Just over 12 months ago police officer Melissa Dickson received the shocking news from doctors she had an aggressive form of breast cancer.
The Springfield Lakes mother-of-two discovered a marble-size lump in her breast during a self-examination and said her diagnoses unleashed a "whirlwind of emotions".
The 49-year-old wasted no time in making an appointment to see her GP, who referred her for a mammogram and an ultrasound – which was followed by a biopsy on the same day.
"I am a practical thinker, I was scared, but I thought 'let's just wait until we know more'," Mrs Dickson said.
Days later she learned she had stage two triple-negative breast cancer and was referred to Mater Private Hospital Springfield breast and endocrine surgeon Dr Susan Bell.
Mrs Dickson is sharing her story and encouraging other Ipswich and Greater Springfield women to check their breasts for any abnormalities to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
One in four Queensland women diagnosed with breast cancer is treated at a Mater hospital.
"Breast cancer doesn't discriminate, so it's important to know your body," Mrs Dickson said.
"Remind your friends and your family to do their breast checks."
Following her diagnosis, Mrs Dickson underwent 12 weeks of gruelling chemotherapy treatment at Springfield's Mater Cancer Care Centre, before having a lumpectomy which also involved the removal of 34 lymph nodes.
One month after having surgery, a courageous Mrs Dickon started 25 rounds of radiation treatment.
She is currently undergoing immune therapy treatment and is grateful for the care provided by her medical oncology team at Mater Private Hospital Springfield.
"There is so much going on, my diagnosis was such a shock, it kind of all just happened," Mrs Dickson said.
"I have had genetic testing done and thankfully don't have the breast cancer gene.
"I have a daughter, siblings and a sister and wanted to make sure of the implications if I did have it."
Dr Bell is well-known for her commitment to meeting women's health needs in the Ipswich and Springfield community and ensures the wait time for her surgical cancer patients is less than a week.
Dr Bell said although a breast cancer diagnosis is daunting, it is an honour for her to be part of the team accompanying women on their journey.
"For patients who go through surgery and other breast cancer treatment, you often see a complete transformation," she said.
"Women can be much stronger people as breast cancer survivors.
"I love being part of the team that can have an impact on those patients' lives for the better."
Dr Bell stressed that it is essential for women to screen for breast cancer early, to conduct regular self-examinations, and to know the lifestyle factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
She said although breast cancer awareness in Australia was relatively strong, there is still work to be done when it comes to understanding the screening and preventative measures available.
"I think we need to make sure that the message of regular breast self-examination being crucial to early detection comes through," she said.
***This October—as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month—you can support women with breast cancer by hosting a Breasties Brunch. Click here to register for free
