This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and local mum Laura Matrljan has an important message for all women. Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of just 31 years old. She was a regular mum to two young boys, aged 2 and 4 years old, and found an unusual lump during a routine breast check. She shares her story and her important message to all women.

Every day, 57 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the most common cancer for Australian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). The good news is that survival rates continue to improve in Australia, with 89% of women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer now surviving five or more years beyond diagnosis.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and we want to get women talking about breast cancer and, more importantly, checking their breasts or booking in for an examination or mammogram.

Early detection is vital. The sooner you find out you have breast cancer, the better your chance of survival.

Laura shares her story...

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 1 May 2015 and 20 days later, I was in surgery. I was 31 years old. Before my diagnosis, I was a regular mum of two active boys, 2 and 4 years old, doing regular mum things. I had a casual job, and looked after my family. I loved to cook, sew, and spend time with my friends having a wine and a giggle. Then, one day I was lying down in bed watching my iPad. I often checked my breasts (something my mother had drummed in to me from very early on) so I was very familiar with the look and feel of them. When I felt my breast that day, straight away I felt a small mass in my right breast. I had just finished my period and often found my breasts would get hard and sometimes lumpy during that time of the month, but this was different..."

Early detection of breast cancer is vital

Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease. Remember you don’t need to be an expert or use a special technique to check your breasts.

Changes to look for include:

• a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in one breast
• a change in the size or shape of your breast
• a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
• a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
• a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
• an unusual pain that doesn't go away.

Most changes aren’t due to breast cancer but it’s important to see your doctor without delay if you notice any of these changes. More information. 

Know your lemons!

How well do you know your lemons? There are 12 symptoms of breast cancer. Know Your Lemons is an award-winning app that helps women learn about each symptom, calculate your personal risk, get a custom screening plan, learn how to self-exam, and get reminders to stay abreast of your health. Download the app.

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