In 2023, Melanie Fruean changed roles - moving from our Bowel Screen team to join the Breast Screen team – it was a decision she says helped save her life.
Melanie was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in late 2023, after doing her first-ever mammogram.
Since then, she has undergone a breast mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments which she recently completed.
“Working here, I became so aware of the importance of Breast Screening and I believe that saved my life. I might never have done the Breast Screen otherwise. I had no symptoms, and that’s why screening is so important even if you feel ok.”
Melanie tells us that her is grateful and appreciative of her colleagues and team leader, Janice Miller, who were all amazing during her cancer journey.
“What a great team to work with. I thank them for their love and support.”
“I really had to look after myself especially in the winter months as I could not afford to get a cold or bug. My white blood cell counts were very low from my chemotherapy treatments and I was hospitalised twice.”
Being of Sāmoan descent, Melanie says her heritage and faith in God helped her find her strength during this time.
“At first, it was easy to blame God and I found myself asking ‘Why me?’ But the power of collective prayer from our church ministry every Sunday really helped uplift me and my family - my husband and 14-year-old son,” she says.
“Singing in the church choir and committing to a cause really helped me emotionally. It provided me with a sense of pride and belonging to my community which was very important to my emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
“There are many beautiful proverbs that celebrate life and helps us to remember who we are. One Sāmoan alagaupu (proverb) that describes wellness for me is ‘E sili le puipuia i lo’o togafitia’ which translates to ‘Prevention is better than cure’, and this is so true when you relate that to doing your regular Breast Screening.”
“Even though we know Pacific women have a greater risk of breast cancer, Pacific women can be uncomfortable with screening because it is an unknown, but it needs to become a familiar and normal part of health care within the Pacific community. We need to talk about it as a normal part of life and health.”
This is something Melanie is determined to change in her role as Community Health Worker at Health NZ, Counties Manukau and she shares her own personal story as a way to raise awareness of the importance of Breast Screening.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melanie.
