May 10th, 2018
Bumps and bruises are part of the game, but beware: your injury could be hiding something more serious. That’s the
message from Breast Cancer Foundation NZ as Kiwis head into the winter sport season.
Chief Executive Evangelia Henderson is urging women – and men – to be vigilant if they sustain a knock to the chest.
“Bumps themselves don’t cause breast cancer,” Mrs Henderson says. “However, if you notice a lump that remains after
bruising, swelling and soreness resolves, we strongly recommend that you have it checked by your doctor.”
The Breast Cancer Foundation’s warning comes after a Palmerston North roller derby player, Jody Hare, was diagnosed with
an aggressive form of breast cancer following a bruising encounter on the track. Jody went to her doctor with soreness,
bruising and a lump that, at first, was thought to be a haematoma.
When the lump did not disappear, Jody returned to her doctor and was sent for further tests. She was diagnosed with
ductal invasive carcinoma and has since had chemotherapy, a mastectomy and drug treatment. Throughout, she continued
with her sport and even represented New Zealand at the world championships in the UK – just one week before having her
mastectomy.
Jody is grateful that her injury led to the lump’s chance discovery. “If it had been any later, it would have been a
whole lot more serious,” Jody says.
Mrs Henderson says, “Jody’s story is a reminder that everyone should be breast aware. We encourage you to ‘Know your
normal,’ and if you notice a change, see your doctor.”
More than 3,300 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand every year. Men can get breast cancer too – around
25 are diagnosed each year. Check out anychanges.co.nz to find out how to check your breasts and know the signs.
As well as being the start of the winter sport season, May is the Foundation’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast month. Kiwis are
invited to host their own events to raise much-needed funds for breast cancer research and patient support. Go to www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz to register your breakfast.
ends