WHEN Mary Layfield checked in for a routine mammogram, she had no idea that the test would save her life.

For it picked up a cancer in the 49-year-old’s breast that not even her experienced surgeon could detect under examination.

In the midst of gruelling treatment – including chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy – the Spennymoor woman is on a mission to encourage others to attend mammogram appointments.

The Darlington College worker said: “If my story achieves anything, it will be to make women sit up and think and realise that those appointments can and do save lives.

“If the cancer had not been detected, my future would be very uncertain.”

Ms Layfield has had regular mammograms since her mid-30s after losing her mother and two aunts to cancer.

She said: “In my experience, a routine mammogram picked it up and my consultant said it was a very aggressive form of cancer.

“My mum died of breast cancer at 54 and her two sisters died soon after of bowel and ovarian cancer.

“Now detection is much better but it is still such a dreadful disease – and of course it affects men just as much as women.”

As well as trying to reinforce the importance of regular testing, Ms Layfield and her partner Gary Paxton are trying to raise funds to purchase an early detection device for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, where Ms Layfield was treated.

Former soldier Mr Paxton and colleagues at Darlington College will cycle from Edinburgh to Durham in June to raise money for the Tomosynthesis Enhanced Breast Screening Machine.

Ms Layfield is still undergoing treatment but has her sights set on making a full recovery and returning to her job as a clinical health and social care assessor at the college.

She said: “This is a setback but I am lucky because early detection has saved my life.

“I know how lucky I am and could not have a better partner or more supportive family and friends.”

To support the family’s fundraising efforts, visit facebook.com/5Overthehill.