Terina Gilbert (Ngāi Tahu), was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2021 after discovering a lump at the age of 33. Initially doctors thought she just had a cyst but tests revealed Terina had DCIS (a pre-invasive form of breast cancer), as well an invasive tumour and cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes. She went through chemotherapy, a mastectomy, radiation treatment and targeted therapy (Herceptin). She now remains on hormone treatment to stop the cancer from returning. She is encouraging women to know the normal look and feel of their breasts and to regularly check for changes.

My breast cancer journey began when I hosted a pink ribbon breakfast with a friend. To this day I still don’t know what prompted me to suggest hosting a breakfast, but I’m so glad I did!

As part of the event, we used the awareness and education resources provided by Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. They talked about knowing the normal look and feel of your breasts and the signs and symptoms of breast cancer to look out for.

My husband was very involved at the event. He was helping pipe pink mashed potatoes and setting up the decorations. He was obviously paying attention to the signs and symptoms, too! Months later, when we were being intimate, he felt a lump and said “babe! This isn’t normal”. Looking back, I’m so thankful he was having a good old grope and found it! Who knows how much longer it would have taken for me to find myself!

I’m so thankful my husband had been at that pink ribbon breakfast and had the education to know something wasn’t right. I think all partners should know about breast cancer and what’s normal for their loved one.

Since my diagnosis I’m passionate about advocating for younger women, particularly Māori. I run a support group for individuals and whānau navigating a cancer diagnosis. It’s funded by the Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust and is a warm and comfortable environment to have a chat with people who get what you’re going through.

Sadly, the group is growing. But one thing I learned from my cancer diagnosis is it’s really hard to know what services are out there to help you. You have to self-refer and I assumed they would get in touch with me. Once I knew what help was out there – and I accepted that I needed help – it was much smoother. As a proud Māori woman, there is a lot of pride – we like to pretend we’re ok, when really we’re not.

Seeing the statistics about breast cancer in Māori women makes me scared for my future. I think we should all be checking our boobs, regardless of our age. I hope that more Māori women will take this seriously, given we are more likely to be affected.