A breast cancer survivor who was inspired by an Aussie actor to get a mammogram is urging others to do the same.
Luan Lawrenson-Woods said seeing actor and advocate Samuel Johnson discussing breast cancer on an episode of The Project in 2017 inspired her to get a mammogram.
It turned out Lawrenson-Woods was in the early stages of breast cancer, and she admits she didn’t catch the signs.
“I hadn’t noticed any lumps or bumps – just been like coughing and just generally unwell,” she told 9News.
“I just thought, you know what mammograms are free for over 40s. It was just like going to get my car checked.”
She also said it wasn’t until seeing Johnson on television that she made the call.
Johnson’s sister Connie was diagnosed with breast cancer and later passed away in 2017.
He started the charity Love Your Sister, which is dedicated to supporting cancer research.
Lawrenson-Woods underwent years of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery followed, before she was declared cancer-free.
The experience turned her into an advocate as well, but she never had the chance to thank Johnson until they met at a Patients Australia gala in Melbourne.
Johnson said he was proud of Lawrenson-Woods taking initiative and catching the cancer early.
“My sister would be so thankful you were so vigilant because she was kicking herself because she knew something was wrong,” he said.
Lawrenson-Woods used the gala to highlight the importance of early detection in helping treat breast cancer.
“You know you best; if something isn’t right – go and get it checked out,” she said.
The pair continue to be strong advocates for supporting breast cancer sufferers and survivors, and Johnson said it is a collective effort.
“My sister used to love saying Sam this is bigger than us – it’s not about us, it’s about everyone out there,” he said.
“Hopefully they’re listening and speaking to their doctors.”
