Join us as we talk to Marty Walsh.

Marty was diagnosed with breast cancer at 53 after noticing blood coming from his nipple — something he initially dismissed as chafing. Having never realised men could get breast cancer, Marty shares how his diagnosis led to a mastectomy and the unexpected challenges of navigating a cancer experience where men are rarely represented. Marty highlights why greater awareness of male breast cancer is so important and why breast cancer awareness needs to include everyone.

In this episode, Marty opens up about the mental toll of cancer, admitting that despite having an incredible support network, he struggled more than he realised at the time. With his trademark humour, he reflects on the challenges of adjusting to life after surgery, the importance of early detection and how his experience has changed his perspective on life. Now passionate about encouraging men to pay attention to their bodies and speak up about their health, Marty wants everyone to understand that while male breast cancer is uncommon, it can happen. His message is simple: know what’s normal for you, don’t ignore changes, and get them checked. Because breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, and awareness needs to include everyone.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we talk to Bianca Evans.

In 2023, after recently moving interstate and with a six-month-old daughter, Bianca was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer at just 30. What makes her story even more confronting is that she had been asking for a colonoscopy for almost 10 years because of her family history, but was repeatedly told she was too young. Suddenly, her whole world came tumbling down as she faced 588 hours of chemotherapy, major bowel surgery, an ileostomy and another six cycles of chemotherapy — all while raising a young daughter.

During treatment, Bianca met Elle, another young woman navigating bowel cancer, and the two quickly formed a deep friendship. Through their shared experience, they recognised the lack of support available for young women with cancer and began imagining what that support could look like. That vision became the Yellow Freesia Foundation, which now provides free psychologist-led support groups, mind and body workshops and a resource hub for women aged 18–45, whether they’re in treatment, beyond treatment or living with Stage 4 or metastatic cancer. Following Elle’s passing, Bianca has continued to bring their shared vision to life, building a community grounded in friendship, resilience and the belief that no young woman should have to face cancer alone.

Some resources below:

https://yellowfreesiafoundation.org/

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Join us as we talk to Bron Watson.

Bron is mum to five boys, a career in nursing for over 30 years. After spending decades caring for cancer patients, Bron became the patient herself when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, going from diagnosis to surgery in just six days.

Five years later, just as Bron was waiting for breast reconstruction, she received a second diagnosis: multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that is currently considered incurable. We talk about “incurable” vs “terminal”, telling her five boys about her diagnosis at different ages, and why she believes we need to be more curious when someone has cancer — asking questions, acknowledging what they’re going through and not being afraid to talk about it. Bron also shares why patients need to become the CEO of their own healthcare, and how “I am as good as my last blood test” has become part of how she navigates life with cancer.

At the heart of this conversation is Bron's energy for the “what's next” — continuing to live, advocate for herself, support others and make the most of the life in front of her. This is a powerful conversation about living with incurable cancer, finding your identity beyond a diagnosis, and learning to focus on what comes next.

Some resources below:

https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/

https://www.bcna.org.au/

https://myeloma.org.au/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.