Ange was diagnosed with early-stage 3 breast cancer in 2025. In the days leading up to her diagnosis, she had a strong sense that she needed to prioritise her health above everything else in her life. Ange regularly drove past the BreastScreen bus parked near her home. Although she had participated in screening before, a busy life meant she kept postponing making an appointment. Seeing the bus felt like a sign, a reminder she could no longer ignore, and it pushed her to immediately book an appointment with the GP. Ange had persistent pain in her left shoulder, and while she was at the GP, she asked for a mammogram.
The mammogram revealed an abnormality in her right breast that required further testing, including two biopsies.
Following these tests, having only just turned 50 years old, Ange received the shocking news, 'You have cancer.'
The diagnosis was one of the hardest experiences Ange had to go through.
Ange went from being a devoted mother with a passion for caring for children to facing an aggressive stage 3 cancer – something she never imagined would be part of her story.
The medical team put a plan into action, and she began her treatment with surgery involving a lumpectomy and lymph node dissection – the removal of eight lymph nodes. Followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy and ongoing hormone therapy.
Ange leaned on her medical team and the connections she made through Cancer Council, and says her faith gave her strength.
"It hasn't been easy, but through all the pain and every tear, God has been my strength and my comfort. I hope that my story bring hope to anyone else facing their own difficult battle with cancer, and reminds them that they are not alone," said Ange.
She now encourages others to prioritise breast screening: "It's really important (whether they notice or feel any symptoms or not) to go and get a breast screen. Don't put it off because it could save your life!"
BreastScreen NSW provides free screening mammograms every two years to detect breast cancers in women aged 50-74 who have no symptoms. Women aged 40-49 are also eligible for free breast screening but are not routinely invited.
Learn more about breast screening here.
