For Harriet Waley-Cohen, the first sign that something wasn’t right was small – but instinctively concerning.
“I noticed some discharge and immediately knew it could be a red flag,” she recalls.
With a family history of breast cancer, Harriet acted quickly. Within hours she had seen her GP and was referred for tests. Early results suggested the issue was benign, and surgery was described as preventative.
But at a follow‑up appointment in September 2018, everything changed.
“I went into shock. It felt like I was underwater – I couldn’t take anything in. I had a panic attack and had to stop the appointment.”
Supported by a nurse and a close friend, Harriet began to process a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Outwardly, life appeared unchanged. Internally, everything felt different.
“At the time, I’d just moved to the countryside with my children and didn’t yet have a strong local network.
“As a single mum, I was trying to hold everything together while privately falling apart.”
Following surgery and reconstruction, Harriet recovered well and was reassured the risk of recurrence was low.
When cancer returned
Years later, during a routine annual scan in early 2025, a vigilant radiographer noticed a subtle change in a lymph node.
“When they called me back within 24 hours for biopsies, I just knew.”
The second diagnosis felt more frightening – and more complex.
“It was harder because it had come back, and because it was already more advanced.”
After further surgery, Harriet began treatment at Icon Cancer Centre London under the care of Dr Fiona Kyle.
“She was incredibly thorough and honest. She didn’t sugar‑coat anything but explained what to expect in a way that helped me prepare – emotionally and practically. As a single parent, that clarity made such a difference.”
Personal care that goes beyond treatment
Throughout her time at Icon Cancer Centre London, Harriet experienced care that extended far beyond the clinical.
“I was never just a patient. I was treated as a person, and that included the people around me.”
She recalls moments where the care team supported not only her, but her loved ones too.
“When a family member became upset during an appointment, a nurse quietly stepped in to support them. When a friend was triggered by her own past experience of cancer, the team noticed and cared for her as well. It felt like compassion for the whole ecosystem around me.”
Being treated close to home allowed Harriet to remain connected to her children and daily life, while still receiving specialist cancer care.
“The team felt like an extension of my family,” she says.
“That combination – expert care, delivered by people who knew me – was incredibly grounding.”
A shift in perspective
Harriet completed chemotherapy in August 2025, followed by radiotherapy and ongoing preventative treatment. While the journey has been demanding, it has also reshaped how she sees herself.
“I’m much kinder to my body now, and more appreciative of everything it’s carried me through.”
She’s also learned to allow space for the emotions that come with cancer.
“It’s normal to feel frightened, angry or overwhelmed. Letting myself feel those things, instead of pushing them away, really helped me cope.”
Sharing her story
Now, through writing and coaching, Harriet shares her experience to support others navigating cancer and major life change.
“You don’t have to do this alone,” she says.
“Get the right people around you and let yourself be cared for.”
Discover more about Harriet’s story here, or if you have questions or concerns about your own health feel free to reach out to us at Icon Cancer Centre London.