CoppaFeel breast cancer awareness

Kristin Hallenga has launched her own site to raise awareness of breast cancer.

A Northamptonshire woman has been working hard to raise awareness of breast cancer by launching her own website.

Kristin Hallenga created the website CoppaFeel to spread the word about the importance for ladies to check their breasts regularly.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23.

Since then, she has received a Pride of Britain Award, and been honoured for her work by the Prime Minister.

Eight months before her diagnosis she went to the doctor after finding a lump in one of her breasts, but she was told it was hormonal.

After hearing this Kristin continued her life as normal.

"My Grandmother had breast cancer at the age of 30 so I always had it in the back of my mind, but because I was told it was ok, I thought I was ok."

Still not totally convinced

But 6 months later she still felt something wasn't right, so she booked another G.P appointment.

Kristin and her twin sister Maren.

But at this appointment her G.P dismissed it again on the basis that she had been seen six months ago. Kristin's mother was not convinced and forced Kristin to book another check up a week later and it was then that something was found.

"It took the doctors so long to find my tumour as cancerous, if it weren't for my persistence I would still be thinking nothing of it." said Kristin.

A tumour was found in her breast and another was found on her spine.

Kristin is now at stage 4 in cancer treatment which is the most advanced stage of treatment available.

"I want people to know that cancer doesn't just affect mums or grandmas it can affect anyone." said Kristin.

Kristin features in a national cancer research campaign and hopes her story will highlight breast cancer to everyone.

"I hope more young women check their breasts regularly and we can help stop the misdiagnosis of young people. Cancer does not discriminate, it can affect anyone."