Ang Fattore was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2002 after finding an abnormality.

At the time, Ms Fattore felt fairly fit, although she was tired a lot of the time, she contributed this to her heavy workload at the time.

“You think you're healthy, you're working, you go about your normal duties,” Ms Fattore said.

“I was very tired leading up to it all and had no idea what was causing it.

“My daughter was getting married, I thought it was all part and parcel.”

Ms Fattore considers herself lucky and has been cancer free for 12 years now but still gets yearly checks with a specialist.

After going through surgery and chemotherapy she was put in contact with the Griffith Breast Cancer Support Group.

“After I had my surgery a friend of mine, who became a very good friend, had been through it and put me on to them (the support group),” Ms Fattore said.

“I started to go to their meetings, once I got better that is, and became a member.

“It was good because we talked to the other ladies who had had similar experiences.

“If you had a query about something they could tell you about their experience and you realised you weren't alone, the camaraderie was special.”

Ms Fattore encourages anyone looking for support to reach out to the group.

“We can help people at any time through their experience,” Ms Fattore said.

“We can help them with out of pocket medical expenses. Depending on their situation, it could be a number of other things, payments of wigs and just general support.

“Everyone is different as to what their needs might be, there will always be someone in the group who we can put them on to for moral support.”

People in need are welcome to head down to the Breast Cancer Support Group’s meetings which happen on the second Tuesday of each month at the Ex-serviceman’s Club at 6.30pm.

For more information people can contact Jan Newman, 6962 1457, Moreen Corner, 6962 2960 or Margaret Moore, 6962 4117.