A WOMAN who has twice battled breast cancer has been using her experiences to support others in Worcestershire going through the same ordeal.

Vicky Stock was first diagnosed with cancer in her left breast in 2009 aged 30, and two years later discovered it had spread to her right breast.

She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment as well as a double mastectomy and has since been diagnosed with a rare gene making her more susceptible to several types of cancer.

Today Mrs Stock, from Northfield in Birmingham, volunteers with Macmillan Cancer Support including on its Worcestershire Buddy Scheme, which offers telephone-based emotional support to anyone suffering with the disease.

As part of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month Mrs Stock is urging women to be vigilant for the signs of the disease.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump and visiting my GP straight away,” she said.

“My initial contact with Macmillan came through information given to me by my nurse at my first diagnosis appointment.

“I was impressed from the start with the wide range of support on offer including their online forums and the website. I was then keen to use my own experiences to help others.”

Mrs Stock also works as a local ambassador for Macmillan, visiting support groups and helping with fundraising.

She said she was driven to volunteer with the charity because of the range of support it was able to offer to people with cancer and their families.

“I have gained a lot from my involvement with Macmillan,” she said. “I feel part of a team and really valued by those I work with.

“I feel I am really making a difference and that inspires me.

“I had a horrible time of it myself with my diagnosis and having the opportunity to work with this amazing charity who do so much hard work to help people really means the world to me.”

Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in the UK with 50,000 women being diagnosed with it every year.

Signs of the disease include a lump in the breast, a change in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling of the skin, discharge from the nipple and swelling in the armpit.

For more information about all kinds of cancer call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk.