Woman’s hormonal breast pain turns out to be breast cancer

By Ben Barry

A woman who thought her sore breast was just a hormonal symptom was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Evelina Rydzanicz, 31, was in the shower when she noticed she was sore while washing around the left of her chest.

She initially thought it was hormone-related but called her GP, who didn't seem "too concerned" and offered her an appointment in four weeks.

But Evelina decided to go private instead and got an appointment straight away.

When she arrived at the breast clinic at The Chiltern Hospital, Buckinghamshire, she had an ultrasound and biopsy - and a consultant told her they suspected breast cancer.

On May 9, 2025, the biopsy results came back and confirmed breast cancer, and Evelina was diagnosed with stage two, grade two triple-positive breast cancer.

She underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, Phesgo targeted therapy - a targeted therapy injection - and a lumpectomy - an operation to remove the area of cancer and some of the surrounding breast tissue - and has been declared cancer-free.

Evelina, who works in finance, from Reading, Berkshire, said: "I was completely shocked when they told me they suspected breast cancer.

"I really thought it was something hormonal - I didn’t think cancer screening was even on the cards at my age.

“I was 30 at the time, and you just don’t expect it at that age.

"On the weekend, I went for my first appointment. I was thinking about applying for a promotion at work.

"Life had to be put on pause. It had to stop. I couldn’t work for six months. It was earth-shattering, but I’m slowly coming back now.”

After noticing she had a sore left breast whilst she was in the shower, Evelina went for an ultrasound and biopsy and was told she had breast cancer.

Initially, Evelina said she thought the soreness was hormonal and felt less concerned when the GP receptionist didn't offer her an urgent appointment.

Evelina was stunned by her diagnosis.

"It felt like everything around me collapsed. I burst into tears," Evelina said.

"I don’t remember much of what was said after that. I was just thinking, 'What’s going to happen to me?'."

After her biopsy results confirmed stage two, grade two triple-positive breast cancer, she started 18 weeks of chemotherapy on July 7, 2025.

Evelina said: "I had prepared myself for that possibility, but when they told me I would need chemotherapy, that’s when I broke down again.

"I thought ‘Oh my god, I’m going to lose my hair’ and while I did use a cold cap the whole way through, I lost most of my hair.

"I felt that hair loss made it obvious that I was sick and was a constant reminder of my illness. It’s growing back quickly, so I am grateful for that.

“The worst thing is having people who are close to you look at you and worry when you’re trying not to worry, and to stay strong.”

Towards the end of chemotherapy, an MRI scan suggested the cancer had a complete response to the treatment.

On November 20, 2025, Evelina underwent a lumpectomy and a few days later, Evelina got the news that she was cancer-free.

"I told my partner in the car that I would cry no matter what the result was - all the emotion had built up," Evelina said.

"When the surgeon said there was nothing there, I started crying, but I was also smiling wider than I ever have in my life.

"I even hugged the surgeon.

"It didn’t feel real, but for completely different reasons than the diagnosis. I was overwhelmed with joy."

Evelina is walking in Breast Cancer Now’s Hampton Court Palace Pink Ribbon Walk to raise money and awareness of breast cancer.

Speaking about why she wants to get involved, Evelina said: "I saw this as a great opportunity to focus on my fitness. I have a goal in mind to feel physically stronger.

"This is an opportunity to stay motivated, and I’ve been calling it my victory walk.

“I’m really looking forward to being in the walk’s atmosphere, to celebrate life with everyone. I think walking with everyone with our shared experience is such a demonstration of strength.”