Albany cancer survivor channels energy to raise funds for breast care nurses

Celebrating four years clear of breast cancer, Albany woman Lisa Hart has turned her pain into power to encourage others to check for signs and seek support.

On her 37th birthday in 2017, Ms Hart found a lump on her breast which led to a diagnosis of rare triple-negative breast cancer.

The mother of three endured radiation and chemotherapy for 12 months before receiving the news she had been hoping for — she was now a survivor.

“I have been through a pretty rough 12 months but I have come out the end of it and now it just gives me more hope,” she said.

“I just want to live my life to the fullest because I stopped for 12 months and I kind of stared death in the face.

“But I am here to talk about it now and to get the message across that no matter what age you are, male or female, please check because it is to save your life.”

To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month Ms Hart, along with her family and friends, turned pink to raise nearly $3000 for the McGrath Foundation to help fund breast care nurses in their community.

With one in seven women and one in 716 men diagnosed in their lifetime, it is not hard to find someone touched by the disease.

Eight women die from breast cancer every day in Australia.

Ms Hart urged people to support breast cancer fundraisers near them this month. “My message is to be vigilant and to check your breasts — it doesn’t matter what age you are,” she said.

“I didn’t think I would get it at the age of 37, and I had a few friends who were very young who are fighting cancer now.

“So it means a lot to me to get the message out there to regularly check, because it saved my life and it will save someone else’s.”