Action Cancer Ambassador Shauna Benson now shares her experience of breast cancer as the charity highlights its life-saving screening service during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Shauna Benson, a 46-year-old solicitor, had no symptoms, no family history of breast cancer and considered herself fit and healthy when she attended a screening appointment at Action Cancer House in Belfast in March 2025.
Just weeks later, she received the devastating news that she had early-stage breast cancer.
Now an Ambassador for Action Cancer, Shauna is sharing her experience during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to encourage more women to take advantage of the charity's free breast screening service, supported by Gordons Chemists throughout its October awareness campaign.
Shauna, a keen runner and swimmer, was encouraged to book her appointment after friends from her running club attended screenings with Action Cancer.
“I was completely shocked because I had absolutely no symptoms,” she said.
"I checked myself regularly and couldn't feel anything. I was fit, healthy, active and felt completely fine.
"There was nothing to suggest that I had cancer.
“Doctors told me that because of where the tumour was positioned, at the back of my breast, I would never have felt it through self-examination.
"It could only have been detected through a mammogram.
“I was still years away from my first routine NHS screening appointment.
"If I had waited, the outcome could have been very different.”
Following her diagnosis, Shauna underwent surgery and radiotherapy and has since received counselling and therapeutic support through Action Cancer.
Determined to give something back, she and fellow members of the West Belfast Coolers Running Club will be dressing in pink and providing refreshments at the 5K parkrun in Falls Park on Saturday 24 October to raise funds for Action Cancer's breast screening service.
Shauna added: “Breast cancer can happen to anybody.
"I had no symptoms, no family history and lived a healthy lifestyle, yet I still got breast cancer.
“If sharing my experience encourages even one person to get checked, then it's worth it.
“Early screening saves lives. Mine is proof of that.”
Action Cancer is using Breast Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of early detection and encourage eligible women to book a free mammogram.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in Northern Ireland, accounting for approximately 30% of female cancer diagnoses.
Figures provided by the charity indicate that 1,513 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 310 die from the disease each year.
Action Cancer offers free breast screening to well women aged 40–49 and 70 and over who have no breast symptoms.
Women aged 50–70 are encouraged to attend routine NHS screening when invited.
Screening is available at Action Cancer House in Belfast and on board the charity's Big Bus, supported by SuperValu and Centra, which visits approximately 175 locations throughout Northern Ireland each year.
The charity aims to screen up to 8,000 women annually and reports detecting eight cancers for every 1,000 screenings.
Donna Kelly, Lead Advanced Practice Radiographer at Action Cancer, said: “Shauna's experience demonstrates why breast screening is so important. She had no symptoms and was living a healthy, active life, yet her mammogram identified an area of concern that required further investigation.
“Our clinic is unique in that it is the only one in the UK and Ireland to use Tomosynthesis (3D) breast imaging during the screening process.
"This technology has the ability to detect very small cancers that are hidden in breast tissue.
“Our experienced team is committed to providing the best possible care in a welcoming and comfortable environment.
"We offer a straightforward online and telephone booking process, with evening and weekend appointments also available.
“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to remind eligible women that screening can detect changes before symptoms develop. Please don't put off booking your appointment.”
Gordons Chemists is supporting Action Cancer's Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign for the 21st year in 2026, with its 55 stores across Northern Ireland turning pink to raise funds and promote awareness of early detection.
Fiona McQuillan, Pharmacist at Gordons Chemists, said: “We are honoured to continue supporting Action Cancer and its life-saving breast screening service.
“Women like Shauna demonstrate the importance of early detection, and their willingness to share their experiences is incredibly powerful.
“Throughout October, our 55 stores are turning pink to help raise funds and encourage conversations about breast health.
"We are grateful to our colleagues and customers for their continued generosity and support.”
Alongside its awareness campaign, Action Cancer is calling on the public to support its Breast Friends fundraising initiative, which aims to raise £30,000 towards the charity's breast screening service.
Each free screening costs Action Cancer £120 to provide. As the service receives no government funding, the charity relies on public donations, fundraising and corporate support.
People can get involved by organising a coffee morning, paint-and-sip event, pamper day or ladies' night with friends, family or colleagues. For a Breast Friends Fundraising Pack, email [email protected].
Women aged 40–49 and 70 and over can book a free breast screening appointment online at www.actioncancer.org/appointments or by calling 028 9080 3344. New appointments for Action Cancer House in Belfast are released online every Wednesday afternoon.
To support Shauna and the West Belfast Coolers' fundraising initiative, visit www.tinyurl.com/shaunabenson
1. Shauna, husband Colin and kids Eadaoin and Eimear.jpg
Shauna, husband Colin and kids Eadaoin and Eimear Photo: ugc
3. Shauna Benson and mum, Olive Benson.jpg
Shauna Benson and mum, Olive Benson Photo: Brian Thompson