The 10cm scar across Louise Bennet's chest is a permanent reminder of her battle against breast cancer.
Ms Bennet was breastfeeding her daughter Evie in January last year when she discovered a lump in her right breast.
Scans in April revealed the now 34-year-old had aggressive triple negative breast cancer, as well as DCIS (Ductal carcinoma in situ or cancer in the milk ducts).
Ms Bennet was among the one in four Queensland breast cancer patients who receive treatment at Mater, undergoing a mastectomy at Mater Hospital Brisbane.
Following the mastectomy, Ms Bennet underwent gruelling chemotherapy and radiation treatment to her chest wall and lymph nodes at the Mater Cancer Care Centre in South Brisbane.
Shining a spotlight on Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), the Redland Bay resident said she hopes displaying her scar will help to remove the unspoken stigma that many people still associate with mastectomies.
"At first I thought the lump was just breastfeeding related and likely going to be mastitis, not cancer," she said.
"Now I have a scar that reminds me of the journey I have been on, the journey that has kept me alive and will continue to keep me alive.
"I don't feel any less and I am able to walk through the world as I am – my body is still accepted wherever I go.
"I share my story because if I can be open about my experience, I hope I can empower other women to be proud of their bodies."
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in Australia and is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Australian women, behind lung cancer.
Ms Bennet said she was grateful to the medical professionals and her loved ones who helped her navigate her cancer journey.
"I was able to turn my cancer diagnosis into a positive experience," she said.
"After 15 rounds of chemotherapy and 16 rounds of radiation, I am still smiling.
"I have learned that before anything else I need to love myself.
"With various markings and scars on my body I certainly look like I've been through some stuff, but it's just evolution."
Mater breast surgeon Dr Sally Meade said a total mastectomy (without reconstruction) is a visually dramatic and psychologically impactful procedure however recovery from surgery is "remarkably quick".
"There's not too much pain and the average length of stay in hospital is one to two nights," Dr Meade said.
"Breast cancer management is very nuanced and personalised.
"At Mater we have compassionate multidisciplinary teams – including radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, breast care nurses and therapists – who are able to support women through every stage of their cancer journey."
Ms Bennet completed her treatment in April and will continue to have six-monthly check-ups and yearly ultrasounds.
"I was determined to heal from the disease and being able to care for my Evie was a priority," she said.
"I wasn't concerned about my physical appearance and did whatever I could do to be healthy and look to the future.
"From the very moment I found out I had cancer; I was determined to heal and I am grateful for the multidisciplinary team at Mater, and my friends and family for making that happen."
Mater Private Hospital Brisbane was internationally accredited as a Centre of Excellence for breast cancer care last year.
- Host a Breasties Brunch this October to support women with breast cancer: register here https://fundraise.mater.org.au/event/breastiesbrunch/home
