Cost barrier delayed cancer diagnosis by three months for Newcastle mother
Cost delayed Madison Noble's breast cancer diagnosis by three months.
Madison Noble is a mother of two from Tarro in Newcastle. She delayed getting an ultrasound for a breast lump because of cost.
Madison Noble was eventually diagnosed in August with stage two triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form. The three-month gap between her initial referral and the scan meant important testing was delayed.
Noble is now getting six months of chemotherapy. This is followed by surgery and radiation at Calvary Mater hospital.
She also faces out-of-pocket costs for medicines and supplements. She tries to maintain her cleaning business when she feels able.
She worries about covering expenses when treatment demands her full attention. A friend started a GoFundMe titled "A Mum's Fight Against Breast Cancer" to support her financially.
- 35 years old
- Age
- Elsiee (6) and Mila (4)
- Children
- 3 months
- Diagnostic delay
- Stage two triple-negative
- Cancer stage
Why it mattersCost barriers prevent people from getting diagnostic tests. This delays treatment for serious illness. Cancer can then progress to more advanced stages.
AustraliaAustralian women without private insurance may face similar barriers to timely breast cancer screening and diagnosis despite Medicare coverage of treatment.
