Early detection saves life

The Cancer Council urges people to get checked by a professional as soon as they can. Picture: SUPPLIED. l

A new campaign by Cancer Council Victoria is urging people to get checked for cancer.

Victorian Nicola Iglicki, who is a mother of two noticed a lump in her breast in November 2021 and immediately booked an appointment with her doctor for the following day.

“I thought I had imagined the lump and kept thinking this couldn’t be happening to me,” she said.

“But I soon realised I wasn’t imagining it; the lump was hard and mobile.”

Nicole was then diagnosed with stage 1, grade 3 breast cancer and was grateful for how quickly her doctor and the broader medical team acted.

Now, Nicole is urging other Victorians to act if they notice a change in their health or body.

Cancer Council Victoria CEO Mr Todd Harper AM said this immediate action taken by Mrs Iglicki likely saved her life or at least minimised the degree of invasive treatment she’d need.

“We know the earlier cancer is found, the better our chances of treating it and the patient making a full recovery,” he said.

“It’s so important we check our bodies for signs of cancer and see a doctor immediately if we notice any changes.”

Cancer Council Victoria’s latest lifesaving campaign urges all eligible Victorians to get up to date with cancer screening and seek medical support if they’ve noticed changes to their health.

Learn more about cancer symptoms and cancer screening at Cancer Council Victoria Early Detection Saves Lives website at earlydetection.org.au.