From nurse to patient to breast cancer-free: Gill’s story

As her community gears up to get behind her with a fundraiser around Mother’s Day, mum of two Gill Hodgson has a unique perspective on what a breast cancer diagnosis can mean, and she wants to share her story with others.

Thirty-five years ago, Gill Hodgson began her career at the bedside as an oncology nurse, guiding patients through the complexities of cancer treatment at Geelong’s Barwon Health Hospital. After decades of working in health care and now in education, along with 12 years of dedicated community fundraising for the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), last year Gill found herself returning to her original workplace – this time, as the patient.

Diagnosed at age 56 with Stage 3, grade 3, DCIS oestrogen-positive breast cancer, Gill discovered the disease had already spread to her nodes. Her PET scan "lit up like a Christmas tree," leading to an intensive medical journey: six months of chemotherapy, and a mastectomy.

Now officially cancer-free, Gill is using her unique perspective as both a clinical expert and a survivor to dismantle the terror often associated with a diagnosis.

“I wasn’t afraid of my cancer diagnosis. I cried, it’s been challenging, but I was never afraid,” Gill says. “Cancer is not the fearsome, dreaded word it used to be. It’s not six degrees of separation from cancer; everyone knows someone who’s been affected.”

Having administered the very treatments she eventually had to undergo, Gill’s mission is to "take the scary out of treatment" and prove that the medical system works. She credits the "most amazing care" she received from breast cancer nurses at Barwon Health for her recovery, noting that her background allowed her to trust the protocols she once managed for others.

“It’s not just having gone full circle; I’ve got back to my original workplace 35 years ago,” Gill shares. “I’ve had the most amazing affirmation from breast cancer nurses. They’ve been on the receiving end; booked everything, answered everything, supported everything. I’m just super thankful.”

In a poignant milestone, Gill will officially finish her treatment journey this month, coinciding with Ocean Grove’s Netball Footy Club’s annual Pink Day – the same event she has helped spearhead for over a decade.

By sharing her story alongside colleagues and younger women in the community also facing the disease, Gill hopes to improve outcomes and service for cancer patients across the region. Her message to women is clear: early detection is vital, and while the path is difficult, the treatment is a bridge to a future.

“I think everybody loves to know they can be part of something that can create change and has created change,” Gill says. “The treatment is tough, but it is the path to your life back.”

Supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia, Play4BCNA invites Aussie sporting clubs, schools, and community groups to rally together in support of the 56 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer every day. Clubs and participants can "pink up" on and off the field by purchasing official PLAY4BCNA merchandise – including pink socks, laces, beanies, and balls – with 100 per cent of proceeds going directly toward providing free information and support to those affected by a breast cancer diagnosis.