Why Leah became a poster girl for women’s health checks
Three months ago, Leah Briggs thought she’d tick off a mundane task and book a routine pap-smear.
This set in motion a chain of events. Today, she is recovering from her second (of eight) round of chemotherapy, following the removal of her left breast through mastectomy surgery, and making plans for 30 rounds of radiation.
The shock stage two breast cancer diagnosis, at 38 years old, made Leah a poster girl for women’s health checks. She is sharing her story, to urge all women in the wider Edenhope district to book in a free mammogram and health check with Breast Screen Victoria this week.
Breast Screen Victoria has partnered with Grampians Health Edenhope, to deliver free appointments between January 28 and February 14. Women aged 50 to 74 years are eligible for free mammograms (between January 28 and February 1), while females of all ages can lock in a free 45-minute health consultation (between February 3 and 14).
Last year, as a busy single-mum, Leah might have glanced at the Breast Screen poster and formed brittle intentions to make a phone call. Now, she can’t imagine anything more important than women prioritising their health.
“That moment, when I found out I had cancer, I saw my life flash before me and thought of all the stuff I’d wasted time on,” she said. “My whole lifestyle has changed, in a good way now; this is a new leaf for me.”
Leah has since delivered a large bunch of flowers to the doctor, who took the time to explore all facets of her health.
“I am so lucky that I happened to land Dr Sophie Rymill that day,” she said. “She asked about my health history and ordered a series of blood tests, just because; she is an astounding doctor.”
That holistic consultation with her GP eventually led Leah to book a mammogram, which set her life on an entirely new path.
Along with three lesions in her breast, the surgeon discovered cancerous cells in Leah’s milk ducts and lymph nodes. On reflection, she can identify signs that something wasn’t right in her body. But, like most women, Leah was too busy caring for her three girls, balancing work as an ambulance community officer and performing gigs at local events. She brushed concerns aside.
“My breasts were feeling a bit hot and heavy, but I put that down to weight gain or hormones,” she said. “I didn’t think anything of it and probably still wouldn’t know, if I hadn’t responded to that letter telling me to book a routine pap smear.”
Leah’s hair is starting to fall out and every round of chemotherapy will bring new waves of nausea and exhaustion. But her mindset, and priorities, couldn’t be clearer.
“I keep as busy as possible but, for the first time ever, I’m listening to my body,” she said. “When I feel good, I’m making the most of it; I’m not wasting any more time in this life.”
To book a 45-minute women’s health appointment in Edenhope, between February 3 and 14, phone 03 9675 0050.
