Vol. No. Vol. 2518No. 4327
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Wednesday, January 13, 2023 2016 Wednesday, May 10,
A timely reminder A
BY ABBY WALTER
Wimmera breast cancer survivor is urging people to advocate for themselves and their health when they know something feels wrong.
Horsham’s Jo Koschmann was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2016. “I turned 50 and kept getting reminders to have a mammogram, so I did and didn’t have any concerns,” she said. “A week later my breast was sore. I thought it was because it had been squashed in the mammogram machine, but I found a lump, so I waited for my mammogram results. “They were all clear so there was a rush of relief. “After some time, I didn’t feel good because it still hurt, so I went back and the mammogram was re-checked and I was told it was clear. Another doctor looked at it and said there were no signs of cancer. “They said to have an ultrasound, so I did, and I was then told I needed a long needle biopsy. “I learned if you have dense breasts, cancer doesn’t always show up on mammograms.” Mrs Koschmann said she received wonderful care from her general practitioner and surgeon. “My GP said it was best to remove the lump, because it hurt. I was able to see my surgeon straight away and four days later I had a mastectomy,” she said. “I then had chemotherapy for a few months – it’s been six years since then. You don’t realise how strong you are until you go through something like that.” Mrs Koschmann said she always told people if they found a lump to insist on an ultrasound and mammogram referral. “Be vigilant and do self-checks – go get anything you are worried about seen by a doctor,” she said.
Be confident
Wimmera Cancer Centre manager Carmel O’Kane said people should be confident when they know something is wrong. “A lot of feedback we get from people is that they knew something was wrong, but their health professional didn’t believe them, or think it was important,” she said. “It’s important to be confident in yourself and what you feel. Keep trying until you get someone who listens to what is going on.”
Ms O’Kane said it was recommended women complete a self-examination every month, to know their breasts. “Breast cancer screening is free if you are 50 years and older and while people stop getting reminders at age 74, you can continue to have breast screening if you ask,” she said. “If you are over 40 and have risk factors such as family history, that is a reason to screen earlier. “It is important to note that young women can get breast cancer as well, it’s not just older women. “Look after yourself and report things to your doctor that are different, no matter your age.”
First steps
Ms O’Kane said a mammogram was the first step to screening for breast cancer, but health providers would always double-check if something looked or felt amiss. “If you are doing routine breast screening, they won’t necessarily do an ultrasound, but if you feel something abnormal and ask your doctor for a mammogram, you should always get an ultrasound as well, because it finds things differently,” she said. “This is particularly the case for young women. When we are younger our breast tissue is firm and denser, so on a mammogram it all looks white and is much harder to see lesions. “That’s why self-examination is so important, because radiology is not always 100 percent – you often need a combination of things.” Ms O’Kane said breast screening was available at Wimmera Base Hospital by visiting Breast Screen Victoria online and booking an appointment. Sunday marks Mother’s Day and the 2023 Mother’s Day Classic, which raises funds and awareness for National Breast Cancer Foundation and breast cancer research. Mrs Koschmann has been involved in the Mother’s Day Classic for 10 years, since her sister-in-law died of breast cancer. She said her husband Bruce and children Sophie and Max decided to complete the classic less than two weeks after Bruce’s sister Denise died. “That’s what started our Mother’s Day tradition 10 years ago – going to the classic and then going out to brunch to honour her,” she said.
“When we can, all four of us do it together, although my son now lives in Brisbane. We are joined by friends and other family members, too. “I have been walking since 2017 as a survivor. My parents come from South Australia and do it with us as well.”
Classic supporter
Mrs Koschmann said she encouraged anyone who could to support the Mother’s Day Classic. “It’s a chance to enjoy a morning out with friends and family while being involved in a great fundraiser,” she said. “Breast cancer research is fortunate to have so much money donated, but we need to continue to support it so we can reach a 100 percent survival rate.” Ms O’Kane said the Mother’s Day Classic was an amazing initiative that Horsham supported every year. “Horsham is so good at supporting and fundraising for causes that help other people and it’s so wonderful to be involved and show how strong our community is,” she said. “The research that comes from the funding is what makes cancer a very survivable disease and breast cancer has about 85 percent survival rate now in Australia. “Regionally the survival rate has been poorer, but we are catching up, which is amazing.” Across the Wimmera, classic run and walk events will occur in Edenhope, Horsham, St Arnaud and Stawell on Sunday morning. Registrations can be made via mothersdayclassic.com.au/events
for Mum
DECADE OF TRADITION: Jo Koschmann and her husband Bruce, will walk their 11th Mother's Day Classic on Sunday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
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