SHANICE Bennett’s breast cancer diagnosis at 24 didn’t take her by surprise – but she was shocked to be told the true cause of her “unbearable” back pain.
The 26-year-old police officer is now trying to make the most of life, saying: “There is nothing that I can do.”
Shanice Bennett, 26, was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 24Credit: SWNS
She thought her ordeal was over after getting surgery and chemotherapyCredit: SWNS
But Shanice started getting agonising back pain – and she was horrified to learn the true causeCredit: SWNS
When Shanice first went to her doctor after noticing a , she was assured it wasn’t cancerous and most likely a blocked duct.
But four months later, in May 2023, Shanice demanded a further examination after the lump grew larger, and became more painful.
A scan revealed she had stage three cancer.
Surgeons removed the 24-year-old’s breast, as well as lymph nodes in her arm.
Following extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Shanice believed she had recovered.
But in June 2024, when she was rushed to A&E with unbearable back pain.
Medics told her the cancer had not only come back, but spread to her bones.
She now had stage four incurable cancer.
Shanice, from Sittingbourne, , said: “It got to the point one day where I woke up in the night and the pain was just unbearable.
“The next day I couldn’t get out of bed or sit up or dress myself.
“Still at that point I didn’t really expect anything. I thought that I had slipped a disk or maybe done something to injure my back.
“My first diagnosis, when I walked in and the Macmillan lady turned around, I had kind of expected it.
“It was still quite a shock. It never fully sinks in.
“But my second diagnosis I didn’t expect at all. Because I was young and I went through all the treatment I just thought I would be fine.”
Shanice underwent chemo and radiotherapy after her first diagnosisCredit: SWNS
Shanice in Rome – she’s trying to make the most of life and has made a bucket listCredit: SWNS
Shanice with her nephew at Disneyland ParisCredit: SWNS
Back pain can be a symptom of secondary , when the disease spreads to another part of the body.
The cancer has since spread to Shanice’s spine – causing part of the vertebra to collapse – as well as to her pelvis, skull, liver, and lungs.
Shanice is yet to be given a definitive prognosis, but her treatment is going well, so she remains optimistic.
She is now making the most of her time, going to as many concerts as she can and creating a travel bucket list, which she is sharing on .
What are the signs of breast cancer?
BREAST cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK.
The majority of women who get it are over 50, but younger women and, in rare cases, men can also get breast cancer.
If it’s treated early enough, breast cancer can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.
Most breast lumps aren’t cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also speak to your GP if you notice any of the following:
- A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- Discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood)
- A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- Dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- A rash on or around your nipple
- A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Source: NHS
Shanice has visited Rhodes twice, taken her nephew to Disneyland , gone to , and attended her mum’s wedding.
She also has several shows booked for next year, seeing some of her favourite musicians including James Arthur and Ariana Grande.
Shanice said: “There is nothing that I can do. The situation is out of my control. So, sitting around being sad won’t actually change anything.
“If I did just mope around I’d look back on my life and feel annoyed at myself that I spent so much time worrying about it and not doing the things I want to.”
Shanice at her mum’s weddingCredit: SWNS
Shanice is sharing her journey to TikTokCredit: SWNS
Shanice in RhodesCredit: SWNS
Shanice is still employed as a police officer, but hasn’t been able to work for just over a year, which has devastated her as it had always been her dream job since childhood.
She has also raised over £2,000 through GoFundMe to help tick off her bucket list items.
Shanice added: “At the hospital I am in a group, but I can’t relate to anyone there.
“I am the youngest person in the cancer ward, with everyone else about 50-60 plus.
“Obviously for everyone going through cancer it is equally hard, but I find being younger is definitely more difficult because you haven’t been able to experience life as much.
“I used TikTok for that, to find out how people my age were coping with treatment.
“When I was diagnosed with stage four, I decided to start posting to see if I could help other people.
“It has been nice to be able to connect with people my age across the country and be able to speak online.
“I have made friendships that I never would have if I hadn’t started it.”
You can donate to Shanice’s GoFundMe here .
Shanice has found it isolating having cancer so youngCredit: SWNS
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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