Show Us Your Tits - Baring All and Beating Breast Cancer was an endeavour that was at first, a self-healing project.
Jo found the process of writing things down and taking photos cathartic, enabling her to process what was happening, as well as prepare her for what ever was coming next. It soon turned into so much more. With the decision to publish, came concern and doubt about putting it all out there - bare breasts included. The vulnerability was worrisome, yet Jo knew it had to be this way.
Her story needed honesty, openness and pragmatism, as this approach, is what would help those that came after her. If Jo's story could help other breast cancer survivors navigate their own breast cancer diagnosis, then it needed to tell it like it was, without holding back.
Finally, Jo's goal to raise money for other West Australians diagnosed with breast cancer was a no brainer. All profits from the sale of Show Us Your Tits - Baring All and Beating Breast Cancer go directly to Breast Cancer Care WA (BCCWA). Jo hopes to sell all 1000 copies, enabling her to donate 20K to this important charity, so that they may continue to help other breast cancer survivors and their families, through emotional, practical and financial support.
About Jo
BreastScreen WA Ambassador
Can at 40, Do at 45 Founder
@Can40Do45
Jo Joyce was born and raised in the eastern suburbs of Perth and has called Western Australia home for most of her life. For over 30 years, she has felt rewarded in her profession as a primary school teacher and is happily married with a teenage daughter. Over her life she has developed a passion for music, books and dogs and is an activist for both local and national indigenous, environmental and women’s health issues.
Jo was shocked to be diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 46 during her fourth routine, screening mammogram. With no symptoms or family history, a bewildered Jo embarked on a gruelling regime of surgery and treatment to beat cancer. She shares a raw and honest view through the highs and lows of this experience in this her first book Show Us Your Tits! Baring All and Beating Breast Cancer.
“I applaud Jo for writing Show Us Your Tits! Writing a breast cancer memoir not only takes courage, but time and resources. This book is a raw account of how a breast cancer diagnosis can turn your life upside down - the good, bad and ugly. I know that others will draw knowledge and strength from reading Jo’s words - words from someone who understands what is like to embark on the breast cancer journey. Most importantly, I thank Jo on behalf of all Australian women over 40, for her tireless work and passion with the ‘Can at 40, Do at 45’ campaign.”
— Donna Falconer
Groovy Booby Bus, Breast Cancer Survivor age 44, Pink Angels Inc Founder, BreastScreen NSW Ambassador , BCNA Community Liaison, Author “ My Time” through breast cancer and beyond.
Can at 40, Do at 45
Campaign for the Australian Government to invest in the health of women 40-49 advertising FREE mammography!
Jo is the founder of Can at 40, Do at 45, a campaign that focuses on increasing the awareness of FREE screening mammograms for women 40-49 through BreastScreen Australia and to lower the Australian active recruitment age for screening mammography to 45