Woman, 39, Says She Was Denied Breast Cancer Screenings Despite Family History. Now, She Is Dying from an Incurable Diagnosis

A 39-year-old woman, Chantelle Van Der Watt, has been confronted with a terminal breast cancer diagnosis that has spread to her bones, leaving her with a prognosis of just five years to live. Her experience poses critical questions regarding the screening protocols for younger women, particularly those with a family history of the disease.

Van Der Watt’s journey began in January 2025, when she received her cancer diagnosis. Tragically, just three months later, she discovered that the cancer had metastasised to her bones. The diagnosis came after a long struggle to gain access to regular screenings in the UK, despite her awareness of a strong familial predisposition to breast cancer.

Before relocating from South Africa to the UK in 2020, Van Der Watt had undergone annual mammograms. Regrettably, upon moving to the UK at the age of 34, she found herself ineligible for the National Health Service (NHS) breast screening programme, which only offers routine checks for women starting at the age of 50. Van Der Watt expressed her frustration, stating, “When I lived in South Africa, I would go every year for a mammogram, even though I was so young. […] I thought it was a little bit ridiculous.”

Van Der Watt recounted her family history of cancer, noting that both of her grandmothers had battled breast cancer, while other relatives faced various types of the disease. In light of her family’s medical history, Van Der Watt took it upon herself to advocate for more proactive screening. It was not until she turned 40 that Milton Keynes University Hospital eventually approved her for breast screenings.

Her health took a swift downturn in January 2025, as she began to feel excessive fatigue and unexplained soreness. Alarmed by the symptoms, she discovered a lump in her breast shortly before her appointment with her general practitioner. During the consultation, she claims that doctors were dismissive, suggesting that, due to her young age, breast cancer was unlikely. However, a subsequent biopsy revealed the presence of the disease.

By April of the same year, the grim news was delivered: her breast cancer had advanced to the bones. This shocking diagnosis has left Van Der Watt grappling with profound uncertainty about her future and her family. “I get cross because maybe if they did one screening at the age of 38, maybe we could’ve picked it up,” she lamented, reflecting on the lost opportunities for earlier detection.

In response to Van Der Watt’s case, a representative from Milton Keynes University Hospital expressed their condolences and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting her throughout her cancer journey. They clarified that policies regarding breast cancer screening are governed nationally and not determined by the local trust. “When patients are referred to us because of clinical concerns, they are assessed and investigated through specialist breast services,” the spokesperson said.

In the wake of her diagnosis, Van Der Watt is facing profound emotional challenges, especially regarding her two children, aged 11 and 14. She expressed her heartache at the thought of missing significant moments in their lives, such as their weddings and prom nights. “Will I get to see them go to prom? It’s all these little things,” she said, underscoring the emotional toll her illness has taken on her family.

To secure her family’s financial stability, Van Der Watt has initiated a GoFundMe campaign. She articulated a heartfelt wish to leave her loved ones with a stable home after her passing. “My greatest wish is to leave my family with something secure—a place they can truly call home,” she remarked on the fundraising page. “Knowing that they have a permanent place to live would bring me enormous peace of mind.”

Chantelle Van Der Watt’s story spotlights the critical need for discussions surrounding breast cancer screening for younger women, especially those with significant risk factors. Her continued advocacy for earlier screening reflects her desire not only for personal health awareness but also for the wellbeing of countless others who may find themselves in similar predicaments.