Sarah Crawford, a mother from Perth, recently shared her deeply personal account of being diagnosed with breast cancer while managing a busy family life. The diagnosis came after she discovered a lump in her left breast during a family holiday, a moment that transformed her outlook on health and well-being.
Three weeks after finding the lump, Crawford visited her general practitioner. Following an examination, the doctor promptly scheduled a mammogram, ultrasound, and fine-needle biopsy for the next day. As she waited in the medical facility, she focused on managing her family’s hectic schedule through their shared Google calendar, filled with work commitments, childcare, and various activities. The thought of cancer felt out of place amidst her daily responsibilities.
Within two days, the results were in. Crawford learned that she had an 18mm malignant invasive ductal carcinoma in her left breast. Overwhelmed with emotion, she and her partner, Ben, grappled with the life-altering news. “We knew very little about cancer,” Crawford reflected. The couple quickly began researching survival rates for Stage 2 breast cancer, which stand at over 90 percent after five years.
As she prepared for surgery, Crawford faced the challenge of explaining her diagnosis to their young children. During a family dinner, she broke the news, telling them, “I have a lump in my breast that could make me really sick.” Their reactions varied, with her seven-year-old son, Mr. Seven, expressing sadness over missing school, while her four-year-old daughter, Madam Four, seemed unfazed, claiming she already knew about the lump.
Crawford’s surgery involved a lumpectomy, a decision made by her surgeon, who believed this approach would be less invasive than a mastectomy. The procedure would involve removing the lump while preserving surrounding breast tissue. “The breast will look slightly smaller and higher,” the surgeon explained.
Post-surgery, Crawford received positive news that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes. For the first time in weeks, she and Ben felt a sense of relief. Nonetheless, they were aware of the ongoing risks. According to her oncologist, with radiation therapy and medication, the chances of the cancer returning in the next 15 years are about 10 percent.
Crawford noted that while her experience with breast cancer has been manageable, others are not as fortunate. She highlighted the importance of early detection, mentioning that many patients wait until symptoms become severe. “Some people just bury their heads in the sand,” her oncologist remarked, pointing to fear and cultural barriers as contributing factors.
Her reflections also touched on the financial burden of cancer treatment. Despite being a private patient, she found that the costs associated with her care were significant. Crawford acknowledged the progress made in breast cancer treatment over the past three decades, attributing it to extensive research funding and public awareness campaigns.
This month, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she emphasized the critical message of regular screenings. In Western Australia, women aged 40 and over can access free breast cancer screening every two years, a service that has the potential to save lives.
Crawford’s experience underscores the importance of prioritizing health, even amidst the chaos of daily life. “A lump is a priority,” she stated. “No matter how inconvenient it is or how busy you are.” Her journey serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.
For those interested in scheduling a free mammogram, visit BreastScreen WA or call 13 20 50.
