THE 20-MINUTE BREAST SCREEN THAT CAUGHT ALBURY MUM NATARSHA'S CANCER EARLY
Natarsha Onley had no symptoms, no lump and no family history of breast cancer when she went along for her routine breast screen.
The 56-year-old deputy principal from Albury thought it was just another appointment to tick off the list.
Instead, the 20-minute mammogram found a fast-growing cancer that doctors were able to catch extremely early, the Border Mail reports.
Her story is a powerful reminder of why that regular check really matters.
A Breast Screen That Changed Everything
After her mammogram, Natarsha was called back for more tests.
It was her GP who then broke the news that she had breast cancer.
She told the Border Mail that breast cancer had always been something that "happens to other people".
Because the cancer was found so early, the growth was very small, and she did not need treatment before surgery.
This type of cancer can spread through the lymph nodes, so two nodes were removed as a precaution.
Treatment, Travel And Holding On To Joy
Natarsha's treatment included surgery, followed by 12 weeks of chemotherapy and then radiation therapy.
Her surgeon and oncologist agreed she could keep her travel plans, on the condition that she had surgery the day after she arrived home.
So she travelled to Sri Lanka with her parents, and then to Bali for some meditation and yoga before her operation.
It is a lovely example of how the right medical team can help patients keep living their lives during a frightening time.
The People Who Carried Her Through
Natarsha says she was surrounded by love throughout her treatment.
Her daughter Tahlia, her son and her parents, who travelled from Melbourne, were by her side.
Her close friend Lisa Keighran was also a huge support.
Someone was with her at every single one of her weekly chemotherapy sessions, so she never had to face it alone.
If you have a friend going through treatment, that simple act of showing up can mean the world.
Why Regular Screening Matters
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and almost 7,000 women in New South Wales are expected to be diagnosed this year.
Screening mammograms can find cancers when they are too small to see or feel, which is often when treatment is most successful.
Veronica Scriven from BreastScreen NSW described it as "a simple appointment that only takes 20 minutes".
Women aged 50 to 74 are invited to have a free breast screen every two years.
You don't need a referral from your GP, and women aged 40 to 49 and over 74 are also welcome to attend.
How To Book Your Breast Screen
You can book a free mammogram by calling BreastScreen on 13 20 50 from anywhere in Australia.
In New South Wales, you can also book online through BreastScreen NSW.
Appointments are available at fixed clinics and mobile vans, which travel to many regional and rural towns.
If you have been meaning to book, why not put it in your calendar today, or make it a date with a friend or your mum?
Know What Is Normal For You
Screening is for women without symptoms, so it is important to know how your breasts normally look and feel between appointments.
See your GP promptly if you notice any change, such as a new lump, thickening, a change in the shape of your breast or nipple, discharge or skin that looks different.
Most changes are not cancer, but it is always best to get them checked.
This article is general information only, so please talk to your doctor about your own health.
Natarsha's story shows that 20 minutes really can make all the difference.
