Mia's story
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tutor Radiographer Mia shares her experience on the other side of the breast screen.
A routine breast screen that made all the difference
As a Tutor Radiographer with BreastScreen NSW in Sydney Local Health District, I’ve spent the past 14 years helping women through their breast screening appointments. Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how breast screening can detect cancer before symptoms appear, so I always intended to make it part of my own healthcare routine.
Shortly after turning 50, I attended a routine mammogram. I felt well and had no symptoms, so I was shocked when the screening led to a breast cancer diagnosis.
Even though I knew exactly what would happen during the appointment, I still felt nervous. Like many women who come through our service, I felt some uncertainty beforehand. However, the staff were professional, supportive and made me feel comfortable throughout the process. The mammogram only took a short time and was much easier than many women expect.
My diagnosis became a powerful reminder of why early detection matters. It reinforced the message I’ve shared with women throughout my career. Without that routine breast screen, my cancer may not have been detected as early as it was.
I’m incredibly grateful that screening found my cancer before I noticed any changes myself. My experience reinforced what we tell women every day: early detection saves lives.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to encourage women to prioritise their breast health and attend screening when invited. Many women worry that a mammogram will be painful, that they'll feel embarrassed, or that they simply don't have time. My message is simple: please don't put it off. Breast screening can find cancers before they can be felt, and early detection gives you the best chance of successful treatment. It can make all the difference.
We all lead busy lives, and it’s easy to put our own health last. But a breast screening appointment only takes about 20 minutes, and it could save your life.
I have recovered and done well post treatment and now strongly urge women to keep up with their regular mammograms. If sharing my story encourages even one woman to book an appointment, then it's worth it.
