4 June 2023
Consultant raises money for breast cancer research
Katrina Cathie is a paediatric consultant paediatrician and researcher at University Hospital Southampton. In 2022 she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Now, family and friends are supporting the breast cancer research fund at Southampton Hospitals Charity, as early detection undoubtedly saved her life.
“I’ve worked as a consultant paediatrician at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) for the last eight years.
In the autumn of 2021, I found out that I carry a high-risk cancer gene and was entered into a breast screening programme. Usually, women are invited for breast screening between 50-71, but I was invited early due to the increased risk to my health.
Breast cancer affects one in seven women within their lifetime, so it is very important to attend screenings.
I had an MRI and a mammogram in December 2021 at UHS and an abnormality was found. After further tests, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2022 age 41. The diagnosis was a big shock to me and my family and friends, however I am thankful that it was picked up early.
Since then, I’ve gone through various treatments to remove the breast cancer and prevent it from coming back.
I have so many people to be thankful for and so many positives despite the challenges this diagnosis brought. My family and friends have been right with me every step of the way and I could not have gotten through this without them.
The teams looking after me have been incredible. I am so grateful for the expertise and kindness of my surgeons and oncologist and everyone else who has been involved in my care.
As a member of the UHS family and a researcher myself, I want to give something back to the hospital and teams that have cared for me so wonderfully. I also want to contribute to future research that will continue to advance treatment for women, like me, whose world is turned upside down by a breast cancer diagnosis.
Through Southampton Hospitals Charity, my family and friends are joining me to raise money specifically for the breast cancer research fund, because it is so close to our hearts.
My husband, Jonathan, ran the London Marathon last year raising over £8,000, and this year I’m cycling from London to Brighton with 40 other amazing women. It will be amazing to come together as a team and raise loads of money!
We are also hosting the spectacular Autumn Ball during breast cancer awareness month. This will be held on Saturday 14 October at the Ageas Hilton Hotel in Southampton from 6.00pm.
Guests will enjoy a fabulous evening with drinks reception, three-course dinner, raffle, live auction, and silent auction.
We have a wonderful guest speaker, the author and storyteller Dr Liz O’Riordan (the breast surgeon who had breast cancer), and live music from the Stonebreakers.
