Saved by my FURRY FRIEND

One woman believes her life was saved by her dog's intuition

- MISHAAL KHAN, NIA PRICE

In the UK, breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer, with one woman diagnosed every 10 minutes. This month - Breast Cancer Awareness Month nearly 5,000 people will be diagnosed, but thanks to research, improvement in care and early detection, almost nine in 10 women survive for five years or more. For 51-year-old Tanya Hibberd, from Southampton, that five-year mark is just six months away. She counts herself lucky, after she was alerted in the most unusual way to check her breasts.

Tanya returned from a two-week holiday in Cyprus with her husband, Gary, now 66, and son, Connor, 15, in August 2018, and the family were reunited with their husky, Sapphire. 'I noticed quickly that Sapphire was overly affectionate and wanted to be with me all the time,' Tanya says. 'I found it amusing, as Sapphire is usually a bit of a loner and only really comes to me when she wants something. I assumed missed us and was glad we were home.

Despite enjoying a relaxing holiday in the sunshine, Tanya lacked energy and didn't feel as rested as she had hoped, as she returned to work as a customer services team leader. 'I was lethargic and found my normal routine exhausting. Usually, I'd come home from work, cook dinner and spend time with my family before going to bed at around 11pm, Tanya recalls. 'But now, I was wiped out and falling asleep on the sofa, which was unusual.' After a couple of weeks, Gary suggested that Tanya see the doctor, but Tanya hoped it would pass and she would be back to her old self soon.