Julie Ellison, 44, lives in Hillsborough with her husband Peter Lonton and their three daughters: Sophie (9) and twins Amy and Zoe (7). A barrister practising civil law, Julie balances a demanding career with an active lifestyle, enjoying padel, tennis and yoga. Breast cancer was not something she ever expected to face.
Julie’s journey began in April 2024 when she attended her first mammogram at Action Cancer House. Two chance conversations nudged her towards booking. A friend who works in breast screening told her: “Julie, you’re in your 40s — you should be having a mammogram with Action Cancer.” Days later, at a dinner, a GP spoke about her sister-in-law, also in her early 40s, who was undergoing treatment. Julie felt the universe was sending her a message. She told Peter, booked online, and secured an appointment the following week.
The appointment was straightforward. She went before work, found the staff warm and reassuring, and left thinking nothing more of it. But a few weeks later, a letter arrived explaining that something had been detected and further investigation was needed. The wording was calm and her friend reminded her that call-backs are common for first-time mammograms, but Julie decided to book a private appointment at the Ulster Independent Clinic for peace of mind.
She attended with her friend Ruth, expecting to be home quickly. A physical exam found nothing, but during the ultrasound the radiographer paused – a small dark area had appeared on the screen. A core biopsy was needed immediately. Julie went into shock. The procedure was quite painful, a metal clip was inserted, and she was sent for another mammogram. The consultant explained that they were concerned it could be breast cancer but results would take a week. Julie found it hard to take in but tried to stay optimistic.
The next day she phoned the breast care nurses to talk through what had happened. During the conversation Julie began to understand that cancer was a real possibility. Still, she and Peter went away to Centre Parcs with the children for the bank holiday weekend, convincing themselves it might just be a cyst.
When they returned for results, the consultant confirmed the diagnosis: Grade 3 breast cancer — aggressive and fast-growing, but the tumour measured just 0.7 cm. One of the nurses told her: “It’s early stage and treatable – and we can’t tell everybody that.” Julie felt
incredibly fortunate. She and Peter explained the situation to their daughters in simple, reassuring terms: mummy had a type of cancer, she needed an operation, but she was going to be okay.
Julie tried to continue working but soon realised she couldn’t deliver to her usual standard. As a self-employed barrister, stepping back was a difficult but necessary decision.
An MRI the following week revealed two additional areas worth removing. Surgery was scheduled for early July. Julie flew home early from a family holiday in Disneyland Paris; Peter and the girls followed the next day. At the Mater Hospital, surgeons performed a lumpectomy, removed one lymph node, injected blue dye to trace lymph flow, and carried out a reduction on the right side for symmetry. She woke up bandaged, numb and uncomfortable. After a week of recovery, she travelled to Donegal with her family, then to New Jersey to visit Peter’s sister, all while waiting for results.
The uncertainty was always in the background. When she finally returned to Belfast City Hospital, the consultant delivered the news she had been hoping for: clear margins, no lymph node involvement, and no chemotherapy required. Radiotherapy would act as a preventative measure.
Julie completed 15 sessions of radiotherapy in September 2024 – five days a week for three weeks. She drove herself or got lifts from family and friends. Fatigue built steadily. Her skin became very red, she experienced shooting pains, and brain fog set in. But she also slept deeply for the first time in months, her body working hard to heal. She began Tamoxifen, initially anxious about side effects, but found that exercise helped her manage symptoms and feel strong again.
By early 2025, she was gradually returning to work. Cancer had shifted her priorities. She now strength trains with a Personal Trainer – partly for bone health, partly for her mental wellbeing. It helps her feel grounded, positive and strong. She is more present with her children, more protective of her time, and more committed to joy: learning the violin, joining the choir, and embracing moments she once postponed. “Your health is your wealth,” she says. “I’m trying to be the person I want to be, not putting things off.”
Julie is deeply grateful to her friend Kathy for encouraging her to book a mammogram, and to her family and friends for their unwavering support. “Action Cancer saved my life. I’ve been very open about that from the start – and loads of my friends have now gone for screening because of my experience.”
Her message is simple and powerful: “Go and get your mammogram. It’s free, it takes 20 minutes, and it could save your life.” She now encourages women to come together whether through the Breast Friends BBQ campaign over the summer months or taking on a pink fundraiser during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October to raise funds, so more women in their 40s can access life-saving breast screening. “You could save a life – just like mine.”
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