Woman Diagnosed with Breast Cancer After Doc Dismissed ‘Lumpy Boobs’

A woman is detailing her battle with an aggressive form of breast cancer after doctors initially dismissed a growing tumor, claiming “younger people have lumpy boobs.”

Beth Ferguson, a 30-year-old math teacher from Glasgow, Scotland, was taking a shower in March 2022 when she felt a small lump on her left breast. She wasn’t stressed because she maintained an active and healthy lifestyle and had no family history of breast cancer. But to be safe, she visited her doctor.

After an examination, Ferguson’s doctor assured that it was “highly unlikely” the lump was cancerous.

“I went to my doctor, who said I was fine,” she told SWNS, via The Sun. “They referred me to the local breast clinic, and the consultant said it was a cyst and there was nothing to worry about. They said I was young, and younger people have lumpy boobs.”

“At this point, I wasn’t worried. It put my mind at ease,” she recalled. “The consultant wasn’t concerned as it was small and I was so young, but suggested I return if there were any changes. So life went on.”

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However, in August 2023, Ferguson noticed that the lump had grown so she returned to the doctors. She was then referred to Gartnavel Hospital in Glasgow for additional testing. After an ultrasound and biopsy, she learned her lump was a tumor and was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. 

According to the American Cancer Society, triple-negative breast cancer is aggressive as it “tends to grow and spread faster, has fewer treatment options, and tends to have a worse prognosis.”

“Looking back, I was a bit numb, to be honest. You almost don’t believe it because I felt so healthy and fit,” she said. “It was the healthiest I have ever been, it was such a strange feeling to be so well but have such a terrible illness.”

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In October 2023, Ferguson began her first round of chemotherapy, finishing in March 2024 after 16 rounds. She then had immunotherapy before undergoing breast reconstruction surgery. After months of grueling treatment, she was given the all clear by her doctor in May 2024, which she admitted was a “strange feeling.”

“I don’t think it is what I imagined,” she said. “I have struggled with the after effects of how to move on with my life. Although it was great news, and everyone around me was happy — it was the start of anxiety for me.”

Now, Ferguson is dedicating her time to raise awareness for triple-negative breast cancer. She is supporting new research funded by Breast Cancer Now and Secondary1st, which work to develop a more targeted treatment for people with the disease.

“It’s so important that we have more research into triple-negative breast cancer, it’s what keeps me going every day,” she told the outlet. “The hope that researchers will find other targeted therapies in time for people like me.”