Breast cancer champion
Lesina’s story, Pilbara
Living and working in a small mining town in regional WA has always brought rewards and challenges. For Lesina, that balance shifted dramatically in June 2024 when she found an olive-sized lump in her breast, which was hard and painful.
Trusting her instincts, Lesina booked a telehealth consult with a GP through Doctors on Demand. The GP referred her for a mammogram in Perth.
Lesina advocated for herself and followed up when she hadn’t received her results within the expected two weeks. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Within three weeks, Lesina was in surgery to have the tumour and her breast removed. Since then, her treatment has included two surgeries, eight rounds of chemotherapy, and 15 fractions of radiation. She continues to receive targeted therapy every three weeks as part of her ongoing care.
What got Lesina through was the strong support network around her: her sons, her daughter-in-law, a few close friends, her dog Maui, and the compassionate staff at Crawford Lodge at Cancer Council, who provided a safe and welcoming place during a difficult time.
Through her experience, Lesina became a passionate advocate for women’s health.
Lesina believes that protecting your health is not optional; it’s essential. She now encourages other women to care for their health while also building financial independence, so they’re in a stronger position to face life’s challenges.
Lesina’s advice
“Your body keeps the score. If something feels off, pay attention early.”
“Looking after your health isn’t about fear, it’s about self-respect. Start now, not later.”
“Speak up and follow up. Back yourself, because no one else feels what you feel.”
Breast cancer screening
Breast cancer screening or mammograms are designed for women who do not have any noticeable symptoms of breast cancer.
If you do not have any breast cancer symptoms and you’re eligible, it is recommended that you participate in the free breast screening program for women aged over 40 years.
Women living in regional WA can access the BreastScreen WA mobile service, which visits almost 100 rural towns every two years, with some towns receiving visits annually. To find out when the BreastScreen WA mobile service is visiting your town, visit the BreastScreen WA website.
If you do have possible breast cancer symptoms, it’s highly recommended to see your doctor, clinic nurse or health worker without delay.
Remember, the earlier cancer is found, the better your chances of survival. So, make sure you participate in free screening at every opportunity and see your doctor, clinic nurse or health worker if you notice any unusual symptoms.
