Claire Hughes MP has released a deeply personal documentary about her experience of breast cancer, in the hope that sharing her story will encourage more people to check their chest and seek medical advice if something does not feel right.
The eight-minute film follows Claire as she reflects on the seven months that changed her life, from finding a small lump by chance to undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for grade 3 triple-negative breast cancer.
Watch Claire’s eight-minute documentary about her experience of breast cancer, treatment and recovery.
Claire was diagnosed in October 2025, just weeks after being appointed as a Wales Office Minister. In the documentary, she speaks openly about the physical and emotional realities of treatment and recovery, as well as the unexpected impact of treatment-induced menopause, something she knew very little about before her diagnosis.
Filmed across North Wales, the documentary also follows Claire to some of the places that helped her through treatment, including the North Wales coast and the Carneddau mountains close to home.
Claire said:
“If sharing my story encourages even one person to check themselves or go and get something looked at sooner, then it will have been worth it.
“Just because you’re young, don’t think that you don’t need to check yourself. The more I’ve learnt about it, the more I’ve seen how this type of cancer does affect younger women.
“There are loads of great resources online from Breast Cancer Now, CoppaFeel! and Cancer Research UK, and I really hope people will take a few minutes to learn what to look out for and get anything unusual checked.”
Claire also pays tribute in the film to the NHS staff who cared for her throughout her treatment.
She said:
“The breast care nurses, the surgeon, everyone is so kind. No one rushes you, everyone takes their time to answer your questions and make sure you’ve understood everything. We’re so lucky to have our NHS and to have such wonderful people who work in it.”
Reflecting on completing treatment and returning to Westminster, Claire said the experience had strengthened her determination to continue representing the communities she grew up in.
“Life is short. What bigger privilege is there than representing the place where you grew up and the place you call home?
“Going through cancer reminds you what really matters. It has only strengthened my determination to keep fighting for the communities I represent.”
Around 60,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year. Claire hopes that sharing her experience will help more people become familiar with the signs and symptoms, make checking their breasts or chest a regular habit and seek medical advice if they notice a change.
The documentary has received support from Breast Cancer Now, CoppaFeel! and Maggie’s, which provide information, advice and support for people affected by breast cancer and other cancers.
Claire Rowney, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now, said:
“We’re so grateful to Claire for sharing her personal experience of breast cancer so candidly through this film and for highlighting the importance of breast checking and early diagnosis.
“We know that people like Claire sharing their stories helps normalise discussions around breast health and the importance of breast checks.”
Natalie Haskell, Chief Executive of CoppaFeel!, said:
“We’re very grateful to Claire for sharing her story and highlighting that thousands of younger women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
“We know that one in six breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women under the screening age, and for Black women the average age of diagnosis is 46, four years before screening even starts. In addition to this, we know that 1 in 3 younger women with breast cancer were initially dismissed by healthcare professionals when presenting with symptoms as they were deemed ‘too young’.
“At CoppaFeel!, we’re on a mission to encourage regular chest checking, campaign for a screening system that considers risk, not just age, and more meaningful research to improve younger people’s breast cancer outcomes.”
Dame Laura Lee DBE, Chief Executive of Maggie’s, said:
“We are really grateful to Claire for sharing her experience of cancer so openly and honestly with this film. A cancer diagnosis affects every part of a person’s life, and by speaking about her cancer, Claire will help others impacted by cancer feel less alone and encourage them to seek support when they need it most.”
For more information about breast cancer, including guidance on checking your breasts or chest, recognising signs and symptoms, and accessing treatment and support, visit:
Breast Cancer Now: https://breastcancernow.org/
CoppaFeel!: https://coppafeel.org/
Maggie’s: https://www.maggies.org/
Promoted by Claire Hughes at House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. This website is paid for independently by Claire Hughes MP, no public funds have been used in the production of this website.
