A weekly newspaper reporter has begun her battle to beat cancer after being diagnosed with the disease “like a bolt out the blue”.

Rugby Advertiser journalist Lucie Green has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is set to undergo a course of radiotherapy in a bid to beat the disease.

Lucie, pictured, was diagnosed after discovering a lump during her weekly self-examination in November.

The lump and another cyst were removed, but a subsequent mammogram has now confirmed her fears.

Lucie, 50, has now written a first-person piece for the Advertiser about her experience with the disease so far in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of self-examination.

Explaining her experience since the diagnosis, she wrote: “After my operation, the tidal wave enveloped me and swept me away to a very dark place.

“I’ve clawed my way out of the black hole, but my anxiety keeps reminding me I’m going through a stressful time. It hasn’t helped that I’ve had to come off HRT and my menopausal symptoms are creeping back.

“We lost a dear school friend to cancer over Christmas. She was my age and her stomach pains turned out to be untreatable ovarian cancer.

“I’ve lost other loved ones to this vicious disease. My dad, my hero, was just 58 when he died from eye cancer. Another close friend was 32 when he lost his short battle with lung cancer.

“Cancer does not discriminate. It hit me like a bolt out the blue, just when I’d got my life exactly where I wanted it to be.”

Lucie went on to thank her partner Stephen, daughter Jasmine, mother and sister for their support, as well as her colleagues and friends.

In her piece, she added: “Yes, I’m fully aware of what might happen in the future, but I won’t let fear steal my happiness, that would be a waste of my precious time.

“Your own mortality isn’t something we like to think about. This diagnosis has made me think about mine. What’s important to me, what isn’t.

“It’s also made me feel more alive. Everything is amplified; especially the love I have for the people I’m blessed with, the joy of a shared meal, a good belly laugh and the peace of just sitting quietly cuddling my dog.

“So, I’ll be back firing on all cylinders soon and producing stories for the Rugby Advertiser; a job I’m still passionate about after so many years.

“I wanted to write this story to let you know why I haven’t been at work, but more importantly, please, make it part of your routine, check yourself. Any changes, however silly you think they might be, get to the docs.

“Cancer tests are no fun and can be uncomfortable, but early diagnosis is crucial and could save your life.”

Speaking about the reaction the piece has received, Lucie told HTFP: “I’ve been overwhelmed with messages from well-wishers and people who have been through this horrible experience.

“I’d like to thank the women who have reached out to say they have checked their boobs since reading the article.

“Knowing I have so many wonderful people behind me means so much. You think cancer is something that happens to other people.

“One in two will be diagnosed with this cruel disease, so stay aware of any changes that aren’t normal for you. It could save your life.”