While she was breastfeeding her daughter Evie in January last year, Louise Bennet felt a lump in her right breast. But like so many other nursing mums, she initially dismissed it.

“At first I thought the lump was just breastfeeding related and likely going to be mastitis, not cancer,” the Queensland mum explained.

Scans revealed that the 34-year-old actually had triple negative breast cancer, and DCIS (Ductal carcinoma in situ or cancer in the milk ducts). What followed was a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation at the Mater Cancer Care Centre.

“Now I have a scar that reminds me of the journey I have been on, the journey that has kept me alive and will continue to keep me alive,” Louise said.

“I don’t feel any less and I am able to walk through the world as I am – my body is still accepted wherever I go. I share my story because if I can be open about my experience, I hope I can empower other women to be proud of their bodies.”

The brave mum openly shares her battle to make sure other women also take control of their health, particular in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s the most common cancer in women in Australia, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Australian women.

But Louise wants those who are on the journey to see her experience as a message of hope.

“I was able to turn my cancer diagnosis into a positive experience,” she said. “After 15 rounds of chemotherapy and 16 rounds of radiation, I am still smiling.

“I have learned that before anything else I need to love myself. With various markings and scars on my body I certainly look like I’ve been through some stuff, but it’s just evolution.”

Mater breast surgeon Dr Sally Meade is also keen to assure women that while a total mastectomy without reconstruction is a mentally challenging procedure, recovery is quick.

“There’s not too much pain and the average length of stay in hospital is one to two nights,” Dr Meade said. “Breast cancer management is very nuanced and personalised.”

Louise finished her treatment in April, and now undergoes six-monthly check-ups and yearly ultrasounds. And the future looks bright.

“I was determined to heal from the disease and being able to care for my Evie was a priority,” she said. “I wasn’t concerned about my physical appearance and did whatever I could do to be healthy and look to the future.”