Woman’s Early Detection of Breast Cancer Highlights Screening Importance

A routine mammogram in November 2024 led to a shocking diagnosis for Julie Haines, a resident of Havelock North. Just three weeks after receiving the all-clear, she learned she had breast cancer. Haines emphasizes that regular screenings are crucial for early detection and survival, despite her experience of being diagnosed shortly after a normal mammogram.

The 52-year-old’s story illustrates the importance of understanding one’s own body. Haines had previously noticed changes in her breast, specifically dimpling, which prompted her to consult a specialist. While the initial examination in 2023 revealed no concerns, the specialist informed her about her dense breast tissue and recommended an ultrasound during her next routine mammogram.

Haines recalls the advice given to her: “There’s a higher case of getting breast cancer if you have dense breast tissue but a lower chance of it being picked up on the mammogram.” Following her normal mammogram results in November 2024, she received a referral for an ultrasound, which she initially hesitated to pursue due to cost. Fortunately, she decided to proceed with the ultrasound on the concerned breast.

Three weeks later, during the ultrasound, the technician’s actions and subsequent request for a biopsy indicated something was amiss. “The only time I cried was when I left that ultrasound and called my husband to tell him something wasn’t right,” Haines shared. Upon receiving the diagnosis, she was relieved to learn it was treatable and had been caught early.

By January 2025, Haines underwent surgery to remove the tumour and began radiation treatment in March. She is currently on Tamoxifen, a medication that blocks cancer cells from using estrogen to grow. “I almost considered myself a cancer fraud because I didn’t need chemotherapy,” she said, expressing her gratitude for having caught the cancer in its early stages.

Haines’ experience underscores the necessity for women to become familiar with their bodies. She strongly advocates for regular mammograms and encourages women to monitor any changes. “If I hadn’t gotten that dimpling checked out, my cancer might not have been discovered until my next mammogram,” she warned. “The tumour would have been big enough to pick up by then but also big enough to kill me.”

According to Natalie James, lead nurse at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, early detection is vital. Since the introduction of Aotearoa’s free screening programme in 1998, women have seen a 34% reduction in breast cancer mortality rates. “We know that some breast cancers are diagnosed between regular mammograms, so we push ‘know your normal’,” James stated.

She emphasized that every woman’s breasts are unique, and being aware of normal changes can help individuals identify potential issues. Breasts may change in size or tenderness during the menstrual cycle, but regular self-checks can help women distinguish between normal variations and potential concerns.

For those looking for guidance on self-examinations, the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ provides resources including videos and diagrams on their website. James reassures women that mammograms are safe and effective, despite common concerns about discomfort or embarrassment. “Even if you do have those worries, you should give it a go,” she said.

Haines’ journey serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of both regular screenings and self-awareness in the fight against breast cancer.