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Albury Tigers (Ovens & Murray footy) legend Matt Fowler waited five years before getting a spot on his face checked. The small red spot on Matt Fowler’s forehead appeared out of nowhere. Occasionally friends would comment on it. But it was easy to ignore.
“Being a bulletproof male I just went ‘Oh well, it’s fine’,” he says. “But when a few mates and family members commented that it was getting more prominent, that made me think I've got to get this checked.”
Get to know your skin and what looks normal for you to help you find changes earlier. Check all of your skin, not just sun-exposed areas. If you notice anything unusual, including any change in shape, colour or size of a spot, or a new spot, visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Checking your skin regularly is also important if you have naturally dark skin. Although your risk of melanoma is lower, it is more likely to be found at a later, more dangerous stage than a person with lighter skin.
The Rodrigos moved from Sri Lanka in 2011, and Thushani says one of the big changes they had to make was their behaviour towards sun safety.
“They don’t use any sunscreen in Sri Lanka, or hats or umbrellas. But the UV here in Australia is so high. Whatever we are doing outdoors, our kids are taking hats. It's different here, we have to be like that, to look after ourselves.”
The good news is you can cut your risk of skin cancer by using good sun protection. It's never too late for prevention!
Visit the SunSmart website for more information.
Most changes in the breast (in fact 9 out of 10) aren't due to breast cancer. But if you do notice a change, it's important to get it checked by a doctor. Early detection of breast cancer means treatment has a much better chance of success.
Kirsty was in her early 30s when she noticed inflammation and hardening of her breast.
“People put off seeing a doctor or having regular breast screenings because they don’t want to acknowledge that something is wrong, or they’re embarrassed, or they tell themselves they’re too busy, or they’re worried they can’t afford it. But it will be worse if you wait, so don’t put it off.”
Glenrowan’s Katrina Davis missed her two-yearly mammogram in December 2022 because she was unwell, so she rebooked for the following April. It was a decision that undoubtedly saved her life. She urges women to put a note in their diary to book a mammogram every two years.
“You do get messages and reminders. But have it marked on your calendar and tell your friends, tell your daughters, tell your nieces. It's so, so important.”
Every two years Vicki would visit the breast screen van for a mammogram. She also regularly checked her breasts between visits. It was during one of these self-exams, just before Christmas 2008, that Vicki noticed a lump in her left breast.
Vicki says the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS) has provided her with practical and emotional support during her cancer journey.
“They’ve been there for me. I had to go in for surgery and I was scared, and a nurse came and sat with me all day waiting to go in. That’s the support they give.”
Vicki has supported other women going through cancer treatment and become a trusted source of information for others.
Breast screens are free for women aged 50-74 and take just twenty minutes. Call 13 20 50 to make a booking.
For more information about breast cancer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women visit the Our Mob and Cancer website
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second biggest cause of cancer death in Australia. Tragically, bowel cancer claims the lives of 100 Australians each week. But it doesn't have to.
It was February 2021 when Wangaratta’s Doug Kneen had become concerned when he noticed blood after using the toilet one evening. He phoned his daughter, who insisted he call his doctor as soon as possible - which he did.
His prompt response was crucial. If found early, more than 90% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated, which is why the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides free, simple at-home screening tests for eligible Australians every two years. Doug had been doing those regular tests but his cancer had developed after his most recent test.
“Be aware that cancers can affect anybody. And if there is something happening to your body that is not right or different, go and talk to somebody. Find out what's going on.”
If you have symptoms like unexplained blood in your poo, a change in bowel habit, such as diarrhoea, constipation or smaller, more frequent poos, unexplained tiredness or weight loss, stomach pain or swelling, speak to your doctor.
If you’re aged 45 to 74, then you are eligible to do a bowel screening test every two years through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
For more information visit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program website.