Ann Krause describes herself as “lucky” after a routine check identified a small lump in her breast.
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When Ms Krause turned 50, she received a reminder letter from the government to attend a screening.
This test launched her battle with breast cancer but ultimately saved her life.
“I would never have known if it wasn’t for the test,” she said.
She said the diagnosis had been devastating.
“The first thing that comes to mind is your children,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d get to see them have their own families.”
Now one week away from Breast Cancer Awareness month, she is encouraging others to join support groups, meet survivors and foster hope.
“There’s a world of women out there surviving,” she said. “It helps to have someone to listen, share and understand what you’re going through.”
Since her 2007 diagnosis, Ms Krause has worked to support others on their journey through breast cancer as the community liaison for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
Now two years in remission, she is also the president of the South C Dragons dragon boat team and coordinates the Warrnambool Social Breast Cancer Support Group.
Ms Krause said there hadn’t been a lot of support around when she was diagnosed and even less for partners.
“I didn’t know anyone (with breast cancer),” she said. “And facing options of treatment… it’s pretty scary. You’re head is just spinning.”
Ms Krause said now there were more opportunities to network and form groups such as the dragon boating team, giving survivors a positive atmosphere to share experiences.
“It’s a great thing to get involved in,” she said. “When you’re paddling, you’re not thinking about anything else and you can just have a great time.”
She said even if lunch meetings and paddling weren’t of interest, there were other avenues to meet like-minded people and network.
“Just give (networking) a try, is my advice,” she said.
Ms Krause said the team would be turning pink on Saturday, October 22 and invited other south-west sporting groups to do the same on any weekend across the month.
“We’ll get pinked up for our paddle in the morning (Saturday) and then set up the Mini Field of Women,” she said. “(Everyone is) very welcome to come leave a message on a pink lady for someone they know.”
