Today marks the last day of breast cancer awareness month on the 2020 calendar, and if you aren’t already aware of the stats, let me enlighten you with a few numbers…

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women, and by the end of 2020 it’s predicted that over 20,000 Australians will be diagnosed this year, which is an average of 55 per day. Sadly, this is an increase on last year which means breast cancer rates are still going up.  

While breast cancer survival rates are extremely high, it’s still important to raise awareness wherever possible.  Being diagnosed with cancer – no matter how well it can be treated – is not something anyone wants to experience, and if it can be detected early then the outlook is so much better, and treatment much less aggressive.

This year I can say that with first-hand experience, because I was diagnosed with breast cancer just 3 months ago.

Unlike many others though, I can say mine is a good news story – my cancer was in very early stages and was successfully removed in surgery last month.  I spoke about my experience on Instagram yesterday, you can check it out here.

More important though, is this message that I want to share with you all:

Breast Cancer (and cancer in any form) doesn’t discriminate. As women (and men too!), no matter how healthy we are, we need to regularly check in with ourselves and our bodies. Don’t take anything for granted. We all have as much chance as the next person of becoming a statistic. I never thought cancer would be something I’d have to deal with as a fairly healthy 47-year-old woman, and I’ve been proven wrong.

If you’re over 40 you’re entitled to a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Australia – go and get it done.

Regularly check your breasts inbetween screening (I was never great at this, I was just very lucky that my lump was easy to discover).

Prioritise your health. Being busy comes at a price and often it’s our health that we sacrifice first, but is it really worth it?  

Being healthy doesn’t remove the risk of getting breast cancer, but factors such as obesity, alchohol and smoking have been linked to a higher risk, and active women are known to have a reduced risk. So just look after yourself, okay?

Check your breasts.  Prioritise your health.  Look after yourself. 

Love Fi x