Sisters Helen Rowcliffe and Diane Wilkinson have a strong family history of breast cancer, with their mum and aunt both dying from the disease.  

Unlike her mother and her aunt who were diagnosed in their 60s, Diane was 38 years old with two small children when she found a lump in her breast.

It was the start of a tough year of treatment including bilateral mastectomies, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Diane’s diagnosis happened at the same time that Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer and Diane is happy that, 18 years later, both she and Kylie are still going strong.

She also recalls meeting a 25-year survivor shortly after her own diagnosis and how that woman’s long-term survival helped give Diane a positive attitude to her own journey.

“Hearing stories of people who survive was incredibly inspirational and gave me a lot of hope,” says Diane. 

“The treatment and support I had was so different than it was for Mum. I was fortunate to have early detection and to be given the best medical treatment. I’m incredibly grateful for all the women and men who have been before us, because their journeys have increased the knowledge base of this disease, improved treatment and increased survival outcomes. I truly believe I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all that have gone before.”  

Diane is also keen to remind women to be aware of their body.

“Women (and men) know their body best,” she says. “If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself, don’t wait, and get it checked out.”

National Breast Cancer Foundation data shows that the five-year survival rate for breast cancer has increased from 76 per cent to 92 per cent, thanks to research which has driven improvements in prevention, early detection, treatment and care. In the last 10 years, rates of breast cancer diagnoses have increased by 33 per cent. 

The NBCF has funded vital life-saving research into breast cancer since 1994, helped largely by The Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) fun run/walk in which Diane has run.

It was Diane’s diagnosis that spurred her sister Helen to diligently get yearly mammograms and three-yearly MRIs. 

Ten years ago, aged 49 years, an MRI following a routine mammogram showed hyperplastic breast tissue changes. Helen decided to be proactive and undergo risk-reducing prophylactic mastectomies and reconstruction.

“I always knew that if there was any change in my breasts I would do something definitive, even though we are genetically negative to the BRCA breast cancer gene,” says Helen.

A year ago, in support for their brother’s partner, Fiona Maguire, Diane and Helen started dragon boating – a great, inclusive sport for anyone, including breast cancer survivors – with Dragons Abreast Canberra.

“It is lovely to paddle with such warm, inspirational, strong and supportive women,” says Helen.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Australia, with one in seven women diagnosed a day. 

On Sunday 14 May, Canberra will hold its 17th MDC at Lake Burley Griffin to raise money for breast cancer research. 

Complementing the five-kilometre walk and run and the 10km run, there will be a lively atmosphere with plenty of pink, an event village with breast cancer support groups, music, and food stalls throughout the morning, as well as family entertainment and activities on-course and in the event village.

MDC CEO, Zara Lawless, is encouraging as many Australians as possible to start this Mother’s Day with purpose by suiting up, showing up, standing up against breast cancer and joining in for the 26th anniversary of the event.

To register to participate, volunteer or fundraise, go to www.mothersdayclassic.com.au

• Bina Brown, journalist and Canberra MDC volunteer

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