Port Macquarie Pink Girls member Tracy Stone said if it were up to her she would remind women to check their breasts at the start of each month of the year. 

It was six months before Ms Stone went to the doctor with a concern about her breast. 

Unfortunately because she left it so long to consult medical advice, the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes in her armpits and she had to have an operation to remove her breast. 

“Thinking back now, I wouldn’t have left it so long.” 

Ms Stone said that women are still hesitate to check themselves, as there is a fear that they may find something. 

“The older ladies rely on breast screening and the younger women tend to think, ‘nope it won’t happen to me’,” she said. 

For Magalie Lameloise, who is also a member of the Port Macquarie Pink Girls it was relief when she was told she had discovered it early. 

“It hadn’t spread and that was a very good thing,” she said. 

“For women who are afraid this is really sad because going early for detection is really a good thing as you could save your breast and more importantly your life.” 

The women recommend that any concerns with changes, pain or lumps that people should consult their doctor. 

The Port Macquarie Pink Girls is a friendship group for women living with or beyond breast cancer. 

The Port Macquarie Library currently has a display for people wanting to find out more about breast cancer. Ms Lameloise has written a book about her experience, which is currently available for people to read at the library. 

SeaSalt Cafe is having an afternoon tea to support the Breast Cancer Network Australia On Thursday, October 20 at 2pm.

The public are invited to give a donation for some delicious ‘dainties’ at the event. 

There will be a supporting raffle at $2 per ticket with great prizes on offer.