Early detection helped Marrickville local get timely treatment for breast cancer
 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and BreastScreen NSW is calling on the community to Be a friend. Tell a friend about the importance of screening, so more women book their mammogram when they are due. 

For Sydney local Thoai Anh, a routine visit to the BreastScreen NSW van in Marrickville changed everything. 

“I had no pain, no changes, nothing that made me think anything was wrong,” Thoai said.  

“If I had ignored the screening, things could have been much worse.” 

Earlier this year, Thoai attended her regular two-yearly breast screen when the mobile van visited her neighbourhood. Soon after, she was contacted to attend the BreastScreen Assessment Clinic at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Further tests confirmed she had breast cancer. 

“It felt strange because I had even done self-checks and never noticed any lumps or pain,” she said. 

“That’s why I’m so thankful the screening found it.” 

Thoai’s journey has involved surgery and radiation treatment, supported every step of the way by her family. She remains deeply grateful for taking that first step and attending her regular screening. 

“Because the cancer was found early, I was able to get the right treatment and now I can move forward with peace of mind.” 

Her experience has also driven her to get the word out. Determined to raise awareness, Thoai shares her story with her community to remind other women that screening saves lives. 

She is a member of the Marrickville Vietnamese Women’s Support Group, coordinated by Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre with their Vietnamese Health Educator.  

Through the group, she helped co-design a cancer screening workshop that identified barriers and solutions, tailoring information to Vietnamese women. The workshop was facilitated by the Cancer Council, BreastScreen NSW Sydney, Leichhardt Women’s Community Health Centre, and Community and Cultural Connections. 

The women emphasised the importance of sharing stories, and Thoai’s openness has inspired others. 

“Talking about cancer screening can feel difficult,” Thoai said.  

“But awareness can save lives. If my story inspires even one woman to book a breast screen, I’ll be grateful.” 

Breast cancer affects one in seven women in NSW. When detected early, there are more treatment options and a much greater chance of survival. That’s why BreastScreen NSW encourages women aged 50–74 to have a free mammogram every two years. 

This October, be a friend and remind your sisters, mothers, aunts, friends and colleagues to book their breast screen. Your encouragement could make all the difference – just as it did for Thoai. 

Book your free breast screen online at book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au or call 13 20 50. For an interpreter, call 13 14 50.