Today 55 Australian’s will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Fleurieu App, which went live in early August 2019, is the baby of McLaren Vale resident Susie Williams. Susie returned to the Fleurieu Peninsula with her husband and their three daughters in early 2019, after a 5 year stint living in New Zealand. There, she was part of the team that created the highly-successful Marlborough App, which links local people and visitors to the myriad of experiences and businesses available in the area. Upon returning to the Fleurieu, Susie could see massive potential and says she, “couldn’t wait to build an app for this fabulous region”.

Today we chat to her about her personal experience with Breast Cancer.

Why is October such a significant month on your family’s calendar?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. The aim on the awareness month is to help those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services. 

This is important to me because my Grandmother passed away from Breast Cancer, my Aunty survived Breast Cancer, I have survived Breast Cancer and more recently a very close friend of mine is recovering from Breast Cancer.

1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Think of your family and friends…this is huge!

How old were you when diagnosed and how did you find out you had breast cancer?

Turning 40 presented the chance to tick off a few medical checks - just because I could. Having a mammogram was one of them. It was a priority to me after my Grandmother and Aunty having had the disease (both being from opposites sides of the family). In Australia, Breast screening is advertised free mammogram testing from the age of 50, but I knew it was available from age 40. Tick - done and dusted!

I was diagnosed 10 weeks after my 40^th Birthday. I didn’t have a lump or anything, but my mammogram picked up the cancer in the earliest stages possible. For this early diagnosis my doctor described me as ‘having dodged a bullet’. My family, well, we are forever thankful and celebrate every year that passes since being officially BC free! 

Later this month we celebrate 9 years. Next year is my 50th and 10 years since Breast Cancer – party year I think. I will share with you next October !

Can you tell us a little about your experience of the extra screening that comes with a diagnosis after a screening comes back positive?

I headed to screening on my own after dropping the kids at school, thinking nothing more than what to organise for tea once the testing was done. I remember clearly sitting in the waiting room with 10 other ladies, most with family or friends with them for support. I couldn’t help but look around the room and think naively to myself that I was the youngest by far, it is most common in older ladies, so all will be fine! Unfortunately I was the last one standing after a very long day. The day ending with my next appointment and told to bring my husband with me. The possibility was finally starting to settle in.

Is there a ‘hardest’ bit in your breast cancer story?

Our girls being young made reality pretty raw. Besides putting on my brave face, when your world all of a sudden felt very fragile, telling the girls all was going to be fine and nothing to worry about was a hard one to pull off. Some days I didn’t. Even harder was telling Mum and Dad and my two older brothers. It’s cruel to scare the hell out of your parents and siblings because of your health, I can still remember that day like it was yesterday.

As anyone that has been through a cancer diagnosis knows, the worst part is the following weeks after diagnosis. Not only was it actually dealing with the big C, which once it is you, it’s an amazingly difficult word to say! Those weeks of tests and decisions which yours and your families lives depend on….totally traumatic.

You have made your mark locally in regards to breast cancer support. Would you please share a little with us?

The bit about driving my friends and family nuts about heading into Breast Screen SA and getting screened, not matter their age or family risk? Ha ha. I do drive that one home fairly hard at times.

The year following my treatment I was determined to do what I could locally around the Fleurieu to make people realise this is not an ‘older woman’ disease. The more I learnt the more I realised this. Often the younger the person the more aggressive the cancer is. I also learnt that it’s not only women, men get breast cancer too.

I got myself involved with the Breast Cancer Network Australia BCNA and became a community liaison. This gave me the support and confidence to set up a Breast Cancer Support Group locally as there wasn’t one. I am very proud to say it is still running from the Aldinga Medical Centre. 

At the time I did some local fundraising and often visited work places and community groups sharing my story.

With Raelene Boyle (Australian Olympic legend) at BCNA (Breast Cancer Network Australia) event pink ladies honouring our friends that have died from the disease

Anything else you would like to share?

9  years on I have learnt a lot about myself, about breast cancer and life. I was one of the lucky ones, but you do make your own luck. Don’t be scared of the ‘what if’s’…make your own health a priority, have your screenings and know your boobs. Breast Cancer is most treatable when detected early. You don’t have to have a family history, in fact you don’t even have to be a woman!

The mobile Breast Screening Unit is coming to the Fleurieu in McLaren Vale. October 28 – November 26 – book yourself in now!

Call BreastScreen SA on 13 20 50 to make a booking - head here.

In 2021, over 3000 Australians passed away from breast cancer including 36 males and 3102 females.

LOCAL BC SUPPORT CONTACTS & SERVICES:

http://www.aldingamedicalcentre.com.au/news/breast-cancer-support-group/

https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/

https://www.cancersa.org.au/

There are many ways you can support the cause - get online and find a way!

www.bcna.org.au

www.nbcf.org.au 

www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au

www.canceraustralia.gov.au