As an elite athlete, Raelene Boyle AM was in charge of her life and her destiny.
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But when the three-time Olympian was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, everything changed.
After discovering a lump on her breast, Boyle immediately went to her GP.
While initially told it was nothing to worry about, a mammogram and subsequent surgery revealed it was cancer.
She went from having "an innocent mass" to enduring seven months of chemotherapy and 36 radiation treatments.
It was a lonely and isolating experience, according to Boyle, who felt she had no one to turn to and no one who would listen.
"Certainly the way you were treated by the medical fraternity was very different to now," she said.
"We've made a point of reviewing and pushing all of that.
"That the doctors actually look the women in the face and that they give them a bit more time, rather than just looking at their breast and talking to their breast.
"We talk about the whole person, not just the breast.
"The psychological side, the personal wellbeing side of the journey."
As an ambassador for the Breast Cancer Network of Australia, in the 23 years that have passed since her diagnosis, the now 67-year-old has made it her mission to change the discourse around diagnosis and support.
On Saturday, February 23 she will speak at the BCNA's free Breast Cancer Treatment, Care and Looking After Yourself information forum in Launceston.
More than 100 breast cancer survivors, their partners and supporters are expected to attend the event.
For Boyle, sharing her story is only part of her role. The second is meeting and connecting with men and women, and ensuring they feel supported.
"I am there to show that not only do I care, but BCNA cares and wants to help all of these woman through their journey," she said.
"The main thing is you think, well it was so long ago, but you are still here.
"I am still relatively healthy and still enjoying life.
"I think that is one of the things that women want to know. That there is a life after breast cancer.
"The other side of it was as an athlete, I was in charge of my life and my destiny.
"But as a person just diagnosed with cancer I had no idea what was going on and I was not in charge of my life.
"My destiny was in the hands of the skills of the surgeons, and the people who were giving me my treatment. So I had lost charge of my life."
More than 19,500 Australians are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019.
While survival rates have continued to increase, breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in women.
For Boyle, raising awareness and encouraging vigilance remains at the forefront of her message.
"There is always going to be an element of complacency and all of that is usually around the thinking, I don't really want to know," she said
"But it does mean that there is a lot more people checking in on any variation in their breasts and that is significant.
"What I take away from it is the satisfaction that I know with my involvement with Breast Cancer Network Australia, that we've created change.
"That these people once they are diagnosed with breast cancer are not just forgotten souls or just numbers.
"They are important people who have very, very good lives full of laughter and living to do.
"We want that message to get across, that breast cancer is not the end. It can be the beginning."
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, call the Breast Cancer Network Australia Helpline on 1800 500 258 for information and support, or visit the organisation's website.
- What: Breast cancer treatment, care and looking after yourself – a free forum. When: Saturday, February 23, 9am to 5pm (registration and refreshments from 8.30am). Where: Launceston Conference Centre, 50 Glen Dhu Street, South Launceston. Speakers: Dr Ben Forster (medical oncologist); Dr Carrie Lethborg (oncology social worker); Raelene Boyle (Olympian, breast cancer survivor, BCNA ambassador); Kirsten Pilatti (BCNA CE). Register online at www.bcna.org.au/forums or call 1800 500 258.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
