A Woman’s Journey to Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Advocacy

Ariba Karim, a 32-year-old woman from Belfast, Northern Ireland, began experiencing unexplained bruises and extreme fatigue. Initially, she noticed a stabbing pain in her right breast occurring daily. Although the pain was brief, lasting only 30 seconds to a minute, it once persisted for half an hour. Karim shared her concerns with friends, who thought it might be hormonal. After a month without pain, her symptoms intensified, including unexplained bruising and overwhelming fatigue. She described waking up feeling like she’d been “hit by a bus.” Soon after, Karim discovered a lump in her right breast.

Seeking medical advice, Karim consulted a private GP, who examined the area but dismissed cancer concerns solely based on her age, as she was under 40. Despite expressing her worries, she was prescribed antibiotics and informed that an urgent NHS referral could take 30 to 40 weeks. Frustrated, Karim requested a referral letter to a private clinic. At the Ulster Independent Clinic in Belfast, she underwent an ultrasound and biopsies, noting the consultant’s concerned expression during the ultrasound.

After further tests, including a mammogram and biopsies from her breast and armpit, doctors acknowledged that the case was unusual. Awaiting the diagnosis, Karim was advised to bring someone with her to receive the test results. Despite fearing the worst, she remained hopeful. However, the breast consultant revealed her worst fear: a diagnosis of stage 1 breast cancer, identified as an aggressive grade 3 tumor.

Fortunately, additional tests indicated that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes. An MRI showed the lump measured just under two inches, with two suspicious areas in her breast identified for monitoring. Karim began chemotherapy and actively shares her journey on social media under the username @that.matchagirl, aiming to raise awareness about breast cancer symptoms among women.

Karim emphasizes self-advocacy, stating, “You will never regret pushing to get something double-checked. It could save your life.”

Her story has resonated widely, inspiring many women who have faced similar experiences to seek further medical evaluation.