Meatballs and Muffins

Even though we hear time and time again that breast cancer is on the rise and early detection is key, we come up with many reasons why we put off booking breast cancer screenings:

• I’m too busy, haven’t got time.
• I can’t take time off work.
• I’m scared it might be painful.
• I’ll be fine because there’s no cancer in my family.
• I lead a healthy lifestyle, so I won’t get breast cancer.

I was one of these women who thought I was “too busy and didn’t have time” to get a breast screen, which could have cost me my life.

I never thought I would get it because no-one on my side of the family has ever had cancer. Besides, I exercise, have a healthy diet, and look after myself—more reasons why I thought I wouldn’t be a target. It goes to show how wrong I was.

While these reasons (some may say excuses) may be reasonable, there’s a huge reason why women should prioritise breast screenings: a breast screen might save your life and spare your loved ones from grief and heartache.

I often find myself reflecting on that heart-wrenching day when I had to share the news of my breast cancer with my kids. Even though my diagnosis was not as dire as it might have been, I could see the overwhelming fear and worry in their eyes as they confronted the uncertain and difficult journey that awaited us as a family. I don’t dare imagine how much harder it would have been for my family if I had not gone for a breast screen when I did and the cancer had spread.

And, while my cancer treatment was a long and difficult 12 months of my life, I have BreastScreening Victoria to thank for finding the tumor early and giving me the hope of being able to create more memories with the people I love.

The Breast Screen Victoria website makes it super easy and quick to book an appointment at one of their many locations at a time that suits you. They also provide loads of information for those who are unsure about the process or safety of breast screenings.

Statistics indicate everyday 58 people in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That equates to over 21,000 people in Australia being diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

1 in 7 women and 1 in 550 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

In the last 10 years, breast cancer diagnosis have increased by 24%. Every year over 3,300 people in Australian (including 33 men) will die from breast cancer. That’s 9 Australians a day dying from the disease.

Fortunately, the death rate from breast cancer in Australia has reduced by over 40% thanks in part to research in prevention, early detection and new and improved breast cancer treatments.

If these statistics aren’t enough for you to schedule your appointment for a breast screen, I hope that wanting to be around for the many milestones to come with your family and loved ones is.

The truth is, cancer does not discriminate, so don’t delay it any longer; consider making an appointment today.

Sending love and good vibes.
Vicki