A TEENAGER may have saved her mother's life after spotting what turned out to be a cancerous tumour in her breast.

Paula Anderson, of Bishop Auckland, was diagnosed with breast cancer last September after daughter Olivia urged her to see a doctor.

The 17-year-old first noticed the cellulite-like dimple in May, but with no history of cancer in the family, Mrs Anderson thought "never in a million years" was anything wrong.

However, during a family holiday in August, the Durham Sixth Form student saw the mark was still there and the mum-of-two sought medical advice.

One-and-a-half weeks after her initial appointment, the 48-year-old underwent a mastectomy after medics found three tumours in her breast - one measuring at 16 millimetres and another 20 millimetres.

"The first thing I said was 'I'm going to beat it and I'm going to get there', and it's because of Olivia," said Mrs Anderson, who was sent for a mammogram because of her age. "I don't normally check and you couldn't feel the lumps.

"I 100 per cent didn't think it was cancer and I think it's ridiculous I've got it."

The consultant commended sharp-eyed Olivia and the family now hope to raise awareness of even the smallest signs of breast cancer.

Brave Mrs Anderson is now undergoing chemotherapy as a precautionary measure.

"I'm still so positive and have surprised myself," she said. "My friend went through it and I was distraught for her and thought I'd be feeling sorry for myself.

"I've cried once in seven months and that's because they said I'd lose my hair."

Inspired by their mother's strength in the face of her ongoing battle, daughters Olivia and Ellie, 15, have set out to raise cash for Cancer Research UK to show their support.

Originally the idea of Bishop Barrington School pupil Ellie, the novice runners are now in the throws of preparing for the 5k Race for Life in Durham in July.

Despite having a combined target of £300 to start, donations have flooded in and have already reached around £500.

"I used to do the race for life and they always wanted to do it with me," added Mrs Anderson. "I was so proud they chose to do it and though it's for me it's not just for me, it's for everyone. So many people are fighting it at the moment."

To donate search for Olivia Anderson or Ellie Anderson on https://home.justgiving.com/