Hi, I’m Andrea. Growing up in Austria, I chose to move to the Isle of Man in 2009. What started as an adventure quickly turned into a permanent move when my husband, Rob, and I fell in love with island life. Together, we run a small software development and consulting business, helping organisations to understand technology and use it more effectively.

When I’m not in front of a screen, I love being outdoors and close to nature. Living on an island naturally led me to take up sailing, and during the summer months, I try to spend as much time as possible on the water.
In 2023, I was diagnosed with a grade 3 lobular breast cancer measuring 1.5 cm. I had visited the local breast clinic several times due to changes in one breast, but ultrasounds and mammograms had come back clear. I was reassured that these were just hormonal changes and tiny scattered cysts in my small, dense breasts. In hindsight, I count myself lucky – it was Rob who urged me to go back one more time when one of those ‘cysts’ appeared to grow. When I was finally diagnosed, I was handed a leaflet about Lobular Breast Cancer – it was the first time I had even heard of it.

Living on an island has its pros and cons. It’s easy to connect with the local community. When I reached out, I found a wonderful group of women with a similar diagnosis. However, I quickly realised how little awareness there is of Lobular Breast Cancer, both locally on the Isle of Man and among friends and family in Europe.

Having moved to the UK from abroad, I’ve had to learn how to navigate not only a different culture and language, but also a very different healthcare system. From understanding medical terminology to advocating for myself during appointments, it’s been a steep learning curve – and it has made me even more aware of the additional challenges that many people face on their cancer journey.

This experience led me to the European Lobular Breast Cancer Consortium (ELBCC), where I immersed myself in the world of patient advocacy. It was there that I met Claire Turner and was introduced to Lobular Breast Cancer UK.
When I learned that LBCUK is recruiting new trustees, I decided to go for it. LBCUK gave me support and clear reliable information at a time I really needed it. I’m incredibly proud to now be part of this brilliant group of women – all working with heart and purpose to challenge outdated guidelines and improve outcomes for everyone affected by Lobular Breast Cancer in the UK.

I bring the perspective of someone living in a more remote location, where access to information and services can feel limited. I know how important it is for people in all parts of the country – not just major cities – to feel included, heard and supported. Thanks to technology we can build connections and make an impact across the UK – whether we live in busy cities or on small islands.