I thought I'd pulled a muscle but it turned out to be breast cancer
An Accrington mum who thought she had pulled a muscle, was shocked to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Jo Owens, 42, from Oswaldtwistle simply thought she was feeling tired having turned 40 and assumed she had pulled a muscle in her chest.
She then visited her GP in autumn 2024 and was told she was lucky to have found the lump where it was in her breast.
Jo’s GP immediately referred her to the “one-stop breast” clinic at Burnley General Hospital where she had a mammogram and an ultrasound.
She was called back for a core needle biopsy and when a consultant radiographer appeared in the room asking about family history - Jo realised it must be bad news.
She was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and told that had she been given the same diagnosis just a decade ago, then treatment might not have even been an option.
She had the lump removed in November of that year and spent three hours on Christmas Eve discussing the forthcoming treatment plan with her oncologist.
Jo, who works in financial services, had chemotherapy treatment between January and April last year. Jo managed to enjoy a quick holiday before starting radiotherapy at the Rosemere Centre in Preston last May.
Throughout her treatment, she remained upfront about what she was going through with partner Mark and their daughters. Edie, 16, and Stevie, nine.
Just days before starting radiotherapy, Jo cheered on from the sidelines at Race for Life Pretty Muddy in Manchester in support of her daughter Edie, her aunt Rosa and Edie’s teacher, Michael Blair and his son, Brogan. They all took part in the muddy obstacle course to honour Jo’s courage.
Mr Blair, from Mount Carmel High School, has now organised student versus teachers teams to tackle Race for Life Pretty Muddy at Heaton Park in Manchester on Saturday July 4. And Jo will be cheering them on once again.
She finished radiotherapy at the end of May and returned to work in December. Jo will continue to need regular check-ups and scans.
Jo, who is now going ‘all in’ for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and kicking off publicity for the 2026 campaign, said: “I’m all in against cancer. It’s been the toughest time going through treatment.
“Cancer isn’t something people should have to face alone and with the right support, none of us have to.”
She added: “While I always had my sister Michelle with me at chemotherapy, I didn’t take anyone with me to the radiotherapy sessions and I completely regret that decision as it was a lonely time.
“My family, friends and work colleagues kept me going throughout and now I feel I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and making a good recovery.
“I’m truly touched that so many students and teachers will be taking part in Race for Life Pretty Muddy this summer and can’t wait to support them.”
For Race for Life events visit raceforlife.org.