Each year, millions of people are faced with the reality of a cancer diagnosis and the disease personally affects many of us. 

For me, cancer became a personal journey in 2008 when my mum was diagnosed with early breast cancer. 

Since then, routine breast cancer surveillance has been a priority, given that early detection can save lives and improve outcomes.

In January 2021, aged 41, I scheduled my first mammogram and ultrasound, believing it was time to begin the screening process.

I expected the doctors to confirm that my scans were clear and that I could return for my next screening in a few years. 

However, while the mammogram was clear, the ultrasound revealed something abnormal, leading to a biopsy. 

A few days later, the GP explained that my results were concerning and immediately referred me to a specialist breast surgeon for further assessment. 

I was subsequently diagnosed with stage 1, grade 3, hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive, invasive ductal carcinoma. 

Given the cancer’s aggressive nature, my treatment plan involved a year of intensive interventions, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy.

A career in physiotherapy

I graduated from Curtin University in 2003 with a Master of Physiotherapy after completing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Western Australia in 1999. 

I began my physiotherapy career at Hollywood Private Hospital in Perth before moving to Osborne Park Hospital. 

In 2006, I became the senior physiotherapist in orthopaedics and helped establish the inaugural accelerated rehabilitation program for joint replacement surgery. 

I continued in this role until 2011, when I was appointed as team leader for orthopaedics and plastics at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital—a large tertiary hospital in Perth. 

In 2018, I returned to Hollywood Private Hospital as the senior physiotherapist in orthopaedics, a role in which I have continued to work. 

In 2014, I became the chair of the Western Australian branch of the APA Orthopaedic group (known as the APA Orthopaedic Network at the time), and subsequently, in 2021, I took on the role of the Orthopaedic group’s national chair. 

This appointment coincided with my cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

Despite the challenges, I was determined that my health would not affect my ability to fulfil this exciting role.

In 2020, I also worked as the senior physiotherapist in the Breast Clinic at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. 

It felt quite strange to go from treating patients in the hospital—particularly patients with breast cancer—to becoming a patient myself, thrust into a whirlwind of appointments, tests, scans and experiences that were both terrifying and surreal. 

Within a week, I had my first surgery, followed by a repeat surgery to achieve clear margins—within a month, I began chemotherapy. 

A glimmer of hope

At the initial appointment, my medical oncologist mentioned that I might be able to retain my hair by using a cooling device called a cold cap. This became a game changer for me. 

Although I was prepared to endure any side effects from the treatment, losing my hair was one of my biggest fears. 

The cold cap was a success, allowing me to keep all my hair during my treatment, which boosted my confidence and had a significant impact on my mental health. 

I returned to work part-time at the start of the chemotherapy and continued playing netball, which helped me stay active and focused. 

I was determined to ensure that I followed all the recommendations from the medical team and other healthcare professionals, including the breast care nurse and physiotherapist, and in February 2022 I completed the required active treatment.

Support and strength

During this challenging time, I was very grateful for the unwavering support of my specialist breast care nurse and clinical psychologist. I was introduced to these essential multidisciplinary team members at the beginning of my diagnosis. 

The breast care nurse was always there to listen, provide me with invaluable advice and calmly guide me through many stressful situations. 

She remained by my side throughout the 12 months of intensive treatment and beyond. The clinical psychologist guided me through my entire cancer journey, from the initial diagnosis to treatment and into survivorship. 

A cold cap allowed Emma to retain her hair during treatment.

She listened to me talk for hours about my fears and anxieties and celebrated my successes and achievements with so much compassion and understanding. 

My team provided me with strategies to overcome the many challenges I faced as a young woman with a cancer diagnosis and this has helped transform me into the strong, resilient person I am now.

Adversity turned into achievement

Despite the challenges, I found a new purpose in staying active. Soon after I finished radiotherapy, I entered the Ramsay Health Care Triathlon Pink. 

I participated to support fundraising for a cause that I had become deeply invested in. 

What I didn’t expect was how much I would enjoy the sense of achievement from pushing my body and proving that the cancer treatment had not compromised it. 

This experience led me to join a local running club and participate in long-distance running and triathlon events.

My goal was to complete a half marathon (21.1 kilometres) and I proudly achieved this at the HBF Run for a Reason in May 2023.

To make the experience even more meaningful, I set up a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Centre WA—I created a team called ‘Hollywood Physio’, which included a group of physiotherapy colleagues eager to support me and the cause by running alongside me on the day. 

Together, we raised $12,643 for breast cancer research. 

This was incredibly important to me as a way of personally thanking the outstanding organisation and staff that provided me with so much care and support throughout my breast cancer journey. 

I was touched by the generous donations and personalised messages of support and encouragement from people who wanted to contribute to breast cancer research. 

This accomplishment was not just about physical endurance; it was a testament to the resilience and strength that I developed from facing a cancer diagnosis. 

This run symbolised my breast cancer journey. It is challenging but with persistence and determination, you eventually get to the finish line.

Advocacy work

Over the past few years, I realised that I wanted to combine my clinical expertise as a physiotherapist with my own lived experience to help other people navigate their cancer diagnoses. 

In addition, I actively sought opportunities to connect with cancer researchers, offering my perspective as a consumer representative. 

I joined the Cancer Community Advisory Group within the Curtin Involve program, which aims to embed consumer and community involvement in health research.

I also connected with researchers from the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Western Australia and the
Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. 

In these roles, I have provided researchers with valuable input and feedback on grant applications and research projects related to breast cancer. 

In early 2024, I was honoured to join Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA) ‘Seat at the Table’ program as a formally trained consumer representative. 

Emma Blake completing the Ramsay Health Care Triathlon Pink.

This involved attending a training workshop in Melbourne where I met other new consumer representatives and members of the BCNA executive team. 

I gained valuable insight into BCNA’s advocacy work and have since participated in several projects as a consumer representative.

This includes serving as a working group member for the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia’s National Cancer Survivorship Conference in March 2025. 

I feel very privileged to be part of this professional organisation, which is dedicated to improving the lives and outcomes of all people diagnosed and living with breast cancer throughout Australia and worldwide. 

During 2024, there were many significant achievements, including the announcement by the Minister for Health and Aged Care in October, after 25 years of advocacy by BCNA, that New South Wales had established a method for counting and reporting on the number of people living with metastatic breast cancer. 

It was momentous to see BCNA standing with consumer representatives by its side, speaking about the impact that this breakthrough will have on people living with metastatic breast cancer. 

I have found the role at BCNA to be both inspiring and rewarding and I look forward to continued opportunities to use my knowledge and lived experience to help make a difference.

Reflections

A cancer diagnosis undoubtedly changes your life but it can also lead to personal growth. 

I now view life from a completely different perspective and the cancer experience has led to many new opportunities and interests I would never have expected. 

Along the way, I have also met some incredibly special people who have become lifelong friends. 

Life is full of challenges and adversity but these experiences give us the courage and strength to face the future. 

This personal reflection is a reminder of the power of resilience, the strength of community support and the hope that can be found in even the most difficult times. 

As we observe World Cancer Day, I encourage everyone to reflect on the importance of cancer awareness and prevention and the continued fight for better treatments and support for all those affected by cancer.

>> Emma Blake APAM is a senior orthopaedic physiotherapist at Hollywood Private Hospital and the national chair of the APA Orthopaedic group. She has 19 years of senior orthopaedic physiotherapy experience in both elective and trauma departments across the private and public sectors.