When Victorian mother of two Nicole noticed a lump in her breast, she immediately booked an appointment with her doctor.
Nicole noticed a lump on her breast
“I thought I had imagined the lump and kept thinking this couldn’t be happening to me. But I soon realised I wasn’t imagining it,” Nicole said.
“The next day I saw my doctor who immediately booked a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy.”
Nicole was diagnosed with stage 1, grade 3 breast cancer and was grateful for how quickly her doctor and broader medical team acted. Now, Nicole is urging other Victorians to act if they notice a change in their health or body.
Recent data from the Victorian Cancer Registry, reveals there are about 6,660 Victorians who could be living with undiagnosed cancer.
We know the earlier cancer is found, the better the chances of treating it and the patient making a full recovery. However, our research shows that following the coronavirus pandemic, people’s attitudes towards health care changed. With an increase of missed cancer diagnoses reported in the Victorian Cancer Registry, Cancer Council Victoria was funded through the Victorian Department of Health to find those missing cancers.
Launched in May 2023, the 'Early Detection Saves Lives’ campaign urged Victorians to get up to date with cancer screening and seek medical support if they noticed changes to their health. To help deliver this important messaging, the campaign engaged and featured Victorian health professionals, including general practitioner Dr Justin Tse.
Dr Justin Tse encouraging Victorians to get up to date with their cancer screening
“We want our patients to know that we have time to support them if they notice any changes to their body. Changes could be on their skin or after doing a breast check at home, or it could be pain, loss of appetite, or feeling more tired,” Dr Tse said.
The immediate action taken by Nicole likely saved her life or at least minimised the degree of invasive treatment she’d need. “My medical team continued to reinforce that had I not followed my gut instinct and sought immediate medical attention, the outcome could have been very different. I want others to know that if they notice a change in their body or something doesn't seem right, please see a doctor and get it checked out. It really could save your life,” she said.
This campaign complemented other cancer screening and early detection campaigns throughout 2023, to deliver an ‘Always On’ approach to this important and live saving message.
< Back to Annual Review 2023