Check yourself, Murray Bridge breast cancer survivor urges

The Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery encourage women and men of all ages to do monthly breast cancer checks.

Check yourself, Murray Bridge breast cancer survivor urges
Enrolled Nurse Ann Dickson-Elliott with Wendy Ziersch. Photo: Wendy Ziersch.

This sponsored story is brought to you by Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery.

Each year October marks national Breast Cancer Awareness Month, recognising the devastating impact breast cancer has on Australian communities.

The Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery is encouraging women and men alike to check for irregular lumps.

Every day 58 people in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Practice manager Wendy Ziersch knows first hand how important it is to keep up with breast screening checks.

It’s been a little over four years since she found an abnormality under her armpit.

“It was quite a large lump that I found, so I got it checked, and it was found to be breast cancer," she says.

"Checks need to be a regular thing people be do ... it’s suggested to do one each month.

"A lot of women find breast density tricky ... if there’s something that doesn’t feel quite right they should always see their local GP."

Symptoms of breast cancer may include:

  • A lump or thickening in the breast, especially if it is only in one breast
  • Changes to the shape or size of the breast
  • Changes to the shape of the nipple, such as crusting, sores or ulcers, redness or inversion
  • Changes to the skin of the breast, such as dimpling, rash, scaly appearance, redness or other colour changes
  • Fluid leaking or discharge from the nipple without squeezing
  • Persistent, unusual pain that doesn’t go away
  • Swelling or discomfort in the armpit

If you’re wondering how to check your breasts, the National Breast Cancer Foundation suggests being breast aware.

This means being familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, so that it can make identifying any unusual changes easier.

It isn't just people aged 40-plus who need to beware, Wendy says – any age group can succumb to a diagnosis.

"We’ve got to be vigilant with our bodies ... the earlier the found the better," she says.

"Our Murraylands area has quite a lot of resources, we have a breast care nurse, and access to the Breast Cancer Network and Breast Screen SA."

These resources are amazing, providing advice and a listening ear to support people on their journey, she says.

Murray Bridge also has its own wig library located at the Square Community Centre and run through Soroptimist International Murray Bridge.

"We are so lucky with our resources we have ... there’s multiple testing (options) available within our region," Wendy says.

Wendy Ziersch with Dr David Ramsey (General Practitioner) and Karen Heinrich (Registered Nurse). Photo: Wendy Ziersch

Wendy under went chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Her journey still continues today.

"Now I’ve been found to be cancer free but it could change anytime, with anybody," she says.

For anyone with a loved one going through breast cancer, being there to help with meals, or offering short visits, is a great support, Wendy says: “Your friends will be the ones you reply upon for that support."

The team at the day and night surgery helped Wendy throughout her treatment, and got her through those tough times.

"What’s right for me might not be for someone else, its a unique journey and how they deal with it is individual," she says.

"If this (story) provokes even one person to do a check, then I’ll be happy."

The Day and Night Surgery encourages workplaces to go pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raise money for a great cause.

Helpful resources include the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the McGrath Foundation.

  • Book a health check: Visit Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery at 35-37 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge between 8am and 9pm on weekdays, call 8531 2988 or visit www.murraybridgemedical.com.au; or, in the case of an emergency, call 000.

Renovation update

Tomorrow also marks a year since the surgery building was damaged by an fire in an arsonist attack.

The medical centre have finally go their insurance claim back and new carpets are being laid this week.

“It will be a huge relief ... I’m very grateful for our staff and how they’ve handled it," Ms Ziersch said.

Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Murray Bridge News’ Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.

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