Bridgend woman diagnosed with advanced breast cancer calls for greater awareness of dense breast tissue

A Bridgend woman diagnosed with advanced breast cancer is calling for greater awareness of dense breast tissue and clearer information about screening results.

Lisa Hier is speaking out during Breast Cancer Awareness Month after learning more about breast density following her diagnosis. The 52-year-old says she wants other women to have access to information that helps them make informed decisions about their health.

She underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and lymph node surgery after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in December 2025 and has been advised she will require long-term medication.

Wales woman Lisa asks medical negligence lawyers to investigate 

After health bosses found no failings in her care, Lisa, an administrator, instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to carry out a separate investigation into concerns regarding her care and screening history.

However, she said her main reason for speaking publicly is to encourage greater discussion around dense breast tissue and the information women receive about mammograms.

Lisa says she wasn't told how dense breast tissue can affect mammogram results

Following her diagnosis, Lisa said she discovered references to her having dense breast tissue in her records. However, Lisa said she had not been made aware of how dense breast tissue can potentially make mammograms harder to interpret and reduce the sensitivity of screening.

Sarah Jayne McGowan, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Lisa, said:

“The last few months have been incredibly difficult for Lisa as she comes to terms with her diagnosis, the treatment she has undergone and the life-changing impact of her cancer.

 

“Understandably, she continues to have questions regarding her experience. We’re now investigating those concerns to help provide Lisa with the answers she deserves.

 

“What has become clear in working with Lisa is her determination to raise awareness of an issue that many women may know very little about.

 

“Screening remains one of the most important tools available in the fight against cancer and eligible women should continue attending appointments when invited.

 

“However, it’s recognised that dense breast tissue can make mammograms harder to read and can lower the accuracy of tests in some women.

 

“For Lisa, this is about ensuring women have access to clear information so that they can make informed decisions about their health, understand the questions they may wish to ask and feel empowered to take an active role in their own care.”

Breast cancer: Lisa Hier's story

In 2017, Lisa attended a breast clinic after finding changes in her left breast. She underwent a mammogram and ultrasound scan and was later discharged.

She later attended routine screening in 2023 and was told no further action was required.

After noticing further changes in late 2025, Lisa visited her GP and underwent further tests before being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in December.

Following her diagnosis, Lisa began reviewing records and correspondence relating to her care. During that process, she discovered references to dense breast tissue and says she became increasingly concerned about how much information women are given about the issue and its potential impact on screening

Lisa said what struck her most was not simply discovering information she had previously been unaware of, but realising how many other women may also know little about the issue.

She believes more women should be encouraged to learn about breast density, understand the strengths and limitations of screening and have access to clear information to help them make informed decisions about their health.

Lisa reveals impact of cancer and wants to empower women to ask questions about breast care

Lisa said: "Before my diagnosis, I knew very little about dense breast tissue or the impact it could have on screening.

“Like so many women, I attended appointments when invited and trusted the information I was given.

“It was only after being diagnosed with cancer that I started learning more about breast density and reading about the recognised limitations of mammography in women with dense breast tissue.

“The last year has turned my life upside down. One minute I was living a normal life and making plans for the future. The next I was facing major surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and countless hospital appointments.

“Cancer affects every part of your life. It affects your health, your confidence, your work, your relationships and your ability to simply enjoy the things you once took for granted.

“There are days when it feels like your entire life revolves around treatment, recovery and worrying about what comes next.

“When you're going through something like that, you inevitably spend a lot of time reflecting.

“It made me realise how little I knew about dense breast tissue before my diagnosis and whether other women are in the same position.

“What shocked me most wasn't what I didn't know. It was realising how many other women probably don't know either.

“Screening is incredibly important and I would encourage every eligible woman to attend when invited.

“But I also believe women deserve clear, transparent information that helps them understand what screening can and cannot tell them, particularly when it comes to dense breast tissue.

“I still want answers regarding my own experience and that's something I continue to pursue.

“If sharing my story encourages even one woman to learn more, ask questions, seek advice or feel more informed about her own health, then something positive can come from what has been an incredibly difficult journey.”