WHEN Jeanette Fry was diagnosed seven years ago with breast cancer she went into "a daze."

But determination to beat the disease soon took over and now the 52-year-old, from Malpas, Newport, is backing a new awareness campaign designed to help spot early signs.

Having previously had a cyst in her left breast, she thought a lump in her right breast would bring a similar diagnosis and was devastated in November 2001 to discover she had cancer.

"It was a month from diagnosis to my mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, then I had chemotherapy," said Mrs Fry.

"When I got my diagnosis I was meant to book another clinic appointment but I was so dazed I got to the hospital exit before I remembered. I had to walk back through the Royal Gwent," she said.

"My first thoughts were "why me?" and "how will I tell my family?" But I found the strength and support from them to get me through.

"One of the worst things was losing my hair when the chemo started. I had long, curly hair, it was lovely, but when it started falling out I cut it all off myself."

That determination to take back control of her life stood Mrs Fry in good stead and she is now backing the Cancer Research UK's It's A Girl Thing campaign, which aims to encourage women to be breast aware, act to reduce their risk of getting the disease, and help raise money to fund the charity's lifesaving work.

Every year, almost 2,400 women in Wales are diagnosed with breast cancer, out of 44,000 UK-wide.

Early detection is vital. Eighty per cent of cases occur in women aged 50 and over, but it is important for all women to know what is normal, report any unusual changes without delay, and attend screening when invited. Women over 70 who are not invited for screening can book three-yearly appointments with their local breast screening unit.

For further information about breast cancer, Cancer Research UK's work, and how to support it, call 020 7121 6699 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org

Store's staff help raise cash

JEANETTE Fry and her sister Vera Burrows both work at B&Q Cwmbran, where staff have raised £7,700 since last Easter to support the It's A Girl Thing campaign.

The company's stores nationwide are supporting the campaign, and Cwmbran staff have been inspired by Mrs Fry's experience and that of other patients.

Fancy dress theme days, fun days, raffles and boot sales are among the events held.

"All the staff have joined together and we've had a great time whilst being able to support a disease that has touched our hearts," said Mrs Burrows, who gave special thanks to store manager Colin Griffiths.

"Without Colin’s help and that of other sponsors such as Sainsburys and other local retailers, we would never have been able to raise such a significant sum of money."