Joy Reid has covered a lot of ground in her role for the advocacy of Aboriginal women.
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But it’s her latest focus that means the most.
Following her decade-long battle with breast cancer, Ms Reid has been chosen as the face of a community campaign to encourage breast and cervical screenings among Aboriginal women.
The Cancer Institute of NSW campaign was launched yesterday in Rutherford.
“There is a rise in Aboriginal women being diagnosed with both cancers and I think that’s because we just don’t look after ourselves,” Ms Reid, 58, of East Maitland, said.
“Our lives are just too busy and then when we are diagnosed it can be too late. We tend to block it all out, but cancer doesn’t go away.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer that affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, with only 37 per cent of Aboriginal women aged between 50 and 74 years being screened regularly.
Ms Reid was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram when she was 48.
Within two weeks, the cancer was widespread and she was forced to undergo surgery and nine rounds of chemotherapy.
“I never dreamt this would have happened to me,” Ms Reid.
“And, while I am a cancer survivor, I still suffer everyday because of the pain.”
The campaign includes a DVD – revealing Ms Reid’s story – and a range of posters.
“We need to get women in for their checks before it’s too late,” Ms Reid said.