'I got cancer at 24 - it can happen to you too'

Alice Greaves was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer after finding a lump

"My doctors' surgery kept telling me I was too young, it couldn't possibly be breast cancer. I got dismissed for about six months."

When Alice Greaves found a lump in her breast aged 24, she was told by a doctor she was "too young" for cancer.

It was not until she pushed for a follow-up that she was finally diagnosed with stage three breast cancer - which would eventually spread to her lungs and brain.

Now 26 and living with incurable cancer, Alice is determined to use her experience to help others by sharing her story on social media to challenge the myth that cancer only happens later in life.

Alice shares her cancer journey online through social media

Two years on since her diagnosis, Alice, from Old Dalby in Leicestershire, has undergone a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery.

In May 2024, she was told the cancer had spread to her lungs. She had five tumours over her two lungs.

Then, in March 2025, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Alice is currently living with stage four breast cancer, which she says is treatable, but incurable.

"It is heartbreaking, because deep down I always knew that something wasn't quite right," she said.

A spokesperson for NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board said: "Although we are unable to discuss the details of individual cases, we are very sorry to hear about Alice's diagnosis.

"If you are worried that you may have cancer you should come forward immediately to be checked in person by your GP.

"Treatment is more likely to be successful if cancer is diagnosed early, so it is vital not to ignore any changes to your body's normal processes or unusual, unexplained symptoms."

'The goal is to save lives'

"On the way home from my diagnosis, my partner said, 'just remember - if anyone can, Alice can'."

It's a phrase that stuck, and Alice decided to make it the name of her Instagram and TikTok accounts.

Under the handle "if anyone can, Alice can", she documents the highs and lows of life with cancer, speaking openly about her misdiagnosis, and how symptoms in younger people are often overlooked.

"Too many people get told they are too young. My tumour was 24 millimetres in size when I was diagnosed - it literally took up my whole breast.

"It's so wrong that it got to that stage."

Alice says it is vital young people know how to spot the signs of cancer

According to Cancer Research UK, there are about 2,300 new cancer cases in young people every year, which is more than six every day.

Whilst the charity said it was less common, Alice said it was vital young people know how to spot the signs and were taken seriously when they do.

"I get so many messages on a daily basis from people thanking me for encouraging them to get checked.

"It's really nice to know I've helped someone else," she said.

Since her diagnosis, Alice has raised more than £250,000 for cancer charities.

She is also an ambassador for the Leicester-based charity, Hope Against Cancer.

Last year, she raised more than £96,000 for the charity by cycling 126 miles (202km).

Last year's cycle ride to raise money for Hope Against Cancer

This summer she will be back in the saddle, training for another long-distance ride and hoping to raise even more funds for cancer research, all while undergoing chemotherapy.

Chief executive of Hope Against Cancer Nigel Rose said: "Alice has helped us to continue funding two expert research nurses at the Hope Cancer trial centre at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, where patients take part in clinical trials that can lead to new treatments and drugs.

"By telling her story, she's done amazing things for us and cancer research locally."

In recognition of her fundraising work, Alice was recently invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the King.

Alice was joined by her partner at Buckingham Palace

Alice urges others to listen to their bodies and trust their gut.

She said: "You need to get to know your normal. If you don't know your body, then how will you know anything's wrong?

"You're not looking for cancer, you're simply getting to know yourself. Then if you come across something different, you know to get it checked."

The NHS says common symptoms of breast cancer can include:

• A new lump or area of thickened tissue in the breast

• Changes to the skin such as puckering or dimpling

• Changes in the size or shape of one or both breasts

• Discharge from the nipple or a change in its appearance