'It's A Bad Word': Soldier With Breast Cancer Thanks Army For Support

An Army soldier has thanked the service for its support during her battle with breast cancer and is urging others to become more conscious of their health.

Staff Sergeant Jacque Morrow, a mother of two from Amesbury, Wiltshire, has endured almost a year of treatment since her diagnosis last year.

“I’d originally gone to the local practice with a lump underneath my arm,” said the servicewoman from Headquarters 6th Division – adding that she had considered the check-up “normal protocol”.

With a family history of breast cancer, she was referred to a specialist clinic in Salisbury two weeks later, where she was diagnosed.

“I just thought I was going for a routine appointment that would come back and they would say maybe I had pulled something or there was nothing to worry about.

“When somebody actually says to you ‘It’s cancer’, it’s a bad word. It is a bad word, and it’s a bad illness,” Staff Sgt Morrow said.

“You can’t help but think, ‘Why? How has this even happened? I’m fit and well!’”

Surgery, reconstructive work and chemotherapy followed – the Army was informed of the situation in January.

"The Army from the off has been absolutely fantastic," she said.

“It really is like a second home, having the family support from the chain of command.” 

Time off work and mental health support was offered to Staff Sgt Morrow, who is currently on the road to recovery.

A difficult period was and still is shared between the soldier and her family, including children, Reggie and Ronnie – now aged 13 and 10.

“When I went back to school it was hard to tell other people, if I’m being honest,” explained Ronnie, adding that help from her friends has made a positive impact.

In a final, potentially life-saving plea, Staff Sgt Morrow said: “Even if you think that there’s something that’s just not quite right and it’s not your normal skin, you have to check it.

“There’s no hardship in going to the doctors and asking them just to see if everything’s OK.”