Be a friend, support breast cancer awareness
The women of Western Sydney are encouraged to talk to their friends about breast cancer prevention and screening to remind loved ones to book their breast screen today.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to encourage conversations about breast health and remind women to stay up to date with their breast screens.
This year, BreastScreen NSW is encouraging people to ‘Be a friend. Tell a friend’ by sharing the message about the importance of regular breast screening with the women in their lives.
Elizabeth is one of those women sharing her story to encourage others to book their breast screen.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females, affecting 1 in 7 women in New South Wales. Early detection can make a significant difference to treatment and recovery.
Two years ago, when Western Sydney resident Elizabeth attended a routine breast screen, it detected what she couldn’t see or feel.
Breast screening takes around 20 minutes; appointments are free and potentially life-saving. The screens can detect breast cancers before they can be felt or noticed, which is why regular screening is important even when you feel well and have no symptoms.
After further assessment, Elizabeth was diagnosed with stage 2B carcinoma.
Elizabeth received treatment at the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, meeting with a nurse, Bronwyn, who guided her through the next steps of her care including a double mastectomy surgery.
“For me, a routine breast screen turned into something I never expected… It can happen to anyone, and a few seconds of discomfort is worth it to save your life,” Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for preventative screening and shares her experience with friends and her community, encouraging other women to attend their regular breast screen.
“Now, I use my experience to encourage others to prioritise their breast health. Since being diagnosed, my friends make sure they get their mammograms," Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth also went through eight weeks of physiotherapy to support her recovery.
"I hope my story reminds women not to delay screening,” Elizabeth said.
Now two years on, Elizabeth looks back on that screen which caught the cancer before it had grown.
Two years since her diagnosis, Elizabeth is still having checks every six months and reflects positively on her experience, from first meeting the reception staff and nurse at Westmead Breast Cancer Institute through oncology, breast surgery and ongoing follow-up.
“I have nothing but ongoing positive experiences,” she says.
Looking back, Elizabeth encourages other women to make time for their own health.
“We must look after ourselves, even our boobs. They are just as important as everything else.”
For women aged 50 to 74, BreastScreen NSW recommends a free breast screen every two years. Women aged 40 and over are also welcome to access the service, and no doctor’s referral is needed.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women having their mammogram are encouraged to take a bookmark that they can hand to a friend or family member to encourage them to book their own screening.
To book, visit the BreastScreen NSW website or call 13 20 50. Translating and Interpreting Service support is available on 13 14 50.