Mini-Field of Women – October 2013

On Tuesday October 1st 2013, the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Epworth Breast Service and the Epworth Richmond hospital community hosted a Mini-field of Women. Young breast cancer survivor, Anna Salatas, (pictured below, centre, with her breast surgeon Jane O’Brien- right, and her medical oncologist, Rowan Doig,-left, on the balcony of the new Epworth Day Oncology Unit) shared her experience with an obviously touched audience. Anna bravely described the experience of her breast cancer diagnosis, subsequent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and the impact it has had on the life of not just herself, but also her husband and two young children. Anna movingly explained how that since her cancer experience, she feels her life is now “better and fuller”, than previously.

“Every day, 38 Australian women will learn they have breast cancer. Each time a woman hears she has breast cancer, the impact extends to her family, friends and those around her in the community,” and Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA) Mini-Field of Women events provide an opportunity for local communities to support and pay tribute to all those affected by breast cancer, and the Epworth Richmond event was strongly supported by staff (pictured below), patients and friends.