Narelle's story

My name is Narelle, this is my story and my message to everyone: be a friend, tell a friend, take a friend, and make sure to have your regular breast screens. 

I've spent most of my adult life in the Hunter region and Maitland with my husband and three, now grown, children. My youngest daughter has blessed me with three beloved granddaughters. Over the years, I’ve been involved in various businesses and community activities, including hosting ‘Girls’ Night In’ events to raise funds for breast cancer awareness. 

In my late 40s, I began accompanying a friend to her regular screenings. Her mother and grandmother had both passed from breast cancer, and though I had no family history of the disease myself, I wanted to support her. We’d make a day of it, going for our mammograms and then grabbing lunch. 

In 2011, however, I was the one called back for further testing, and I was subsequently diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Thankfully, the regular screenings detected it early, and because of this, I was able to face and overcome my battle. I’m now among the many breast cancer survivors today. 

My journey, like everyone’s, is uniquely my own, but I also know the emotional and physical struggles that breast cancer patients endure, along with the support their family and friends provide. This was certainly true in my case, during one of the most challenging times in my life. The care and kindness from BreastScreen NSW professionals, doctors, nurses, and specialists, along with the unwavering support from loved ones, were essential to my healing and recovery. I thank them all. 

The friend I once supported through annual screenings ended up standing by my side through my surgeries, healing, and recovery. I thank her and everyone else who supported me along the way. 

I encourage you to be a friend, tell a friend, and take a friend. Make your regular breast screening a priority for yourself and those you love.