Young Woman Fights Terminal Breast Cancer, Creates Bucket List

A 26-year-old woman from Sittingbourne, Shanice Bennett, faces a terminal breast cancer diagnosis after being initially dismissed due to her age. Diagnosed at 23, Shanice’s cancer has now metastasized to her bones, lungs, and liver, prompting her to create a bucket list to maximize her remaining time.

Shanice first discovered a lump in May 2023, leading to a diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer. At the time, medical professionals seemed unconcerned about her age, with one general practitioner suggesting she was too young for such a serious illness. “They said they would refer me, but nothing was going to come from it,” she recalled. After persistent efforts, she was finally referred for further examination.

Following a rigorous treatment regimen that included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a mastectomy with lymph node removal, Shanice believed she had overcome her battle with cancer. By March 2024, she was declared in remission. However, her optimism waned as she began experiencing debilitating back pain, which she initially attributed to fatigue.

A visit to the emergency department revealed a shocking turn of events: she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, which is considered incurable. “I was really shocked as I thought I’d just slipped a disc,” Shanice said. The cancer’s aggressive spread has left her with limited treatment options, and she has faced complications, including two episodes of sepsis and hypercalcemia.

Despite her dire circumstances, Shanice remains resolute in maintaining a positive outlook. “I’m just trying to stay positive. I don’t really have many bad days,” she stated. To make the most of her time, she has embarked on a journey to fulfill her bucket list, which has already included trips to Disneyland Paris and New York, as well as attending her mother’s wedding in Cyprus.

Shanice’s aspirations extend beyond travel. She has planned a trip to Rome and hopes to attend concerts, including a performance by Ariana Grande at the O2 Arena in August. One of her most anticipated items is to watch the upcoming film, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which is set for release on November 20, 2024. To increase her chances of seeing the film early, she has appealed to Lionsgate, the film’s studio, through her social media platform TikTok, where she has amassed over 22,300 followers.

In an effort to fund her bucket list goals and create memorable experiences with her family, Shanice has established a GoFundMe page. “I am currently on my second line of treatment. Once this treatment stops working, there aren’t many good options left for me that will continue to allow me to live my best possible life,” she wrote on the fundraising page. The funds will also support her end-of-life arrangements and contributions to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Shanice’s story has sparked discussions about breast cancer screening policies. A current petition advocating for earlier and more frequent mammograms for women, lowering the starting age to 40, has already garnered over 15,000 signatures. Presently, mammograms are offered every three years to women aged 50 to 70.

Chemotherapy nurse Gemma Reeves emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, “Early detection makes a huge difference, and when breast cancer is found sooner, treatments can be less aggressive. Outcomes are better. More people will get a chance to live full lives.”

Through her journey, Shanice Bennett not only fights for her own life but also raises awareness about the realities of breast cancer, particularly among younger women. Her determination to travel, create memories, and advocate for change in medical practices serves as an inspiration for many.