DIAGNOSIS DEVASTATES CANCER CAMPAIGNER

EMMA Morrissey was just a teenager when she learned the true devastation cancer could bring.

At just 18, she was told her dad Rod had developed cancerous tumours. Months later, her younger brother Nathan was diagnosed with slow-growing brain tumours.

Now aged 29, Emma is fighting her own battle.

Three weeks ago, the Newcomb disability support worker decided to go to her doctor when she noticed she had a lump in her breast.

Subsequent tests revealed she had stage two breast cancer.

“I found a lump in my breast which I had checked because I had an itchy nipple,” Emma said.

“I had no idea that this was a sign of breast cancer, but I found out through the biopsy that it was cancerous.”

Today Emma will start the first stage of her treatment and undergo a lumpectomy.

The future is not known — but doctors expect Emma’s treatment will include radiotherapy, hormone treatments and the precautionary exercise of freezing her eggs.

“It’s pretty full on — especially as a woman. I’ve had to think about freezing eggs and freezing embryos,” Emma said.

Emma, who is also scared of losing her hair, hopes sharing her story will help encourage other women to not only check themselves, but have regular medical and breast checks too.

“I didn’t regularly check, to be honest,” Emma said.

“I feel very lucky that I found it (the lump) so early and that I got it checked straight away because it gives me the best chance.”

Since telling her friends about her diagnosis, Emma says a number of people close to her have had medical examinations.

“Even their mums have checked their breasts and thought there’s something and had a mammogram,” Emma said.

“I’m sort of trying to be that kind of person who can spread the message about checking for breast lumps and generally about checking general health and wellbeing.”

Emma’s lifelong friend Lauren Hepner established a fundraising page for Emma, who will be unable to work during parts of her treatment.

“I’m just really grateful for this amazing community that has kind of rallied around and that has shown me their support,” Emma said.

“It’s so beautiful — it’s really lifted my spirits when I was feeling down.”

When Emma’s dad Rod died in 2011 the family also felt the swell of community support.

“I remember when dad was diagnosed and the community helped us raise money,” Emma said.

Support Emma by searching for Emma’s Treatment Fund at GoFundMe.