Katy, Service Manager/Nurse Unit Manager, Mackay

If I was at a barbecue and someone asked me what I did, I would tell them I worked for BreastScreen Queensland and what we do is try to save lives. I am one of the nurses who work for BreastScreen and it is my role to take the ladies through their screening journey, from the time of her first visit so that she understands the process and knows what the service is about, through to providing support and counselling if she is called back for further tests and diagnosis.

It is a different job and I have had people ask me why I do it. I think there definitely two categories of the type of people who work for BreastScreen; there are those who are passionate and there others who don't stay long because it is too hard. I am passionate about what I do and feel that it's a privilege.

My reward is the ability to empower women to overcome their fear of screening, or see them walk away more confident and feeling in control or for their cancer to have detected early so it's treatable.

I am very proud to work for BreastScreen Queensland, in the knowledge that Australian women have free access to a screening program that can save lives. The BreastScreen Queensland Program is all about the women, every aspect of the service comes down to what is best for the women.

You only have one life to live, so make the most of it. Don't be too busy or put your head in the sand.