Redland Bay mum Louise Bennett lifts shirt on breast cancer battle

A Redland Bay mum is helping to remove the stigma around breast removal surgery and has lifted her shirt to bare a 10cm scar from a lifesaving operation after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast cancer survivor Redland Bay mum Louise Bennett shows off her 10cm incision which she says signifies her cancer battle scars. Picture: Annette Dew

A mum from Redland Bay has opened up about her journey through breast cancer, proudly displaying the 10cm scar on her chest as a symbol of survival.

Louise Bennett, 34, who was diagnosed with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer while breastfeeding her daughter, Evie, hopes that by sharing her story, she can help remove the stigma many women feel after undergoing mastectomies.

Ms Bennett discovered the lump in her right breast in January last year, initially believing it was related to breastfeeding.

However, scans in April confirmed her diagnosis, which also included ductal carcinoma in situ, a cancer found in the milk ducts.

She was among the one in four Queensland breast cancer patients who received treatment at Mater Hospital Brisbane, undergoing a mastectomy followed by 15 rounds of chemotherapy and 16 rounds of radiation.

Redland Bay mum Louise Bennett, with daughter Evie, is showing off her mastectomy scar to help other women undergoing treatment. Picture: Annette Dew

Despite the gruelling process, Ms Bennett says her scar is a constant reminder of her strength and survival.

“I don’t feel any less,” she said. “I have a scar that reminds me of the journey I have been on, the journey that has kept me alive. I am proud of my body and want other women to feel the same.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women and the second most common cause of cancer deaths, following lung cancer.

Louise Bennett, with daughter Evie.

Despite the severity of the disease, Ms Bennett has managed to maintain a positive outlook, crediting the medical professionals at the Mater Cancer Care Centre and her loved ones for their unwavering support.

“I was able to turn my cancer diagnosis into a positive experience,” she said.

“With various markings and scars on my body, I certainly look like I’ve been through some stuff, but it’s just evolution. I have learned to love myself and focus on the future.”

Mater breast surgeon Dr Sally Meade said a mastectomy without reconstruction can have visual and emotional impacts but the recovery is often quicker than expected.

Mater Private Hospital’s Dr Sally Meade. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“There’s not too much pain, and the average hospital stay is one to two nights,” Dr Meade said.

Ms Bennett completed her treatment in April and is still undergoing six-monthly check-ups and annual ultrasounds.

Her priority throughout the treatment was caring for her daughter Evie, and she remains grateful for the support she received.

“I wasn’t concerned about my physical appearance; I was determined to heal and stay healthy for my daughter,” she said.

“I’m thankful for the team at Mater and my family for helping me through this journey.”

Mater Private Hospital Brisbane has been internationally accredited as a Centre of Excellence for breast cancer care, underscoring its dedication to providing compassionate, multidisciplinary treatment for women like Bennett.

• Host a Breasties Brunch this October to support women with breast cancer as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: register” fundraise.mater.org.au