BreastScreen NT and survivors swim at Crocosaurus Cove for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A Territory health worker said many women would rather take a dip with a monster crocodile than book a 15-minute breast check. See why these ‘warriors’ have taken the plunge to make a change.

Given a choice between a 15-minute breast screen and a dip with a prehistoric monster croc, health worker Natalie Stokes said most women would chose the crocodile.

The BreastScreen NT ambassador and two cancer survivors took the ultimate plunge on Friday, jumping into the Crocosaurus Cove pool with Leo — a 750kg mass of teeth, scales, muscle and might — to raise awareness for October’s Breast Cancer Month.

The Tiwi Munupi woman said crocodiles were her totem and the swim was a “once in a lifetime experience” — unlike breast screens which are recommended every two years for women over 50.

Eight Australian women die from breast cancer every day, with 20,000 women expected to be diagnosed this year alone.

BreastScreen NT representative Natalie Stokes and Breast cancer survivor Belinda Kolstad entering the cage of death at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

While 85 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients have been treated at Royal Darwin Hospital since 2019.

Ms Stokes’s own experience with breast cancer started when she was just seven years old, when her 27-year-old mother found a lump in her chest and required a double mastectomy to prevent the fatal growth from spreading.

“That‘s a big reason why I do this job, I don’t want to see other women go through what my mother went through,” Ms Stokes said.

“I remember her being sick … it was hard times, but my mum got through it.

“She’s a warrior — any woman who goes through breast cancer they’re all warriors and they should be proud of themselves.”

BreastScreen NT representative Natalie Stokes at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Stokes said through her work on the BreastSceen NT truck — nicknamed Millie — she had the privilege to meet and educate “wonderful women” across the Territory.

“Women, they always put themselves last, but just do the check — 15 minutes every two years can save your life,” she said.

Sharing her story for the first time, Darwin breast cancer survivor Belinda Kolstad said she was one of the “lucky ones”.

Breast cancer survivor Belinda Kolstad entering the cage of death at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Kolstad was 38 when she was first diagnosed, with doctors finding a tumour in her tissue following a breast reduction surgery.

She said she was “immediately” able to book a double mastectomy through the private hospital last September, and had since been given the all clear.

The NT Breast Cancer Voice representative called on all Territory women to “check your puppies” to catch the early signs of cancer.

SEE THE GALLERY

Breast cancer survivor Glenda Reid at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Breast cancer survivor Glenda Reid and BreastScreen NT representative Natalie Stokes entering the cage of death at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Breast cancer survivor Glenda Reid and BreastScreen NT representative Natalie Stokes entering the cage of death at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Breast cancer survivor Glenda Reid and BreastScreen NT representative Natalie Stokes entering the cage of death at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Breast cancer survivor Belinda Kolstad at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

BreastScreen NT representative Natalie Stokes at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

BreastScreen NT representative Natalie Stokes and Breast cancer survivor Belinda Kolstad entering the cage of death at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Breast cancer survivor Glenda Reid and BreastScreen NT representative Natalie Stokes entering the cage of death at the Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin