Change and Check posters – the brainchild of broadcaster Sarah Gandy – have had a massive impact on women across NZ, helping us to identify the signs of breast cancer. Here we hear from one NZ woman who says the campaign has quite likely saved her life.
Five years ago, broadcaster Sarah Gandy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was just 36. As she shared with us in a How Are You Today piece in 2020, the diagnosis came after Sarah had been on a run of very bad luck. But, Sarah still decided to tackle her diagnosis with humour and positivity as much as she could – and then, she decided to do something for other young women who might be in her shoes. She wanted to spread the word about some of the lesser known about symptoms of breast cancer and make sure that women, like her in their 30s, knew what to look out for and didn’t just assume that it was something that happened to older women.
And so the Change and Check campaign was born – with posters of the nine signs of breast cancer going up in changing rooms and work places across the country. The campaign is proving to be enormously successful – here, we hear from one woman who is certain that the early detection of her cancer, thanks to seeing the campaign, has meant a better outcome for her. Plus, we hear from lovely Sarah about where she is at with her breast cancer journey and how the last four years have been.
Dayle’s Story
I’d realised I was overdue my mammogram, I must have missed one during Covid. Then one day I was trying on clothes in a Farmers store and I noticed a poster in the changing room which showed the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. I realised I actually fit the bill on one of those signs – one of my nipples was inverted.
Seeing the poster made me realise I needed to do something about this. I hadn’t been too worried about it until then, but I knew I couldn’t keep hiding my head in the sand. I certainly hadn’t attributed it to cancer – I’d assumed breast cancer is always a lump and I didn’t have a lump. Before seeing the poster, I had no idea nipple inversion could be a sign.
I took myself off to the doctor, who recommended I go to a breast clinic. I had a mammogram and ultrasound which both came back normal. Then I was sent off for an MRI and that’s when it got picked up. I had DCIS – a preinvasive form of breast cancer. I needed a partial mastectomy to remove it, followed by symmetry surgery on my other breast. Then it was radiation treatment and further reconstruction surgery.
I’m incredibly lucky I was diagnosed early so I was at the curative end of the spectrum. It meant I didn’t need a mastectomy or chemotherapy.
My journey was fortunately very straight forward, and I was also well looked after by family and Breast Cancer Foundation. Their nurses called me regularly and after my surgery they sent me a support package which was so useful. They also provided funding for some physiotherapy sessions to treat cording, a complication after surgery.
Despite being a nurse, I didn’t know too much about breast cancer before I was diagnosed, it was outside my wheelhouse. So it was reassuring to know the BCF nurses could help me with tailored information about my situation. They do an amazing job and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from them.
If I hadn’t have seen that poster at Farmers, I think I would’ve left it for a lot longer. Maybe at my next GP visit I might’ve remembered to say something. I think if I’d had a lump, it would’ve been more if a big deal and harder to ignore. But it felt like my change was much more subtle, so it was easier to turn a blind eye.
Breast cancer is so prevalent, we all know someone who’s had it. So, we all need to know how important it is to check our breasts and act on any changes. It could end up being nothing but if it is something, at least if it’s caught early, you’ll be in a better position. Also, get to know the different signs of breast cancer because like in my case, it’s not always a lump.
Sarah’s Story
We spoke to the wonderful Dayle on our More FM drive show and I almost found myself lost for words. We know the stickers save lives – I get messages from people saying they found their cancer because of the stickers, but I never get tired of hearing it. I’m so so glad that Dayle took action once she saw the stickers. That part is really important. She absolutely saved her own life by doing that.
For me, it’s almost five years since my own breast cancer diagnosis. And what a whirlwind of a five years. I’m lucky to have had lots of adventures over that time, and spend lots of time with my husband Luke. I’m feeling pretty great these days. Recovery after treatment definitely isn’t linear, and so some days are easier than others. I put lots of energy into looking after myself and that helps a lot. I’ve dabbled in all sorts of things over that time – podcasting, voice over work, MCing gigs like the Six60 Saturdays Shows (that first Eden Park show will be locked in my memory for life). I’ve also started a new media training business in that time which I find super fulfilling. Being back on air at More FM in the afternoons with Flynny is a daily joy. We laugh till we cry most days, which can only be good for you right?
If there was once thing I wish I’d known five years ago, when all this started, it would be knowing that it would all be ok. I know that sounds a bit obvious, but categorically knowing (instead of just hoping) that I would absolutely still be here 5 years later would have been pretty magic. I also wasn’t quite prepared for how hard it would be after treatment. My breast surgeon warned me that it can be mentally and even physically tough, and she was right. Once you’re through the big active treatments, it kind of feels like a bomb’s been dropped on you. Then it’s your job to process what you’ve been through and piece yourself back together again.
I found my lump purely by accident. I wish I could say I was more vigilant. These days I’m all over it, and I’m also across the nine signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Mammograms are SO key for finding cancer, but if you’re younger than 40 you might not be getting them yet. So those nine signs are worth knowing. Know your normal, have a good feel around regularly, and if you find anything no matter how small, get it checked.
We’re on a mission to save lives with our Change and Check stickers – they show the nine signs and symptoms of breast cancer. We’re trying to get them into as many bathrooms, changing rooms and spaces as we can. If you have a spot for some at your cafe, gym or pilates studio, shop, anywhere really, please head into your local Mediaworks reception and pick up as many as you need for free. We know they work, legends like Dayle prove that – we just need to get them out there.
You have excellent odds of surviving breast cancer if it’s diagnosed early – breast cancers that are diagnosed as stage 1 or 2 have a 92% survival rate. But too many women are still needlessly dying because they were diagnosed too late. This October, Breast Cancer Foundation is encouraging women to get to know the normal look and feel of their breasts, regularly check for changes and see a doctor as soon as possible about any changes. Making this part of your routine is the ultimate act of self-care – it’s what could save your life from breast cancer.
