Breast cancer survivor Luan Lawrenson-Woods is urging others to get regular mammograms after her own life was saved thanks to a timely decision inspired by Australian actor Samuel Johnson.
Lawrenson-Woods said she was prompted to book a mammogram after watching Johnson discuss breast cancer on The Project in 2017.
Although she had not noticed any lumps or typical symptoms, the mammogram revealed she was in the early stages of breast cancer.
“I hadn’t noticed any lumps or bumps—just coughing and feeling generally unwell,” she told 9News, adding that the mammogram felt as routine as “getting my car checked.”
Johnson, whose sister Connie was diagnosed with and later passed away from breast cancer in 2017, had founded the charity Love Your Sister to support cancer research.
Inspired by his advocacy, Lawrenson-Woods underwent radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, and was eventually declared cancer-free.
Her journey turned her into a breast cancer awareness advocate, though she never had a chance to thank Johnson until they met at a Patients Australia gala in Melbourne.
At the event, Johnson praised her for taking early action and said his late sister would have been proud of her vigilance.
“My sister would be so thankful you were so vigilant, because she was kicking herself—she knew something was wrong,” Johnson said.
Lawrenson-Woods used the gala to stress the importance of early detection, reminding people to listen to their bodies and act promptly.
“You know you best; if something isn’t right—go and get it checked out,” she advised.
Both she and Johnson continue to champion early detection and support for breast cancer sufferers and survivors.
Johnson echoed his sister’s message that the cause goes beyond individuals: “It’s not about us—it’s about everyone out there.”
He added, “Hopefully they’re listening and speaking to their doctors.”
