Testimonials

Not being a cricket fan, I was, however, impressed by the number of big blokes, who embraced the McGrath Foundation cause, and turned out in pink for the 3 Mobile Sydney Test in January.

That night, Channel 9 replayed an interview with Jane, where she mentioned something about having a niggly feeling in her breast, which prompted her to have a breast check. Her words resonated with me, as I realised that I had recently also had and niggly feeling in my left breast.

That evening, I did a self check, and found a lump in the left breast, which turned out to be cancer. I will be eternally grateful for the pink cricket test, as I really don't think I would have gotten myself checked if I hadn't been prompted on that day. I'm even considering becoming a cricket fan!
Kerry Seeto

I feel as if I owe my life to Tracy, Jane and the McGrath Foundation.

A few months ago Tracy came to my firm as part of a charity event to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation. She relayed Jane’s story to us. Tracy’s talk left such an impression on me. I was touched by Jane’s story and Tracy and Jane’s beautiful friendship. I walked away from that event with the message of how important self examination is and that you should act if you notice any change – anything that is different for you – no matter how inconsequential you think it might be.

Shortly afterwards I discovered something in my left breast that did not feel right. I have very lumpy breasts so to feel a lump was nothing new to me. I probably would have put off doing anything about it as I was in no pain. However, Tracy’s words kept coming to me. I made an appointment at the breast clinic. Lucky for me I did. I discovered my lump was a malignant tumour and that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy. I will then have surgery followed by a course of radiotherapy but am expected to make a full recovery.

Had it not been for Tracy, Jane and the Foundation, I don’t know what would have happened to me.

Annette Fong

Being Breast Aware

Because breast cancer affects women of all ages, it is important that all women, including young women, examine their breasts regularly to pick up any changes. Self-examination is important because if you’re aware of how your breasts normally look and feel, you’re more likely to notice a change if it develops.

In addition to seeing your doctor each year for a breast examination, you should check your breasts regularly. A good time to do this is after the last day of your menstrual cycle or if you do not have periods, the same date each month. Most women find that their breasts are easier to examine just after their period when any premenstrual pain and lumpiness have settled.

You may check your breasts standing up, for example in the shower, or lying down, for example before going to sleep. Your partner should also be alert and look for changes in your breasts.