Jeanette and Naomi are both recent breast cancer survivors whose stories highlight the importance of regular screening for women.
Jeanette and Naomi both had their breast cancers detected in routine mammograms
Even though one in seven women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, most people don’t think it will happen to them.
Late last year Jeanette started to experience some niggly pains, which she was about to ignore until a “guardian angel” intervened.
“To be honest I would usually ignore that sort of thing, but I’m glad I didn’t this time,” says Jeanette Dellabosca, a Lithgow local and Clinical Support Officer at Lithgow Hospital.
“My father passed away fourteen years ago and I often I feel he is my guardian angel. When I noticed the mobile breast screening van in Lithgow, I could hear Dad’s voice encouraging me to get checked.”
Thanks to the screening she had that day, Jeanette’s cancer was detected at an early stage before it had a chance to spread.
“If I hadn’t got on that bus for a free screening it could have been a lot worse.”Jeanette Dellabosca, breast cancer survivor
Naomi Jensen, Acting General Manager at Blue Mountains and Springwood hospitals, was also recently diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram.
“They found a lump and a positive lymph node, so I had chemotherapy for four months followed by two surgeries and radiation therapy, and I expect to stay on medication for another five years,” shares Naomi.
“It can be stressful, but confidence in my medical team and support from family and friends makes it much easier.”
Like Jeanette, Naomi’s cancer would have been worse if it wasn’t detected early by mammogram.
“I couldn’t feel a lump in breast and nor could my breast specialist,” says Naomi.
Mammograms can show very small breast cancers before they are otherwise noticed, and the sooner something is found, the better a woman’s chance of survival.
“A mammogram is such an easy test to have done. Make your appointment and don’t put it off, it’s really important,”Naomi Jensen, breast cancer survivor.
Jeanette agrees, also encouraging women to get checked regularly.
“I barely had a symptom – so do get checked. It’s a bit uncomfortable but much better that than it being too late,” says Jeanette.
Regular screening mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, before you notice symptoms.
Breast screening is free and recommended for all women aged 50-74, and you can easily book your breast screen appointment online.
Find your nearest screening centre or mobile location van here on the BreastScreen NSW website.
