Almost a year after surgeons told her she had cancer, Oxford city councillor Susanna Pressel has decided to lift the lid on her secret battle with the disease, to urge more women to be breast aware.

Councillor Susanna PresselMs Pressel, who lives in Oxford and is ward councillor for Jericho and Osney, was diagnosed with cancer in November last year -- just 10 days after she told her doctor she had found a tiny lump in her right breast.

"When I saw the consultant's face my heart sank," she said.

On December 7, Ms Pressel underwent surgery at the Churchill Hospital to remove the tumour.

Afterwards, despite tiredness and some sickness, she was anxious to carry on life as normally as possible and made the decision, early on, to tell only those closest to her.

"I enjoy work and helping people and I never wanted people to feel they couldn't come to me with their problems," she said. "I was very lucky that I felt well and able to carry on working and I think it helped me to stay focused and positive."

On December 15, Ms Pressel's consultant told her they had caught her cancer before it had a chance to spread.

"My husband hugged me very tightly," she said.

She then embarked on an intense regime of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and strong anti-cancer drugs.

While Ms Pressel's surgery had not altered her breasts, some signs of her illness were more difficult to hide.

"I was very worried about losing my hair and bought a wig, but I was still so upset when it started to come out in clumps," she said.

Ms Pressel became tearful as she described the support she received.

"News of my illness did leak out and I was so touched when people, even those I regularly lock swords with, came up to me and quietly give me their best wishes.

"I was upset and frightened, but I only cried when I talked to people in my family and often it was their sympathy which set me off.

"Knowing I had an 80 per cent chance of surviving 10 years or more kept my spirits up. Not once did I feel that I would die."

Eight months on from getting the all-clear, she now has six-monthly check-ups and regular mammograms.

"Even though it was a terrible ordeal, I want people to know that breast cancer is not a death sentence," she said.

"But it is still more important than anything to be aware of your breasts -- just look at them and look for any change and report anything you feel is wrong to your GP.

"I did that and it saved my life."