BEYOND THE BATTLE SCAR The Unseen Strength Of Survivorship

By Amanda Wright

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In a split second, the world shifts—what began as a routine moment of motherhood becomes a thunderous alarm bell, revealing a hidden enemy within, as the stark discovery of a breast cancer lump ignites an unrelenting battle, forcing an extraordinary journey of resilience, courage, and the fight for survival.
This was the case for Louise Bennet, whose world shattered when a lump she thought was harmless turned out to be aggressive breast cancer.
At just 34, with her baby in her arms, she faced a brutal battle of mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. Her 10cm scar is not just a mark of survival but a battle cry for every woman to trust their instincts.
From Louise’s story, a clear message emerges. No one is too young for breast cancer. If something feels wrong, act now. Your life could depend on it.

Embracing each moment together, Queensland mother Louise Bennet and her daughter Evie remind us that love and resilience shine brighter than any battle scar. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they embody the strength of a mother’s heart and the joy of life's precious journey. Photo credit: Annette Dew

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The Stories Behind The Scars
Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The 10cm scar across Louise Bennet’s chest is a lasting symbol of her battle with breast cancer.
The 34-year-old mother discovered a lump in her breast while breastfeeding her daughter Evie in January last year. Initially, she thought it might be a common breastfeeding issue, like mastitis, but months later, scans revealed the shocking reality: Louise had aggressive triple-negative breast cancer, along with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ), a form of cancer in the milk ducts.
Louise, like many others, hadn’t anticipated a diagnosis like this at such a young age. Her message is clear—being breast aware is critical, and no one is too young to be diagnosed.
“I share my story because if I can be open about my experience, I hope I can empower other women to be proud of their bodies.
“My scar is a reminder of the journey I have been on—the journey that has kept me alive and will continue to keep me alive. I don’t feel any less, and I am able to walk through the world as I am—my body is still accepted wherever I go,” Louise said.
Louise underwent a mastectomy followed by 15 rounds of chemotherapy and 16 rounds of radiation. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she remains positive, urging others to be proud of their own journeys.
"From the very moment I found out I had cancer, I was determined to heal, and I am grateful for the multidisciplinary team at Mater, and my friends and family, for making that happen.
“I wasn’t concerned about my physical appearance and did whatever I could to be healthy and look to the future."
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Louise’s story is a timely reminder for all women to take their health into their own hands. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Australia, and early detection is key. Women are encouraged to be their own health advocates—perform regular self-examinations and seek medical advice if anything seems unusual. If concerns persist or if you feel your concerns aren’t being fully addressed, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Advocating for your own health is crucial, as early intervention can be life-saving.
Breast surgeon Dr. Sally Meade, who treated Louise, noted that mastectomies, while visually and emotionally impactful, have a surprisingly quick recovery time.
“There’s not too much pain, and most patients are able to go home within a day or two,” Dr. Meade said. She emphasised that the management of breast cancer is highly personalised, with multidisciplinary teams supporting women every step of the way.
"At Mater, we have compassionate teams of radiologists, oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, breast care nurses, and therapists all working together to provide holistic care."
Louise’s treatment journey concluded in April, but she will continue regular check-ups to monitor her health. She credits her family, friends, and the expert team at Mater for helping her stay strong throughout her cancer battle.
“After 15 rounds of chemotherapy and 16 rounds of radiation, I am still smiling.
“I was determined to heal from the disease and being able to care for my Evie was a priority,” she said.
For Louise, survival has become a source of empowerment.
“I have learned that before anything else, I need to love myself. With various markings and scars on my body, I certainly look like I’ve been through some stuff, but it’s just evolution."
Louise’s story serves as a powerful reminder to all women: Be proactive, trust your instincts, and never be afraid to seek a second opinion. Your health is in your hands, and early action could make all the difference.

Are You Breast Aware? It’s vital to perform regular self-breast examinations to monitor for any changes. Statistics show that 40 per cent of breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump. Regular self-exams can help with early detection, and the sooner cancer is identified, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Dr. Cindy Mak, Director of Breast Services at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, emphasises that while mammograms are essential for early detection, self-exams play an equally important role.
“Mammograms can catch cancer before you feel a lump, but self-examinations help women become familiar with how their breasts look and feel, which can make it easier to spot any changes,” Dr. Mak said.

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Louise Bennet and her daughter Evie radiate love and resilience. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they remind us that even amid life’s battles, the bond of family shines brighter than ever. Photo credit: Annette Dew

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