By MICHELLE HERBISON
GROVEDALE resident Lyn Hunter has turned a shock breast cancer diagnosis into an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease throughout the region.
Ms Hunter described her ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis five years ago at 58 as “rattling” especially with her family living interstate.
“It really does pull the mat out from under your feet. It sneaks up on you very slightly then all of a sudden you’re in a whirlwind of medical appointments,” she said.
Her story was “a bit different to most” since she had no lump, just an unusual nipple discharge.
“I had it for a couple of weeks so I made an appointment with my GP. An ultrasound and a mammogram really didn’t show anything significant so he referred me to a breast surgeon who decided to do a biopsy.
“It was contained within the duct so they got it early but I had to have a mastectomy.”
Fast-forward five years and Ms Hunter is working hard as a community liaison representing Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
Earlier this month she joined 280 Australian women for the organisation’s national breast cancer summit in Sydney, boosting her skills to further raise awareness throughout Geelong.
Ms Hunter referred to BCNA’s “journey kit” as “The Bible”.
“Anything I wanted to know was in that book or it gave me links to that information. You know you’re getting the right information because it’s been well-researched before they put the kit together.”
Ms Hunter urged anyone seeking more information or support to visit bcna.org.au.
