An invitation to share a cuppa could open an important conversation for Hawkesbury families affected by breast cancer this October.
Breast Cancer Network Australia and Tetley Tea are encouraging people to check in with loved ones, discuss family health history and listen to those navigating diagnosis, treatment and life afterwards.
Their A Life-Changing Cuppa campaign marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, drawing on the familiar ritual of putting the kettle on when someone needs to talk.
Breast Cancer Network Australia chief executive Kirsten Pilatti said conversations could provide connection and encourage people to seek medical advice about changes that concerned them.
“Breast cancer can affect people at different ages and in very different ways. It is so important that people feel able to speak about their health, share their experiences and seek medical advice when something does not feel right,” she said.
“For someone navigating a new diagnosis, going through treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer being asked how they are really doing can also be incredibly meaningful.”
For Melbourne nurse and mother Jess Pearce, a diagnosis brought family health information to light that she had not previously known.
After a close friend developed breast cancer, Jess became more attentive to her own breast health. She sought investigations after noticing thickening in her breast in 2022 and said she was reassured by clear mammogram and ultrasound results.
Thirteen months later, aged 33, she was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.
Subsequent family conversations revealed a history of cancer, and genetic testing identified a BRCA2 mutation inherited through her father’s family.
“I didn’t know about the BRCA2 genetic mutation until I was diagnosed,” Jess said.
“Now others are finding out that they are carriers too, such as one of my brothers and one of my cousins.”
Jess underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction. She said the physical and emotional effects continued beyond initial treatment.
“Yes, it’s amazing that I’m living, but there’s still a lot of healing to do even when you catch it early.”
Another woman sharing her experience, Veronica Wong, was diagnosed in 2018 after noticing new discomfort in her left armpit.
During treatment, she organised a workplace morning tea and shared her experience with more than 100 colleagues, helping open conversations about breast cancer.
For Hawkesbury residents, the campaign offers a simple starting point: make time to listen, ask how someone is coping and create space for an honest answer.
“You do not need to have all the answers; sometimes starting the conversation and being there to listen is what matters most,” Ms Pilatti said.
Tetley will donate five cents from every pink pack sold in Australia to support Breast Cancer Network Australia’s information, resources and services.
These include My Journey, a free online tool providing information tailored to a person’s diagnosis and treatment.
Information and support are available at bcna.org.au.
