This podcast episode from Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) focuses on sharing a personal lived experience of breast cancer by BCNA LGBTIQ+ advisory member Mel Krollig and her partner Riki Owens-Bennett.
Mel was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at the age of 36 and has had fertility treatment, a single mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Riki works as a community worker for the LGBTIQ+ communities in South Australia and has been by Mel’s side during her breast cancer journey. Riki and Mel have been together for 19 years, and despite a few COVID-19 related delays, married in 2021 in a celebration surrounded by family and friends.
The podcast discusses Mel’s experience of breast cancer, how Riki supported her, the challenges the couple faced together and how they navigated the system as a LGBTIQ+ couple.