Katisha’s Breast Cancer Journey
Meet Katisha who shares her experience of breast cancer treatment, living with a new normal and the family, faith and community that continue to give her strength.
The treatment that saves her life. We’re here for it.
Anika received chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery at St Bartholomew’s Hospital after finding a lump during pregnancy. She is sharing her story to show what sensitive, joined-up care can mean for a family — and why bringing specialist care, research and support together matters for people with breast cancer across East London.
Watch Anika’s story
Before her diagnosis
In late 2024, Anika had just discovered she was pregnant with her second child when she noticed a lump in her right breast. “I thought it was absolutely fine,” Anika explains. “Pregnancy changes your body so much, and cancer just didn’t cross my mind.”
Months later, her mum mentioned that she had found a breast lump and planned to get it checked. The conversation prompted Anika to feel her own lump again. It seemed larger, so she booked an appointment with her GP and was referred to St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Anika during her pregnancy
Diagnosis and treatment
Now eight months pregnant and one day before starting maternity leave, Anika was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. She needed an immediate C-section so she could begin treatment as quickly as possible.
Anika was devastated, but amazed by how quickly her care team acted. “Everything felt completely under control, even though my world had just turned upside down.”
Her son Dara was born at 37 weeks. The following day, Anika began scans and tests, followed by 12 weeks of weekly chemotherapy and immunotherapy, then a second course of chemotherapy every three weeks.
In January 2026, surgery showed the tumour had shrunk enough for Anika to have a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy. A week later, her oncologist Kathryn Hawsford called with the news she had been hoping for: “It’s gone. There’s nothing left.”
“It was one of the most emotional moments of my life.”
Anika during her treatment
Supporting our Here for it campaign
The people at the heart of our Here for it campaign, like Anika, are sharing their experiences to show what breast cancer can mean beyond a diagnosis, from treatment and recovery to family, uncertainty and the everyday moments that matter most.
By supporting this campaign, you can help Barts Charity invest in the people, research, equipment and innovations that improve breast cancer care before, during and after treatment across East London.
What are you here for?
"I’m here for my children, my husband, my family, and every woman who needs to feel safe and supported. I'm here to live fully again."Anika
Anika with her children
Life now and what comes next
Now cancer-free, Anika is still undergoing rounds of immunotherapy but is looking forward to a bright and joyful future with her family.
Anika and her family
“The question I get asked the most is: ‘How did you do it?’ Well, you just have to. As a parent, you don’t think twice. We wanted to show my daughter that even when life gets really hard, you keep going. There were bad days, of course, but we tried to find joy and humour wherever we could.
“We are just so grateful to have got through this and it’s sort of turned us into yes people; if there’s an opportunity for something, we’re a bit more fearless about it.
“I genuinely owe Barts my life,” she says. “Because of the care I received, my children still have their mum.”
Anika's son, Dara
What the Breast Cancer Centre means for women like Anika
You see familiar faces, you feel safe, and you realise you’re not going through it alone. I think the new centre is going to mean so much to patients and their families.
— Anika
The Barts Health Breast Cancer Centre brings specialist care, research and support together in one place. Patients will have access to specialist surgery and reconstruction, oncology, imaging and supportive services, alongside greater opportunities to participate in research and access cutting-edge treatments. The aim is a more joined-up experience throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
We're here for it. Are you?
Your generosity could help us be here for every step of someone’s breast cancer journey - from diagnosis through treatment and recovery and drive research for our community.
