A mother received a devastating cancer diagnosis after being denied screenings for years due to her age, only to find a lump later on. Chantelle Van Der Watt, who had regular mammograms in South Africa due to a family history of cancer, sought screenings upon moving to the UK in 2020. However, being 34 years old, she did not qualify for the NHS breast screening program, which typically starts at age 50.
Despite advocating for screenings at 40, Chantelle discovered a lump in her right breast at 39, triggering a diagnosis of breast cancer in February 2025. Tragically, by April 2025, she learned that the cancer had metastasized to her bones, giving her a bleak prognosis of just five years to live.
To secure a stable home for her family, Chantelle, a stay-at-home mother from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, initiated a fundraiser. She expressed her anguish at facing the uncertainty of not witnessing her children’s future milestones and emphasized the importance of having a permanent residence for her family.
Following persistent requests for scans, Chantelle’s cancer was detected after a lump surfaced in her breast, leading to further complications. Now, undergoing treatment to manage the cancer, she set up a fundraiser to aid her family during this challenging time.
Chantelle reflected on the disparities in screening protocols between South Africa and the UK, highlighting her family’s history of cancer. Expressing frustration at not being screened earlier, she emphasized the potential benefits of early detection.
The hospital expressed sympathy for Chantelle’s situation, emphasizing their commitment to providing her with comprehensive care. They clarified that screening eligibility is nationally determined and not within their jurisdiction, highlighting the prompt diagnosis and support provided to Chantelle upon referral.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Department of Health and Social Care were made, revealing that the NHS typically invites women for their first breast screening between ages 50 and 53, with subsequent screenings every three years until age 71, citing the higher prevalence of breast cancer in women over 50.
