"AS I watched the birds wheeling through the sky, I saw my future telescoping inwards.

"It was the weekend after my diagnosis and I had escaped to the Otmoor nature reserve, as I do when I need space to think.

"It was dawning on me that these might be my last months, my last weeks."

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These are the words of an Oxford councillor who has spoken about her breast cancer diagnosis.

Louise Upton has shared her story during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness about the warning signs and to urge women – and men – to check their bodies.

Oxford Mail:

Dr Upton said: "Many of us will be affected by breast cancer in our lifetimes, either directly or indirectly.

"It is vital to check ourselves regularly and visit the GP if there are any unusual changes.

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"From personal experience, I know how hard it can be to find that energy to schedule regular self-checks and make appointments at the GP, but if caught early, breast cancer can be treated."

Dr Upton discovered a lump in her breast seven years ago in October 2012.

Oxford Mail:

Dr Upton pictured in 2012.

Having previously had cervical cancer and survived, she hoped she would not have to go through the same ordeal again, but feared the worst.

After going to see a doctor and having the lump examined her fears were confirmed.

She said: "It came like a punch to the chest. Although I had had cervical cancer previously, I was still shocked.

"Nothing can prepare you to hear those words."

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She went on to have surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Oxford's Churchill hospital.

Despite the ordeal, it was during this period that she decided to run for Oxford City Council.

She recalled: "The surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were distressing, disruptive and exhausting – but I was determined to continue living life.

"I would cycle up to the Churchill to attend my radiotherapy sessions, then tie my scarf around my bare head to deliver flyers, meet and greet residents, and share my vision with the city."

In the summer of 2013, Dr Upton's hard work paid off: she won her seat on the council, and found out her cancer was in remission.

She said: "We’re very lucky in Oxford to have world-class hospitals and the team at the Churchill were amazing."

Oxford Mail:

Louise Upton, far left, pictured at the the launch of new play equipment at Aristotle Recreation Ground in December 2013 when her hair was still going back after chemotherapy. Picture: David Fleming

According to NHS data, one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. But there is a good chance of recovery if the changes are detected early.

The charity Breast Cancer Now recommends that women use TLC:

• Touch your breasts – can you feel anything unusual?

• Look for changes – does anything look different?

• Check any changes with your GP

There are some general tips recommended by the NHS for maintaining a healthy lifestyle that can help to lower the risk of many conditions, such as types of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet

• Enjoying fresh air and regular exercise

• Limiting alcohol consumption

Read Dr Upton's full account of her battle with breast cancer in Monday's Oxford Mail.