I came to Adelaide from Cairns, Queensland to study and I have been living in Adelaide now for 11 years. My BreastScreen story began in 2019, when I attended a Women’s Health and Pamper Day held at Nunkuwarrin Yunti in Wakefield St, Adelaide. As part of this day, BreastScreen SA gave a health talk and were encouraging women to have a screening mammogram test for breast cancer. I thought “okay, let’s do this” and completed the forms. A small group of women decided to sign up and have their breast screens on that day, we travelled together to the clinic, had the x-rays and then went back to join the others for lunch.

In the back of my mind, I knew this was important. I know that the risk for developing breast cancer increases in women from aged 50 and I was not far off that.

Following my screening test, I was phoned and asked to return for some more tests. I attended the BreastScreen SA assessment clinic in the city and I received the “all clear”, there was no breast cancer detected. That’s good I thought!

Life is busy, 2 years flew past and I received a reminder letter to come back for my routine screening test. BreastScreen SA are very organised to remind women when their next screening test is due, every 2 years is the recommended time between having your breast screens. I did hesitate for a while before making my appointment, but I knew it was important. My mother had just been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, so it was on my radar. I booked my next mammogram.

Again, after this appointment, I was asked to come back to the Assessment clinic, as my x-rays showed some irregularities that needed a closer look. Lucky or unlucky for me, this time a breast cancer was detected and I was referred to specialists for treatment, that was July 2022. I think back to that time and realise how important it was that I went back, I didn’t ignore my BreastScreen letter, I made the appointment and I went back. My breast cancer was found early and my treatment has been successful. I’m so grateful for that.

During my recovery, my sister travelled to Adelaide to support me in the time after my surgery. We shared this time together …… and when she returned to Queensland, she was checking her breasts and felt a lump. Straight away she made an appointment to see her GP and was referred to have her symptoms assessed. They found she also had breast cancer, but fortunately it was also in the early stages. My sister is now recovering from her treatment and is doing well.

My main message to women is to make breast screening a priority and make sure that you go back every two years. Don’t muck around! …. Breast cancer won’t wait, you have to find it early. Talk with your family and friends and encourage them to make an appointment. BreastScreen SA is a Women’s Health Service that have female radiographers who are caring and aim to put you at ease. Also, it’s important, that you regularly check your breasts for any lumps or symptoms, even if you come for your regular breast screen every two years. My sister checked her breasts and that’s how she found her breast cancer. If you find something or are worried about something unusual, go see your GP, don’t wait, don’t muck around!

Life is certainly different after you’ve had breast cancer. Some symptoms and side affects can be frustrating, but I’m here and I’m living well. I have recently started a new job, and I’m making plans to travel and seek out new adventures. I’ll say it again, just don’t muck around, if you feel something’s not right, check it out, don’t wait. I’ll keep talking and shouting it from the rooftops.