The number of middle aged people in Sussex developing cancer is on the rise. About 14 women and nine men in their 40s and 50s are diagnosed every day, according to Cancer Research UK. The charity believes the increase is partly due to more people being tested for breast and prostate cancer.

This has led to an improvement in survival rates because more people are being diagnosed sooner. Lifestyle factors, such as drinking alcohol, smoking and being overweight, are also increasing the risk.

Sally Evans, 55, of Holmcroft Gardens, Findon, near Worthing, was left reeling when she was called for her first routine mammogram only to learn she had cancer.

The mother of two, who works as a health administrator, said: “I expected to be in and out in ten minutes and hear nothing more about it other than a letter saying everything was fine.

“So when I was recalled and told I had breast cancer, I was shocked.

“However, I was doubly fortunate because not only was it found early but I had invasive lobular breast cancer which doesn’t tend to form a lump.

“If I hadn’t had the mammogram, it could have been many months or even years before it was picked up.”

Mrs Evans, who is married to Alan, 63, underwent a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy and hormone treatment.

She said: “I was stunned when I was diagnosed. I was very fit and healthy. I didn’t smoke or drink too much, I wasn’t overweight, I exercised regularly and had just started training for a triathlon.

“Nor did I have any signs or symptoms.

“I’m aware that many women don’t go for mammograms when they are invited but I would strongly encourage every woman to go along when the invite drops on their doormat.

“My argument is that it is better to hear bad news now than worse news later. Having that mammogram, at the very least saved me from more aggressive treatment but it possibly also saved my life.”

A Cancer Research UK spokeswoman said: “There has been great progress in the treatment of cancer since the 1970s and many more people in the region are now surviving the disease.

“Thanks to the generosity of people in the county we are able to support the work of doctors, nurses and scientists who are dedicated to beating cancer by understanding its causes and investigating how best to prevent, diagnose and treat it.

“But we must redouble our efforts so that cancer survival becomes the norm for patients, irrespective of the type of cancer they have or their age at diagnosis.

“As the number of people diagnosed with the disease continues to rise and the economy tightens, we need the support of local people now more than ever.”

For more details, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.