BEING diagnosed with breast cancer wasn't the worst moment in Lesley King's life.

In fact, the mother of three, admitted: "It sounds weird but I had a very good time."

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the 57-year-old, from Chapeltown, Turton, has decided to share her experiences to help other women overcome their fear of the disease.

She believes that getting cancer helped her to self indulge, something a busy mother working for Lancashire Police was not used to doing.

"Breast cancer wasn't as frightening as I thought it would be," Lesley explained.

"I remember finding the lump and thinking it was a cyst. I went straight to my GP, who also thought it was a cyst, and I was referred to a specialist within two weeks.

"I couldn't believe it when they told me that I had cancer. I thought the consultant had got the wrong notes."

Four weeks later, Lesley was having surgery.

"I had four weeks to tie up loose ends at work. It was great -- I also went on holiday before the surgery."

Lesley had a mastectomy and, following chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she began to enjoy herself.

"It was a time to be self-indulgent," she said. "I became very health conscious and began to eat lots of vegetables."

Now back at work as an IT support worker for the police, Lesley has found that her priorities have changed. Now she can't wait to get home to walk her three dogs and see her family.

LOOKING FORWARD: Lesley King, who beat breast cancer, has learned to appreciate the little things in life more, like walking her dogs