A CANCER survivor has stressed the importance of attending breast screenings after a tumour was detected which was too small to feel.

Julie Dimon is recovering after surgery but she believes the outcome could have been very different if she had not gone for her three-yearly mammogram.

Now the 62-year old is looking forward to taking part in her first Cancer Research UK Race for Life as part of a team entered by The Ladies Club in Winchester.

Instructors from the ladies-only club are doing the warm-up and holding special classes to prepare team members.

And Julie, from Fair Oak, is urging other women to enter the Winchester event at the Garrison Ground on Sunday, June 9, before registration closes.

The retired Hampshire County Council receptionist was called back for more tests after a mammogram in the autumn of 2011 highlighted a problem.

“I had a feeling before I went for the mammogram that something was not quite right. I don’t know why but I knew before they told me.

“If I had not gone, I most definitely would not have known as the lump was too small to feel. My story highlights the importance of women going for mammograms when they are called. It is worth a bit of discomfort,” said Julie, who is married to David and they have a son, Paul.

She didn’t think too much about it, other than it was a nuisance, but a second mammogram confirmed she had cancer.

Julie’s treatment finished last July and her check-ups since have been clear but since then Julie has been encouraged to join take part in the Race for Life team because of her experience.

Entry for the Winchester event closes on Thursday June 6.

Women can boost their contribution by doing a ‘wardrobe work-out’ and bag up quality clothes, books and accessories they no longer use and take them to the Donation Station at Race for Life.

Each bag could help raise up to £25 for research.

Enter Race for Life at raceforlife.org or by calling 0845 600 6050.