Nikki Neofitou diagnosed with breast cancer after preventative surgery delay

·

Nikki Neofitou has revealed to ABC News how she was diagnosed with breast cancer after her preventative surgery date at a Victorian hospital was delayed from February 2022 to December later that year.

At 20 years old, Nikki found out she was a carrier of the breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) gene mutation, meaning she had a 72 percent chance of developing breast cancer.

Having watched her mother Mary suffer from breast cancer, Nikki decided to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy at the age of 23. The surgery, which is classified as an elective procedure, can lower breast cancer risk by 90 percent.

“After having watched my Mum go through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I knew that wasn’t a future I wanted for myself, so I wanted to be able take control of my future and change the course of my life,” she told ABC News in an interview.

Nikki said her surgery was pushed back by ten months and just two weeks before the rescheduled surgery date, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.

Nikki Neofitou with her mum Mary.

“Hearing those words and finding myself in the same spot that my Mum did 20 years ago was so hard for me to understand when I had been so proactive in making the right decisions and taking control of my life,” she told ABC News. 

According to ABC News, long waits for preventative surgery could be leading to more cancer diagnoses in women who have hereditary breast cancer in Australia.

At current, Nikki is liaising with politicians and spreading awareness for preventive surgery not to be classified as elective.

Speaking in Victoria, where Nikki’s surgery was delayed, Premier Daniel Andrews said the state government was doing all it could to avoid similar situations in the future. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

Peter V’landys attends White House event with leaders of Australia and the US

Peter V'landys brushed shoulders with U.S President, Joe Biden, on a night he hoped would result in a multimillion-dollar deal for the NRL.

It’s official: Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympic Games

Brisbane has won the right to host the Olympic Games in 2032. The decision was confirmed in Tokyo this evening.

Greek exhibition by philhellenic linocut artist Michael Winters open in Canberra

An exhibition titled 'My Greece' is open until August 21 and comprises 45 pieces by philhellene artist Michael Winters