"IT doesn't discriminate, cancer doesn't stop for a pandemic, it doesn't stop for anything it just happens and it's devastating."
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That sobering message is why Bathurst local Mandy Griffiths is preparing to walk 60 kilometres over 10 days to raise money and awareness for the PeterMac Foundation.
The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre not only treats patients but conducts cancer research as well, and Ms Griffiths will be doing her bit to help out.
"It just came across my newsfeed and I had a look into it," she said.
"The thing that I liked about it was that you could have a team and they use social media for awareness which is more what I'm trying to get out of it.
"I know that there's a lot of very worthy causes out there at the moment, so for me raising awareness is as equally important as raising funds."
Ms Griffiths knows first-hand how devastating cancer can be. The 34-year-old was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year and had no warning signs at all.
She also has three friends in their 30s who have breast cancer and her biggest message is to know your body because you're never too young to have cancer.
According to the Bowel Cancer Australia website bowel cancer is the deadliest cancer for people aged between 25 and 34.
"One of the biggest things is just be aware that this is absolutely happening to younger people," Ms Griffiths said.
"Any sign of something different in your body whatsoever talk to your GP in the first instance and try and get on top of it. Don't sit, don't wait."
Ms Griffiths has the support of 31 other people across three states walking 60km or cycling 200km from October 14-23 as part of the PeterMac initiative.
Ms Griffiths has raised more than $1000 herself and her team has raised over $6000 for the cause.
Anyone wanting to donate can visit her page on the Unite To Fight Cancer website.
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