same day.
Karen recalled, “That day, I had a mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy.” After completing the tests, she learned she had a cancerous tumour.
Unexpected Diagnosis and Personal Reflection
Instead of dwelling on the diagnosis, Karen took a trip to Italy to rest and prepare for further tests. Upon returning, she underwent an MRI which revealed that the cancerous tumour was not in the lump she initially found but in the other breast.
Karen reflected on the experience, saying, “The lump I found was benign, but the tumour was in the other breast.” She also admitted she had missed some early warning signs. “Now when I look at my breasts, I notice some rippling or puckering of the skin on the bottom. That’s a sign I hadn’t recognized before.”
Treatment and Resilience
Karen has already begun treatment and will undergo more soon. Despite the challenges, her calm attitude has impressed Kaye. “You’ve handled this incredibly well, and I really salute you,” Kaye said. She also noted Karen’s determination, recalling how Karen even rode her bike to doctor’s appointments.
Past Breast Health Concerns and Hormone Replacement Therapy
Karen shared that she had discovered lumps twice before—once during breastfeeding and once after hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause. Both lumps were benign.
She speculated, “I feel that this benign lump could have been caused by my hormone replacement therapy, though I stopped taking it as soon as I realised this.” Medical experts confirm that while HRT does not directly cause cancer, it can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer and, less commonly, ovarian or uterine cancer. The risk varies based on the type of HRT, length of use, age, and genetics.
Emotional Impact and Denial
Karen admitted to occasional emotional ups and downs. “I think it’s hard,” she said. At the same time, she suggested she might still be in partial denial. “I don’t know if I’m still hiding from reality. I don’t feel any pain or like there’s anything wrong. It feels like it’s happening to other people.”
The Power of Positivity
Kaye praised Karen for her strength and calmness amid the shock. According to Cancer Research UK, maintaining a positive mindset can significantly help people cope with a cancer diagnosis.
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