'Get a mammogram,' says man who lost wife to cancer

A man whose wife died of breast cancer is encouraging women over 70 to request regular mammograms.

Tony Foster, from Church Crookham in Hampshire, said his wife Sue had no symptoms before she had the test, which can detect early signs of breast cancer.

He told the BBC Sue only had a mammogram "by chance" after a friend suggested it to her.

Sue was diagnosed with cancer in November 2025 and underwent chemotherapy at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, where she died earlier this year.

"I always thought that if women feel lumps in the breast or something unusual, [they will] go to the doctor and get a mammogram.

"But [for Sue] there was no reason to do that.

"She was asymptomatic," Foster added.

"I really want to emphasise that you might have the symptoms without realising," he continued.

"Go and get checked out because it might make a massive difference, not just to your lifestyle, but to that of your family."

Foster told BBC Radio Surrey he wanted to spread the message as a legacy for his wife.

"Even if just one person goes to get [a mammogram] who wouldn't have done and it makes a difference, then it's worth all the effort and time."

The widower said the death of his wife - who was awarded a British Empire Medal for her voluntary work - "happened so quickly".

"I was expecting a recovery.

"Nothing can prepare you for losing a partner," he continued.

"It's really tough.

"I have a lot of close friends [who have lost partners]. I've sympathised with them. I've given my condolences, but you have absolutely no idea how it feels until it happens to you.

"It makes a massive hole in your life," Foster said.

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