A GRANDMOTHER is highlighting the importance of regular health checks after surviving cancer thanks to early diagnosis.

Frances Beeton, of Westley Road, Bury St Edmunds, is aiming to get the message across in a big way through taking part in Race for Life, the Cancer Research UK women-only fundraiser, in the town next month.

The 65-year-old, who has now been clear of cancer for eight years, will be joined by her granddaughter Bethany Egan, 20, and family friend Cheryse Caba from Sudbury, who has also suffered from breast cancer.

Mrs Beeton, who is a business support officer with Suffolk County Council, said: “We want to raise as much money as we can to help research into cancer so that other lives can be saved in the future. But my big, big message is to wave the flag for early diagnosis.” She added: “Early diagnosis is the key and if my story can persuade just one person to get themselves checked out and get early treatment then it’s worthwhile me telling it. I don’t even class myself as that serious a case because I did not have to have chemotherapy. But goodness knows what would have happened if I’d ignored those early signs.”

Mrs Beeton, a grandmother-of-two who is married to John, 68, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 after finding a hard, round lump in her left breast when she felt a sudden urge to scratch an itch. Within three weeks of diagnosis she had a lumpectomy along with the removal of about four lymp glands and then radiotherapy.

She said due to complications with the follow-up medication, she developed a thrombosis in her leg and the beginnings of womb cancer, resulting in a hysterectomy in 2003. Since coming off all drugs towards the end of 2003, she has had ‘all clear’ results ever since.

She is now training for the 5km-Race for Life at Nowton Park at 2.30pm on June 26. To sponsor her visit www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/francesbeeton1502. To get involved in the Race for Life series visit www.raceforlife.org.