The day Petah Young found out she had breast cancer, her whole world turned upside down. Fit and in her 50s, the diagnosis arrived just six months after a routine mammogram came back clear.
With a friend always reminding her to “check ya boobs”, Ms Young was in the shower when she discovered a large lump, leading to the news no one wants to receive.
“I remember that day so clearly – just like I imagine most people do when they get that dreaded phone call,” Ms Young tells My Weekly Preview.
“I ran to my mum in the kitchen, crying, and said, ‘It’s breast cancer’.
“I tried to process the news as best I could, but my mind was already overwhelmed. My now-husband was in the hospital, seriously injured after being hit by a car exactly one week earlier.
“The whole experience felt surreal.”
Every day in Australia, 58 people are diagnosed with breast cancer.
It remains the most diagnosed cancer among women, with more than 21,000 new cases expected in 2025.
Heartbreakingly, nine Australians die from the disease every single day.
Sharing her story to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ms Young says navigating her diagnosis, treatment and side effects was challenging – and something she wouldn’t wish upon her worst enemy.
“Physically, it took a massive toll,” she says.
“I won’t sugar-coat it: chemo and surgery were brutal. But surprisingly, I sailed through radiation without too many issues.
“I’ve always been someone who thrives in the gym, training most days of the week.
“I was halfway through a fitness challenge when everything hit the fan.
“I still managed to keep moving, just not at the level I was used to.
“Losing my sense of taste was tough. And then came the strange cravings for foods and drinks I never usually touched.
“Cloudy apple juice became my go-to, along with fried rice.
“Losing all my hair, including my eyebrows and eyelashes, was something else entirely.
“It’s an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone and one I hope I never have to go through again.”
Throughout her breast cancer journey, Ms Young says her ‘village’ of family and friends truly kept her going.
“My now-husband was my rock through it all,” she says.
“This wasn’t his first time facing cancer.
“His mum had passed away from breast cancer years earlier, so he supported me with a quiet strength that meant everything.
“One of my closest friends, my ‘breast’ friend as we now say, was also diagnosed with breast cancer just six months before me. We leaned on each other a lot, regularly meeting at a local coffee shop to chat, laugh and just feel normal for a while.
“I also have to mention how incredible Bloomhill and the McGrath Foundation were. The breast care nurses were compassionate, knowledgeable and genuinely encouraging.
“No question was ever too small or too awkward – they were always there.”
Now two years into remission, Ms Young says her whole outlook on life has changed, embracing becoming a grandmother and making the leap to start her dream university degree.
“It might sound like a cliché, but I really do try not to sweat the small stuff anymore,” she says.
“I take each day as it comes.
“In April last year, I became a nan to the most gorgeous little boy and I adore him beyond words.
“He’s brought so much joy into my life.
“This year, I decided to take a leap and go to university. I enrolled in a double degree in psychology, criminology and justice – because why do just one, right?
“At the ripe old age of 56, I’ve learned it’s never too late to start something new.
“I’ve met some amazing friends there, which has been such a bonus, especially being one of the older students. I truly enjoy my life.”
Ms Young’s advice to others touched by a diagnosis is to seek support or offer support.
“If you ever find yourself on the breast cancer journey, know that you’re not alone,” she says.
“There is a whole network of people, services and support systems out there to help you through it.
“And for those standing on the sidelines, cheering someone on, it’s the little things that truly make a difference.
“Cooking a meal, throwing on a load of washing, taking them out for a coffee or simply going for a walk along the beach and breathing in that beautiful salt air we’re so lucky to have right at our doorstep –these small gestures mean more than you might realise.”
Ms Young is also reminding people of the importance of getting their breasts checked, especially if any changes are noticed.
“I’m so grateful to my ‘breast’ friend,” she says.
“If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have thought to check my breasts, especially since I’d had a mammogram just six or seven months earlier that came back clear.
“She may have very well saved my life.
“Please don’t wait for your next mammogram. Check your breasts regularly, at any time, because things can change in an instant and tomorrow is never promised.”
SPILL THE TEA, IT COULD SAVE A LIFE
A new national campaign from tea brand Tetley, in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), is aiming to transform something as simple as a chat over a cup of tea into what could be a life-changing conversation.
The Uncomfortable Cup campaign, launched for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encourages Australians to have difficult but vital conversations about symptoms, screening and support.
BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti says the campaign highlights the power of talking openly about breast cancer and how meaningful conversations can provide strength through shared experiences.
“As Australia’s peak breast cancer organisation, BCNA understands that the conversations people avoid having are often the ones that can save lives,” she says.
“When someone has had a positive diagnosis, is navigating treatment or is getting on with their life after treatment, they know they can turn to us for support and connection.
“Just as Tetley brings people together over a cup of tea, BCNA connects Australians to the information, peer support and advocacy they need to face breast cancer with confidence.
“Together, we want to transform the kitchen table conversations into life-changing action.”
As part of the initiative, Tetley is raising funds to support the work of BCNA through a limited-edition pink pack of Tetley Tea Cup 100s, where five cents from each box sold will go BCNA.
“Sharing a cup of tea can be the catalyst for conversations which, no matter how uncomfortable, are deeply necessary,” Tetley’s Divya Shrivastava says.
“Whether checking in with a loved one, sharing a personal story or learning about symptoms and screening, these moments of connection can lead to early detection, greater understanding and stronger support.”
For more information, visit tetley.com.au/theuncomfortablecup.
BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL STATISTICS IN AUSTRALIA
Australia has one of the best survival rates for breast cancer in the world.
Although more people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, the mortality rate from the disease is going down.
The latest statistics were released in September 2024.
They show that the chance of surviving at least five years (five-year relative survival) has increased from 78 per cent in 1990-1994 to 92 per cent in 2016-2020.
HOW TO SELF-EXAMINE
Finding breast cancer early gives you the best chance of effective treatment.
You should examine your breasts regularly to be aware of anything that looks or feels different.
If you notice any changes in your breast that are new or unusual for you, see your doctor as soon as possible. Not all breast changes are cancerous (they may be ‘benign’ changes).
Screening with regular mammograms is also important, even when you don’t have any symptoms.
Changes may include:
- a lump or swelling in your breast or underarm (armpit)
- changes in the shape or size of the breast
- irritation or dimpling of your breast skin
- pain in any area of your breast that is unusual or ongoing
- an indent (puckering) in part of the breast when you lift your arms
- a rash or red, crusty or flaky skin in your nipple area or your breast
- a change in the shape of the nipple, such as it turning inwards (‘inverting’)
- discharge from the nipple, other than breast milk.
– Source: BCNA
