Ariba Karim, a 32-year-old woman from Belfast, Northern Ireland, began experiencing unexplained symptoms, including unusual bruising and extreme fatigue. These symptoms were followed by the discovery of a lump, prompting concern.
Karim shared with Newsweek that she began experiencing a stabbing pain in her right breast, which occurred daily. Initially, the pain lasted for 30 seconds to a minute, but one day it extended for half an hour. Despite feeling no lump, she informed her friends, considering the possibility of hormonal changes. After a month without pain, her concerns resurfaced when she noticed unexplained bruising and needed prolonged naps, leaving her feeling exhausted.
Upon discovering a lump in her right breast, Karim scheduled an appointment with a doctor. A private GP examined her but dismissed the possibility of cancer due to her being under 40. Despite expressing her concerns, the doctor prescribed antibiotics and informed her about the lengthy wait for an urgent National Health Service (NHS) referral, which could take 30 to 40 weeks.
“I cried at this appointment and told him I was worried and he asked me, why? I then asked him, why not?”
Unwilling to wait, Karim requested a referral letter to visit a private clinic. At the Ulster Independent Clinic in Belfast, she underwent an ultrasound and biopsies. During the procedure, she could sense the concern from the consultant performing the ultrasound. A mammogram and biopsies indicated an unusual case, and doctors awaited test results for a definitive diagnosis.
The week of her follow-up appointment, Karim was advised to bring a companion for the test results. Despite her optimism, Karim received confirmation of cancer from the breast consultant. She was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, with discoveries indicating an aggressive grade 3 tumor. Further evaluations showed no cancer in her lymph nodes, although they were inflamed, and an MRI revealed additional suspicious areas in her breast.
Karim is currently undergoing chemotherapy. She shares her experience on social media under the handle @that.matchagirl, aiming to increase awareness about breast cancer symptoms. Her story has resonated with numerous women who have encountered similar experiences. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, encouraging others to seek further examinations if something feels amiss.
“You will never regret pushing to get something double-checked. It could save your life.”