A mother-of-three daughters has said she had her “life saved” after an early diagnosis for breast cancer, as she shared her story to encourage others to be alert to the signs. Julie Ellison, from Hillsborough, was 43 when she received her diagnosis after attending a mammogram following a chance conversation with a friend. Her appointment was said to be straightforward, and she “left thinking nothing more about it”. However, a few weeks after her appointment she was called back to be informed something had been
detected in the scan, a small dark area that had appeared on the ultrasound screen. The news left her shaken, and a core biopsy was needed immediately, a procedure used to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes, which Ms Ellison described as “quite painful”. A metal clip was inserted and she was sent for another mammogram. After a trip to Centre Parcs for a family break, Ms Ellison returned to be told the news she had Grade 3 breast cancer, which was aggressive and fast-growing.
She tried to continue to work in her role as a barrister, but quickly realised she didn’t have the strength to keep doing so. Ms Ellison completed 15 sessions of radiotherapy in September 2024 — five days a week for three weeks in total. Throughout the process, she began to experience fatigue, while suffering shooting pains and brain fog, as well as her skin becoming very red. But with her body now working hard to heal, she was able to sleep soundly for the first
time in months. By the start of the following year, as the care she received paid dividends, Ms Ellison was able to return to work. She started the year with a new lease of life, insisting “your health is your wealth” while picking up the violin and joining a choir. The mother-of-three has said she might not have got those opportunities had she not received an early diagnosis. Action Cancer, who helped Ms Ellison through her diagnosis, are calling on people from Northern Ireland to
host a ‘Breast Friends BBQ’ to raise funds for their life-saving breast screening services. Last year, Ms Ellison alongside her family, helped raise £1,770 for Action Cancer. They’re hoping to raise an even bigger amount this year. “This year, we want to go even bigger. With bouncy castles and BBQs at the ready, we’ve set ourselves a fundraising target of £2,000 through a day filled with music, laughter and community spirit,” she said. Newtownabbey influencer cooking couple Romilly Moore and her husband Jim Moore are
also getting behind the fundraising, and are offering their recipes to everyone who signs up. Romilly said she was inspired to give a helping hand after booking her own scan. “Last year, at the age of 47, I booked another routine screening and again came away with that same reassurance. It’s so important to attend every two years until the age of 50, when the NHS breast screening programme begins,” she said. “Early detection saves lives, and that’s why I’m proud to support Action Cancer’s
Breast Friends BBQ Campaign and encourage other women to make their breast health a priority.”
breast cancer, early diagnosis, radiotherapy, Hillsborough, Northern Ireland, Action Cancer, Breast Friends BBQ, mammogram, Grade 3, Julie Ellison, fundraising