A former service user is reminding those with a learning disability the importance of regularly checking their breasts.
Cheryl, 56, from Fleetwood has a diagnosed learning disability and in July 2024 she unfortunately found a lump in her left breast. With the support of her mum, Judy, she made an appointment at the doctors who referred her to hospital for a biopsy.
Cheryl said:
“I really struggled with this process, I was so scared and didn’t understand fully what the various health professionals were explaining to me, but my mum helped explain everything to me in a way I could understand.”
Cheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2024.
Cheryl continued:
“I felt really sad and worried when I was told about the diagnosis, but I just wanted to get through the process. It was so overwhelming because I didn’t know what would happen or what the treatment would be like.”
Cheryl can’t speak highly enough about the support the Fylde and Wyre Learning Disability Service gave her during her illness. During her chemotherapy she required more intense support from a learning disability nurse, who came to visit her and explained what chemotherapy was, as she hadn’t been told about any of the side effects before.
Cheryl said:
“When I was diagnosed, I was told what cancer was, but the Learning Disability Team gave me some easy read information which helped me process the information in an easier way. They also made sure I was able to get out of the house and asked questions about how I was feeling, which made my feelings feel normal at such a stressful time in my life.”
Easy read is a way of presenting information in a visual way that makes it easier for people to understand, especially those with learning disabilities or other communication challenges. It uses short sentences, simple language, and pictures to make information accessible.
Cheryl is sharing her top tips on how to support someone with a learning disability especially if they are going through a difficult time:
- Give time and be patient
- Be kind
- Talk clearly and do not use jargon
- Ask people how they would like to be supported
- Speak to me and not just my carer or family. They are there to support me but if you speak clearly, I can understand
Cheryl’s message comes during Learning Disability Awareness Week, which is taking place between 16 to 20 June 2025. We are using the week as an opportunity to remind people of the support which is available.
The service is suitable for all ages, some people with learning disabilities require support for the whole of their lives. Professionals from a range of backgrounds, including psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses and healthcare support workers, work together to support service users across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
The service focus on physical health, mental health, challenging behaviour and offending behaviour, encouraging those with a learning disability to have an annual health check and develop a health action plan.
As well as assessment and developing care and treatment plans, the Trust provides hands on support working with the individual, including with partners in the independent or voluntary sector.
Cheryl proudly rang the bell at the end of her treatment on 14 February 2025 and has high hopes for what the future holds:
“I am starting to feel less tired and getting better. I moved home during my treatment and I’ve recently got a new job.
“I am looking forward to pampering myself with a massage. I have got new dentures and new glasses. My hair is also growing back. I am starting to get out more and build up my confidence again. I am looking forward to building my independence skills in my new home.”
Cheryl’s advice to everybody is “check regularly so you can catch it earlier.”
Find out more about the Learning Disability Service.
