Triggered by the painful and devastating journey that spanned years fighting to save 11-year-old Evie, the breast screening reminder continued to consume Michelle, so she gathered her courage and had the routine scan – and just as well she did.

“I thought stuff it – I just can’t have cancer in my life again, so I did it I had my routine mammogram and two weeks after my 60th birthday I got the phone call that said there’s something not quite right,” said Michelle.

Biopsies followed and sadly cancer was confirmed.

“After our family experience of losing our daughter to cancer, knowing how quickly things can move I went straight to my GP who helped coordinate may cancer treatment.

Ali, Michelle’s partner of 38 years, added if she had delayed the scan, Michelle would have been very, very unwell and possibly wouldn’t even be here today.

Now the couple is about to embark on an amazing holiday through Italy and visiting family in the United Kingdom.

The risk of breast cancer increases with age, more than 75% of breast cancer is found in women aged over 50. One in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, routine screening is the best protection.

BreastscreenWA Medical Director Dr Emmeline Lee says most people who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease, and the earlier breast cancer is detected the better the chance of successful treatment.

Emmeline wants the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) community to know BreastscreenWA staff are empathetic and understanding.

“We will always endeavour to ensure our clients are comfortable and feel culturally safe,” Emmeline says.

Michelle says she became an ambassador as she is very keen for the LGBTIQ+ community to embrace screening to save lives.

While it is recognised that cancer screening can be physically confronting and even triggering for members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Michelle says finding a general practitioner you trust is so important.

A screening mammogram can detect breast cancer before any changes to breast tissue can be seen or felt.

BreastScreen WA provides FREE breast cancer screening to eligible members of the community with no breast symptoms.

Evidence shows later stage diagnosis and treatment results in poorer health outcomes.

The ‘Screening Saves Lives’ campaign is a collaboration of WA’s bowel, breast and cervical cancer screening programs

You are eligible for a free screening mammogram with BreastScreenWA if you are over 40 years have no symptoms.

To book an appointment follow the link at BreastScreen WA – Book Online (health.wa.gov.au) or call 13 20 50.

Declaration: OUTinPerth editor Graeme Watson and Michelle Rogers were previously colleagues at Edith Cowan University.

The post Screening Saves Lives: Michelle’s courage saved her life appeared first on OUTinPerth.

With members of the LGBTQIA+ community having lower cancer screening rates than the general population, a targeted campaign is helping to break down some of the barriers to screening to encourage more people to undertake potentially lifesaving tests.  

King Edward Memorial Hospital Liaison GP Dr Sarah Smith said regular cancer screening is extremely important.  

“Research shows, sadly, worse health outcomes among the LGBTQIA+ community due to significant barriers to healthcare engagement,” Dr Smith said.  

“To increase the rates of screening, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, BreastScreen WA and the WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program have joined forces to create the Screening Saves Lives campaign which aims to break down barriers to cancer screening for the LGBTQIA+ community.  

Tips for finding a safer and inclusive clinic for your cancer screening appointments  

• Look for clinics displaying inclusive posters and flags 

• Find a clinic with inclusive forms that use gender neutral language and provide ample choice for documenting title, pronouns, gender and sexual orientation. 

• Ask friends and families for recommendations for health professionals who ask for patient pronouns and use gender neutral language.  

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends a free test in the post every two years to people aged between 50 and 70 years.

Just recently, the program expanded and if you are 45 or older you can order a free kit from www.ncsr.gov.au/boweltest or by calling the National Cancer Screening Register Contact Centre on 1800 627 701. The test is easy and quick to use, can be done in the privacy of your own home, and will help in the early detection of bowel cancer.  

“Bowel cancer is very preventable, and this simple kit offers the chance to detect it early. It is important that you complete the test and return it when it is your time to screen,” Dr Smith said.  

In Australia, many individuals who develop cervical cancer have either never been screened or don’t screen regularly. There are now two cervical screening options available, making it easier for people to be screened.  

You can now either take your own sample or have a healthcare provider collect it for you. Both methods are accurate, safe, and effective.

For many, the option to self-collect for cervical screening provides a more comfortable and empowering way to take charge of your health. Discuss with your healthcare provider which cervical screening option is best for your individual circumstances.  

BreastScreen WA provides a free, safe and accessible mammogram service to all eligible Western Australians. Having regular screening mammograms is one of the best ways to find breast cancer early to improve outcomes. Talk to your healthcare provider about your personal risk and if breast screening is right for you. 

“Book an appointment with a trusted healthcare provider to discuss your cancer screening history and the best options for your individual needs,” Dr Smith said. 

If you’re looking for an LGBTQIA+ friendly service or help in finding a queer-friendly GP in your area, contact QLife on 1800 184 527. 

The post Cancer screening options available for LGBTQIA+ communities  appeared first on OUTinPerth.

The Screening Saves Lives campaign from North Metropolitan Health encourages people to get tested for bowel, cervical and breast cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Approximately 57 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. That equates to over 20,000 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and most have no family history of the disease.

Less than 1% of all breast cancer is diagnosed in men.

Research has shown that LGBTIQA+ people are less likely than the general population to engage with health professionals, and the result of this is a lower level of early detection illnesses.

Geri shared that she volunteers at the Breast Cancer Assessment Clinic at the Royal Perth Hospital, and it was here that one of the staff members suggested that she and wife Stephanie would be perfect for the campaign.

When Gerri came home and put forward the idea, Stephanie says her first reaction was to declare she wasn’t very photogenic, but as it was a campaign to raise awareness about cancer she quickly agreed to take part.

Years ago Stephanie had precancerous cervical cells removed, and ever since she’s been vigilant in making sure she always gets all the required check-ups and scans.

Shortly after they completed their photoshoots Stephanie went for a routine breast scan that detected an abnormality.

“I had this breast screening, and they came back to me and said, ‘We need to follow up further.’ And I thought, ‘Oh, yeah, no problem. So I went along to Gerri’s Breast Assessment Clinic, had a biopsy, and it turned out to be cancerous.” Stephanie said.

Not long after she had an operation to remove the cancerous tissue, and also underwent intraoperative radiation treatment.

“So I didn’t need any radiation therapy afterwards, which was wonderful.” Stephanie said.

Shortly after her operation one of her first outings was to Pride’s Fairday celebrations in Hyde Park, and as she entered the grounds she saw a huge poster of her campaign photo encouraging people to get tested regularly.

“It is so important for every single person to go and get the tests that they’re meant to have.” Stephanie said.

“I was about 40 when I had a brush with pre-cancer. So I had cervical screening every year after that, which meant that I definitely went along to the mammograms. We do the poo tests, we do everything.” Stephanie said of the couple’s diligence to testing.

“Because it’s in our power to do that. And if you let things go, you can end up in all sorts of trouble, it’s so important.”

While testing for cervical and breast cancer requires a medical appointment, all Australians over 50 years of age receive the testing kit for bowel cancer in the mail. It just requires two tiny poo samples that are sent into the lab.

Geri said that people are often surprised to discover the couple have been together for over 26 years, sharing that they got married just a few months after the laws changed in 2018.

Asked what they think of their new roles as poster girls, Geri breaks into a laugh.

“We think it’s hilarious. Absolutely hilarious.”

Quick facts about Breast Cancer

• BreastScreen WA provides FREE screening mammograms to eligibleWestern Australians  40 years or over with no breast symptoms, every two years.
• The risk of breast cancer increases with age: over 75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over 50 years of age.
• A screening mammogram can detect breast cancer before any changes can be seen or felt.
• Breast cancer cannot be prevented, but the earlier a breast cancer is detected the better the chance of successful treatment.
• BreastScreen WA encourages everyone to be breast aware, if you notice any unusual changes see your GP without delay.

Find out more about getting tested for Breast cancer at BreastScreen WA.

Graeme Watson, This article was created with the support of North Metropolitan Health.

The post Screening Saves Lives: Geri and Stephanie share their stories appeared first on OUTinPerth.

Research has shown that LGBTIQA+ people are less likely than the general population to engage with health professionals, and the result of this is a lower level of early detection illnesses.

As a woman who will soon celebrate her 50th birthday, Alyce Schotte knew that bowel cancer was something she’ll need to be tested for.

“I turn 50 this year,” Schotte shared during a phone chat on Transgender Day of Visibility. “It’s such a big celebration and everything.”

The LGBTIQA+ rights advocate was aware that this was also the milestone where she would need to start being tested for bowel cancer and consider what other health tests she would also need, moving forward.

All Australians are sent a bowel cancer testing kit in the mail every two years after their 50th birthday.

“A couple of years ago, I was living at a mate’s place, and he was turning 50. He got sent a bowel cancer screening test kit. It was something that arrived in the post, I saw it and asked what it was about.

“So I already had this awareness that at the age of 50, I’m going to get one of these, but what does that actually mean for someone who is transgender diverse? Is it going to be any different in the experience? I had no idea.”

When asked if she’d support the new awareness program, Schotte was eager to be involved because she knew she herself needed more information.

Bowel cancer is the second most common type of internal cancer in Western Australia, following lung cancer. If detected early, more than 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be treated successfully.

Many people experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer put off seeing their doctor because they are embarrassed to discuss their symptoms. Unfortunately, this embarrassment may put your life at risk. It is important to put embarrassment aside and seek advice promptly.

Schotte says the new awareness program for NMHS, that features several members of the local LGBTIQA+ communities, is a great example of health practitioners striving to address the inequality in health outcomes between the queer community and the general population.

While this program is a great example of a proactive approach, Schotte says there’s still a lot of work to be done across the health sector.

“There’s so many pieces and you got to look at where’s the best value for money in that investment to drive change.

“Do we start that at university level where the doctors, the health professionals are being educated so that when they step into the system, they’ve got an idea, they’ve got that visibility and that education to kick off with?

“Or do we need to do it multifaceted, where those who are already doing the healthcare system, whether it’s the administrators, the doctors, the nurses, the admin, whoever it actually is, get a barrel of information and learning at this point now to get them at least starting on their journey?

“I think probably a double barrel approach would be the best. Get both of those things happening. I know there are things happening within some of the education spaces that are shifting the dial for the educators. There’s a term out there called ‘queering the curriculum’, and maybe we need a bit of that into the medical or paramedical sciences.”

Listen to our full chat about creating safe spaces in the health realm, breaking down barriers to connection and access, and embracing regular screenings as you get older.

Find out all the information about bowel cancer and screenings. The three screening programs are continuing to recruit for another photoshoot to continue to represent the WA LGBTIQ+ community in all its diversity, so if anyone is interested they can contact the team via email.

Graeme Watson, This article was created with the support of North Metropolitan Health Services . 

The post Screening Saves Lives: Alyce Schotte on getting a bowel cancer test appeared first on OUTinPerth.