Townsville mother calls on local women to check breasts, attend mammogram appointments

A Townsville mother’s fight against breast cancer began when she noticed a suspicious lump – now she’s calling for women to be vigilant and check themselves.

Woman getting a mammogram / breast cancer check.

A Townsville mother’s fight against breast cancer began when she noticed a suspicious lump – now she’s calling for women to be vigilant and check themselves.

Mother-of-three Lisa White, 49, sought health advice when she found a lump in her left breast.

Mrs White is now facing six rounds of chemotherapy, Her2 therapy and a mastectomy and reconstruction.

“At this point I am not entirely sure if I will need a mastectomy for one or two breasts – this will depend on whether my specific cancer is a genetic one or not,” Mrs White said.

Having had her own mother survive breast cancer, Mrs White said she felt positive about the road ahead as she knew what to expect.

Townsville mother-of-three Lisa White is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

“So many people don’t have this insight and walk into it not knowing what to expect,” she said.

“I think having previously supported my mother through her cancer journey from diagnosis to remission has really eliminated a lot of the fear for me – as there really haven’t been too many ‘unknowns’.”

Mrs White urged local women to check their own breasts and attend BreastScreen mammograms.

“I have made a point of being very open with my family, friends and colleagues about what has been happening with me,” she said.

“ … I really hope that by sharing my path to diagnosis and eventually recovery, that it will assist either them or their friends if this ever becomes part of their reality.”

Mrs White is one of an estimated 20,000 Australian women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

Her call comes after she began treatment for the disease during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Mater Private Hospital Townsville General’s breast and endocrine surgeon Dr Jason Boldery said improvements in treatment and care meant more women were successfully beating or living with breast cancer.

“Breast cancer care has come a long way, but early detection remains absolutely vital,” Dr Boldery said.

“Women must regularly check their breasts and seek medical advice if they notice any changes.

“If you are invited to a mammogram, make sure you go.

“Breast cancer doesn’t care if you’re busy. A 10-minute mammogram could save your life.”

Originally published as Townsville mother calls on local women to check breasts, attend mammogram appointments