When the diagnosis is on the other side: Priyal’s unexpected breast cancer experience  

Paediatric doctor Priyal was 34 when she received news that completely blindsided her: a breast cancer diagnosis.  

“I still remember how underprepared I was when the radiologist came into the room with a grim look on his face, pointing to the picture of the scan saying, ‘that’s cancer’,” says Priyal.  

Priyal had two children and was breastfeeding with her second when she was diagnosed just after her birthday in June 2023.  

The emotional toll was immediate and overwhelming.  

“I would often spend time crying in the shower… scared that I may not see my children grow up,” she says.  

“But this fear also instilled in me a sense of determination – I was going to fight this.”  

Navigating treatment and the difficulty position of being a doctor in the seat of a patient 

Priyal’s diagnosis was quickly followed by a series of treatments, including a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. She was forced to give up breastfeeding as a result of her treatment.  

“Giving up breastfeeding due to cancer was one of the most heartbreaking and difficult things I have had to do,” she says.  

The physical changes were confronting.  

“My body was no longer mine and I didn’t recognise who I was in the mirror. A body riddled with scars, no hair, and no eyelashes. Many people shave their head before chemotherapy, but I couldn’t bring myself to, as I thought it would come as too big a shock for my children. I tried cold capping, which unfortunately was not effective for me. I watched my hair fall out, strand by strand, clump by clump,” said Priyal. 

Throughout this time, Priyal was also navigating how to protect and care for her young children while undergoing treatment.  

“I had to keep my distance from them in order to prevent falling sick. My husband and family stepped in to look after them when I couldn’t,” she says.  

Despite everything, she pushed forward.  

“I feel like I didn’t have time to grieve my body. I just had to keep going, and be strong for my children, who still very much needed me.” 

Finding support along the way  

During treatment, Priyal found support through Cancer Council services, including practical resources and emotional guidance.  

“They provided me with information booklets about cancer, treatment and even how to break the diagnosis with my kids – which was very helpful at a time where I was unable to process anything,” she says.  

After treatment, Priyal began focusing on rebuilding her life.  

“I powered through the treatment and am still standing,” she says.  

Her journey hasn’t ended – ongoing treatments and side effects remain part of daily life.  

“Life will never be the same, as I must manage ongoing treatment, side effects, appointments, and fear of recurrence,” she says.  

But she has found a new perspective.  

“I have tried to find a way to move forward, and not let this take over my life,” she says.  

Today, she’s back at work, raising her children, and focusing on the future.  

“I have reframed what is important in life, and have started to prioritise health, exercise and family time,” she says.  

Through sharing her story, Priyal hopes to support others facing similar challenges, especially young people diagnosed with cancer.  

“I took comfort from the stories of other people when I was going through this horrible time,” she says.  

“You are never alone. I want to share my stories so others don’t feel alone, the way I found comfort at the time.” 

If you or someone you love needs support, please get in touch with Cancer Council team on 13 11 20.  

Find out more about breast screening here.