'I Had Breast Cancer While Pregnant': Survivor Shares How Doctors Missed It

A young woman claims she was misdiagnosed twice by medics, despite finding a small lump in her breast while being pregnant.

Emmy Burbridge, 31, is sharing her story to raise awareness of breast cancer during pregnancy. While this diagnosis is "uncommon," in America, the incidence of breast cancer in pregnancy is approximately 1 in 3,000.

At 28 weeks pregnant, Emmy Rhiannon Burbidge, then 29, felt a walnut-sized lump on the top of her left breast whilst moisturizing. She recalls being "surprised" as it appeared overnight, but she never thought it would anything sinister as she didn't know pregnant women could get cancer.

The beauty salon owner from Somerset, U.K., claims she was told by her midwife and GP it was lactational mastitis, a condition in which a woman's breast becomes painful, swollen, and red. It is most common in the first three months of breastfeeding.

But as the weeks passed, the lump seemed to get bigger, prompting Emmy to seek further medical advice. At 31 weeks pregnant, she underwent an ultrasound and a biopsy. Within four days, she was told to return to the hospital for her results.

Speaking to Newsweek, she said: "The original diagnosis didn't sit right with me as I wasn't even breastfeeding. I researched mastitis and read a blockage can be painful, but I didn't have any pain at all."

"I went back to the doctor for the third time because it didn't feel right, it had an irregular texture."

"But cancer didn't even cross my mind once. I had never heard of a pregnant woman with cancer so I didn't think it was possible."

"I was oblivious."

Emmy received the devastating news that it was stage two triple negative breast cancer, considered to be aggressive and quickly spreading.

She told Newsweek she recalls sobbing and asking how it is possible when she is pregnant.

She said: "There were no ifs or buts when they told me it was cancer.

"I was then taken for an ultrasound on my armpit to see if cancer had spread to my lymph nodes."

"It felt surreal, I couldn't believe it."

Emmy received more devastating news in May 2020, she was told cancer had spread. Medics were left with no choice but to induce the first-time mum early to start chemotherapy.

The following month, Emmy gave birth to Brodie-Rey, who weighed 5lb 11oz.

Emmy said: "All of the happiness from my pregnancy was taken away from me but Brodie-Rey was the reason I kept on fighting.

"Seeing her and holding her for the first time made me realize there is a light at the end of the tunnel."

Doctors were able to see the tumor more easily when the drug that prevented Emmy from producing milk started to work. She was told it was 6.5 cm.

Emmy states the lump was "sticking out of her chest." She began chemotherapy when Brodie-Rey was just one week old.

"Chemotherapy gets a bad reputation as you instantly think you are going to lose your hair and be really sick. I had to go for chemotherapy every three weeks, I had six rounds in total."

"I was very lucky as I was able to wear the cold cap. It was amazing and protected my hair from falling out."

"Nothing can prepare you for motherhood whilst battling a disease. The chemotherapy made me so sick and tired all of the time."

"Trying to look after a newborn whilst going through cancer was horrendous but somehow I just did it."

"She was my light, and kept me going. I had to fight to beat cancer so I could be here for her."

"She is the most beautiful little girl, so happy and healthy, in everything that is what kept me going," she told Newsweek.

Emmy underwent surgery to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue from her breast known as a lumpectomy. Followed by ten days of radiotherapy.

On January 11, 2021, Emmy was told she is cancer-free and she has made it her mission to raise awareness of cancer ever since.

Speaking to Newsweek, she said: "I would say for all women, it is important to be in tune with your body and to connect with your body as much as possible."

"I will admit, I didn't check my breasts as much as I should have. I now know changes in your body and breasts can happen at any age but only you will really notice when things are off."

"The main thing to take away from my story is that if you feel something isn't right then trust your instincts and push to be heard."

"I could have been incurable if it had got any worse, but I made sure people listened to me. Early detection will save your life."

Almost two years later, Emmy has regular appointments to ensure she is still in remission. She says she is making up for "lost time" with her daughter but feels "beyond lucky to be alive."

Research shows that nulliparous women (childless) having their first child after 30 years of age are at a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who are usually exposed to higher estrogen levels over a prolonged period.

Early menarche (before the age of 12 years) and menopause after the age of 55 years are also significant risk factors.

Cyclical hormone levels also predispose women to breast cancer over time. This may be because breast cells grow and divide in response to hormones, such as estrogen, and pregnancy leads to an interruption of the normal cyclical hormone levels

Newsweek Spoke UK-based Charity 'Breast Cancer Now'

Louise Grimsdell, Clinical Nurse Specialist, told Newsweek: "Most breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50, although breast cancer in younger women is much less common, and being diagnosed during pregnancy is rare, it's important to be aware of any breast changes during and after pregnancy.

"Breasts change a lot during pregnancy, so it can be difficult to notice any unusual changes during this time. If you're unsure about any change to your breasts during pregnancy, it's important to talk to your midwife or GP.

"Checking your breasts only takes a few minutes, and we suggest that everyone checks their breasts regularly. It could be when you get dressed when you're showering or putting on moisturizer.

"It's important to remember to check your whole breast area, your armpits and up to your collarbone for changes. There's no right way to check, as long as you're doing it regularly. It's as simple as TLC: Touch, Look, Check."

NHS Somerset and Royal United Bath Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have been contacted for a right of reply. Newsweek will publish any response when received.