King’s midwife urges women to attend breast screening after cancer diagnosis

28 October 2026 - “I didn’t realise it at the time, but going along to my screening appointment saved my life."

Miriam McCarthy, Midwifery Matron at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, is urging women to attend their breast screening appointments, and follow up any unusual symptoms, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago.

Miriam, 52, discovered she had breast cancer after attending a routine screening in 2025. She said: “I didn’t realise it at the time, but going along to my screening appointment saved my life.

“I had no warning signs or symptoms at all, and although my diagnosis was a huge shock, I count myself as one of the lucky ones. My cancer was detected at a very early stage, early enough that I didn’t need to undergo chemotherapy, and I have made a full recovery.

“I had my treatment and care at King’s, as I knew I would be in safe hands, and the team who looked after me were absolutely amazing. Thanks to everyone’s support, I have now returned to work, re-joining my brilliant midwifery colleagues.”

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Miriam is sharing her story in the hope that others will take up their invitation when called for screening, recognising that a routine appointment lasting just a few minutes could make all the difference.

Dr Juliet Morel, Consultant Radiologist and Director of Screening at King’s, said: “Breast screening can detect early changes to the breast tissue, often long before physical changes appear. And when breast cancer is identified early, treatment is more likely to be successful.

“We know for many women there can be lots of reasons why they might be reluctant to come forward for their routine breast screening appointment, or why it’s not top of the priority list. We hope that by sharing Miriam’s story, we can reassure and remind everyone why screening is so important.”

Mitra Bakhtiari, Director of Midwifery at King’s, added: “We are all very pleased to see Miriam back at work, doing the job she cares so passionately about. She is an inspiration and by sharing her experience, I am sure she will give support and hope to any member of Team King’s with a cancer diagnosis, as well as raising awareness of how important early screening can be.”

 

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