Her second thought was that she didn't have the time for it.

The 66-year-old Diggers Rest resident said as the sixth anniversary of the mammogram that found the lump approaches on March 25 she would remain grateful to staff at BreastScreen who helped her through the ordeal. Ms Rau described the work of BreastScreen and organisations like the McGrath Foundation as imperative in helping women with breast cancer.

She also praised the greyhound racing industry, including The Meadows in Broadmeadows which will donate $500 of the winnings of every 'pink box' greyhound winner this month to the McGrath Foundation.

"Research into breast cancer is crucial, without having all the research that has gone on in the last few decades I would have had my breast removed," Mrs Rau said. "Now, if I would stand naked in front of you, you wouldn't know that I've had breast surgery."

Mrs Rau counts herself as one of the "lucky ones" who found her cancer early. The mammogram on March 25, 2004 at BreastScreen saved her life. It was "unusual" and she was sent to have further testing.

"I was sitting next to this woman who was really worried and I spent my time calming her down - then it turns out I had cancer cells. I remember saying to my husband Bob - 'I don't have time for this, why can't they just take it out and that's it'? They couldn't even feel the lump so if I hadn't had the mammogram [before], how long would it have been until I felt it?"

Mrs Rau's lump was removed and she underwent six weeks of radiotherapy.

"I never thought of it as a battle, I just had it removed and I'm still free of any cancer."

She said breast screening was not to be feared and encouraged women to have regular checks.

To raise awareness of breast cancer and the McGrath Foundation, western suburbs residents are encouraged to support the 'Go the pink dog' month of February.

Details: Click here.