October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Have you been examined?

Have you been examined? Screening saves lives.

Deb Costello has a strong sense of social justice and stands up for what she believes in.

She has championed and fought for change on a range of issues and has now taken on the role of ambassador for the Screening Saves Lives campaign to promote the importance of cancer screening to the LGBTIQ+ community and help save lives.

The Screening Saves Lives campaign is a collaboration between Washington State’s colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screening programs.

Research shows that our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) community is at higher risk of breast cancer due to low screening rates and higher rates of cancer risk behaviors such as drinking alcohol and smoking.

Evidence shows that later stages of diagnosis and treatment lead to poorer health outcomes.

Deb wants to change the statistics and encourages members of the LGBTIQ+ community to get routine cancer screenings if they are eligible.

“In just a short period of time, if you feel discomfort, it can save your life—that’s why I do it,” she said.

“There’s no need to be afraid, it hurts a little, but then it goes away and it’s such a relief to get results.”

Speaking to OutinPerth the day before she flew to the UK to soak up the atmosphere at one of the world’s biggest Mardi Gras in Brighton, the consultant and gay rights advocate said she and her partner booked a meeting with BreastScreen WA together, had lunch and made a day out of it.

“Going there that first time, it was great to realize that it wasn’t nearly as awkward or scary as I had imagined, and the people were so nice,” Deb said.

“If you’re a little nervous about getting tested, go with someone you trust, a partner or friend, and make a date and then have lunch.”

Music is a big part of Deb’s daily life.

“I listen to Madonna, she’s literally my idol. I flew to San Francisco in February to see her holiday tour.”

As part of the impressive tour, Madonna projected a huge photo of her mother onto the screen.

Madonna’s mother died of breast cancer in 1963 at the age of 30. The future pop star was only five years old at the time, and she regularly talks about how she was never told that her mother was dying.

Madonna, now 65, remains Deb’s idol and encourages her to get into shape.

“Even though Madonna is 10 years older than me, I look at her and think there’s no reason why I can’t get in shape,” Deb said.

Deb has always wanted to be a runner and now in her mid-fifties she has taken up running and is inspired by Madonna every step of the way.

“It was raining and I thought I would stop running, but then I remembered a video I saw of Madonna singing and dancing on stage in the rain, holding a microphone in one hand and a jacket on her head. So I kept running and completed my third lap,” Deb said.

Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of breast cancer, and screening can help detect the disease at an early stage, leading to improved health outcomes.

“I want to get better and I want to help others whenever I can. This is how I was raised, to care for your community. “

It is recognized that cancer screening can be physically difficult and even challenging for members of the LGBTIQ+ community.

Breastscreen WA medical director Dr Liz Wylie said “our staff are sensitive and understanding of these issues and they will do everything they can to ensure the client feels comfortable and culturally safe.”

You are entitled to a free screening mammogram with BreastScreen WA if you are over 40 and have no symptoms.

For more information about BreastScreen WA, visit the website. To book an appointment please follow this link: BreastScreen WA – Book online or call 13 20 50.