Scotland and Arsenal midfielder Jen Beattie encourages women to be screened after her “really difficult” period of breast cancer.

Although the 30-year-old could still play football, she admits it was a “very tricky time”.

“I was away from family and friends through the pandemic,” she says.

“I went to the majority of meetings myself. I leaned on my teammates during those few months more than ever – and they were amazing.”

It is the month for awareness about breast cancer and, ahead of Tuesday’s friendly match at home in Sweden, Beattie emphasizes the importance of every woman being checked and sharing her “really safe” experience of being in doctors’ surgeries and hospitals during the pandemic.

“Many people may not think they are going through something so difficult,” she says. “Personally, I did not have a family history of breast cancer, or any type of cancer, so it is more common than we think. But if people get checked and find these things early, it may be okay.

“It’s important to use the platform I have when I play for Scotland and at club level to express my experience and what I went through, to try to encourage people to go to doctors and hospitals to get these things controlled, especially through the pandemic. and to share that my experience was really safe. “

Beattie also believes that staying active can play a big role in recovery.

“Football was 100% my release,” she adds. “When I started training, I felt normal. I was so grateful that even if I went through something, I could do my job and take care of my everyday life.

“Without a doubt, for physical and mental health, I would encourage everyone as they go through a difficult period to exercise.”