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Research gives cancer patients hope

Icon Writers / 09 Jan, 2025

Natasha reflects on how research has helped her survive breast cancer – something her mother and aunties didn’t have.

At just 41-years-old, Natasha has already endured two battles with breast cancer.

Perth-based Natasha was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer 12 years ago, age 28.

“I have the BRCA2 gene. My mother passed away from breast cancer when I was 19 years old. Two of my aunties have also passed away from breast cancer,” Natasha said.

“So, while I was devastated to be diagnosed myself, it didn’t come as a big shock.”

Following successful chemotherapy treatment, Natasha remained cancer free for over 12 years.

But while on a weekend away celebrating her fourth wedding anniversary to husband Matthew in August 2023, Natasha discovered a lump in her left breast.

“I was gutted. I knew a recurrence was possible, but I was hopeful it wouldn’t return after so many years.”

Following her second breast cancer diagnosis, Natasha underwent five months of chemotherapy, followed by 25 sessions of radiation therapy at Icon Cancer Centre Midland.

Natasha, who has lived in four different countries and travelled to 48 countries, says she is determined to start making the most of life again now her treatment is done.

“I’d like to reach 50 (countries visited). My cancer journey has certainly made me realise that life is precious, and I should make the most of it,” Natasha said.

“We’re planning to go to Japan and New Zealand.”

Natasha and Matthew are also renovating their home and looking forward to hosting parties, surrounding themselves with friends and family.

They see this next phase of their lives, following Natasha’s recent treatment, as a fresh start – a way to put cancer behind them and enjoy the little things in life.

“Having lost my mum and aunties to cancer, I realised at a young age that I shouldn’t take life too seriously and I should focus on the things that make me happy,” Natasha said.

“I know how short life is, having watched family members go through cancer as well.  My mum and aunties had to live with the fear of dying but I’ve never had that fear because I’ve seen how far cancer treatments have come since they went through their cancer battles.

“The technology is so different nowadays. I’ve been able to access treatments that weren’t even around when my mum and aunty had their breast cancer treatment”.

“The team at Icon has given me my life back. And I really plan to make the most of it.”

If you have the means to do so, please consider donating to support vital research to help patients like Natasha.

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