Rose-Anna Hoey never imagined that she would be given a cancer diagnosis, as a leading distance runner with no genetic predisposition to the disease.

But unfortunately that is precisely what happened in February when the three-times Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby champion was told she had triple negative breast cancer.

“I actually noticed a lump in my right upper armpit area, having had some chafing after a humid marathon race [PwC Bermuda Marathon] in January,” Hoey told The Royal Gazette.

“I kept checking on it and when it was still there a few weeks later, I went to my GP who sent me to Bermuda Cancer and Health for a mammogram and ultrasound. The team in BCH acted so quickly and I had a biopsy done very soon afterwards. I essentially owe my life to them.”

Triple negative breast cancer is an aggressive fast-growing breast cancer that disproportionally affects younger women and women of colour. Ten to 15 per cent of all breast cancers are TNBC. As this cancer is so aggressive, prompt diagnosis is essential to improve chances of survival.

It has one of the lowest rates of relative survival for this disease. Recent breakthroughs in management of TNBC show good success with first administering chemotherapy and immunotherapy before having surgery.

“I finished my chemo a few weeks ago and am about to have surgery next week,” Hoey added. “I will continue on immunotherapy until early next year.”

The star athlete will make her final race appearance before having surgery when she takes part in the inaugural Beyond Fitness Bermuda 5K and Walk on Sunday.

“I have run as much as I can manage over the past seven months,” Hoey said. “Running has helped me to manage physical and mental side-effects of cancer and its treatment, including fatigue and stress.

“I never thought I would be diagnosed with breast cancer at this age. I am an endurance athlete, with no genetic predisposition to the disease.

“My care here in Bermuda has been exemplary to date — from diagnosis by BCH to management by my oncologist, Dr [Michael] Hawking, and the wonderful nursing team, especially Nurse Karen in the oncology infusion clinic in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

“I encourage all women in Bermuda to do their own breast checks and act quickly if they feel any changes. It could literally save your life.”

Beyond Fitness Bermuda has teamed up with Mid Atlantic Athletic Club to stage Sunday’s race to help raise funds for Bermuda Cancer and Health and also to launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The public have been encouraged to participate to show their support for the local charity, enabling it to continue providing vital diagnostic and treatment services in Bermuda.

Registration for the race, which starts at 8.30am on the corner of Dundonald Street and Cedar Avenue near Victoria Park in Hamilton, is open on www.racedayworld.com.