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Check that saves lives

Lauren PedenWanneroo Times

So when the Quinns Rocks resident found a lump the day she was due to fly out on a five-week European adventure, she was shocked.

Mrs Peters' doctor told her it could not wait and she needed a biopsy as soon as possible.

She had to make the tough decision to have it checked while in Malaysia on the way to her dream holiday and was given the all-clear.

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When she returned home, checks were organised at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and despite no trace of the lump remaining, biopsy results showed abnormal cells in her breast, confirming her worst fear.

Mrs Peters said her breast cancer diagnosis in 2014 was "a bombshell".

Less than a year later and she said the support and guidance provided by Breast Cancer Care WA (BCCWA) nurses had given her the strength and positive outlook to give cancer "the boot".

She said clear and supportive information offered by BCCWA staff had helped her come to terms with her diagnosis.

"The nurses at BCCWA were fabulous. They took the time to listen and understand my individual needs and were really empathetic, answering all the worried questions I had," she said.

BCCWA and Steel Blue formed a partnership in 2007 and developed the Pink and Purple Boots Campaign.

Steel Blue has donated more than $750,000 from 30,000 pairs of the boots sold, helping BCCWA develop online support and educational programs.

The campaign aims to help educate Australians to be breast-aware to increase the chances of early detection.

"I can't stress enough how important it is to check yourself and know what is normal for your breasts and to go for your regular mammogram. Early detection is what gave my breast cancer journey a successful outcome," Mrs Peters said.

Steel Blue will launch its new Southern Cross Ladies boots in pink and purple on Mother's Day (Sunday, May 10) with $10 from each going to BCCWA.

Fiona and her husband also began the Parched in March Campaign to raise funds for BCCWA, so far achieving more than $800. For more on that, visit mycause.com.au.