A woman has received a terminal breast cancer diagnosis after being denied screenings for years for being deemed too young, only to discover a lump later on. Chantelle Van Der Watt, who had regular mammograms in South Africa due to her family’s cancer history, began requesting screenings upon moving to the UK in 2020. However, at 34 years old, she did not qualify for the NHS breast screening program, which starts at age 50.
Despite advocating for herself and receiving assurances from medical professionals that screenings could commence at 40, Chantelle found a lump in her right breast at 39 before reaching this milestone. Doctors initially dismissed her concerns, citing her age, despite her family’s cancer history. In February 2025, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, with subsequent tests revealing it had metastasized to her bones, leaving her with a five-year prognosis.
Now, Chantelle, a stay-at-home mother in Milton Keynes, has launched a fundraiser to secure a permanent home for her family, aiming to move out of rental properties. Reflecting on her ordeal, she expressed fears of missing significant milestones in her children’s lives. Battling the advanced cancer, she is determined to provide stability for her family through the fundraiser.
Chantelle’s journey highlights the challenges she faced in accessing timely screenings and the impact of delayed detection on her prognosis. Despite ongoing treatment efforts, she remains focused on creating a stable home environment for her loved ones. Readers can support Chantelle’s cause by contributing to her fundraiser for a lasting family home.