A Kent journalist is looking ahead to 2017 after a tough second half to 2016.

Louise Stewart has spent the last five months being treated for breast cancer.

The 44-year-old from Tunbridge Wells was diagnosed with cancer in her left breast in August, and found out she also had cancer in her right breast just nine days later.

Now, the former BBC South East political editor is backing Cancer Research UK's 'Right Now' campaign.

The TV, poster, and radio campaign launched on Monday, and aims to show the reality of people suffering from cancer, as well as the day-to-day lives of their family and friends.

The 44-year-old said: "The diagnosis was pretty grim. I couldn’t believe that I’d gone from thinking I was fit and well to being plunged into a world where I had cancer on both sides.

"The last five months have been incredibly difficult, but I’m now focusing on the future and looking forward to what the New Year holds."

She first noticed a pain in her breast in July, but a GP examination did not find anything.

Her doctor referred her for a mammogram, but again nothing showed up. It was only when she asked to be referred for further tests that an ultrasound showed a mass in her left breast.

She said: "I didn’t think it would be cancer. I’d had a cyst a couple of years before and I just assumed it would be something like that.

"I was so unconcerned that I went for the biopsy on my own. When I went to get the results there was a nurse sitting in the waiting room and as soon as I saw her I knew.

"Nothing can prepare you for the news. I couldn’t take it in."

She was told she also had cancer in her right breast the day after she turned 44.

"Although it’s rare to have cancer in both sides at the same time I feel incredibly lucky that it was found so early," she explained.

"I had none of the obvious risk factors – I’ve never smoked, I’m not a big drinker, I’ve never been overweight and there is no family history of breast cancer – but it still happened to me.

"As soon as I had the surgery I felt huge relief. I felt like I was taking back control."

"Before I was diagnosed I was going at 100 miles an hour. But this has made me slow down and make the most of every day."

The 'Right Now' campaign features a series of films showing real patients in real-life moments, which ask people to take action and support the fight against the deadly disease.

Emily Attwood Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South East, said: "There are so many ways to show your support.

"From signing up to Race for Life, donating items to one of our shops or giving time to volunteer. Every action makes a difference and money raised helps to support Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work."