A son?s perspective on breast cancer

During one of the hottest September weekends recorded in Sydney, two film students lugged a heavy suitcase of camera gear around on public transport and went to a medical conference.

While their peers may have been lounging at the beach, Bryson Rooney, 23, and Peta-Megan Dunn, 20, opted to attend the Leura VI International Breast Cancer Conference 2008, which ran from 18-22 September at Darling Harbour, to make a documentary about a disease that affects millions of women worldwide, including Bryson’s mom.

Interviewing surgeon Dr James French at the conference speakers? dinner overlooking Darling Harbour.

“My mother, Maria, was diagnosed with estrogen receptive breast cancer in December last year. She had a double mastectomy and is still in recovery but she’s doing well and in high spirits, with the full support of my dad,” he said.

“Since then I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can about the disease. I was initially very disappointed with myself for not knowing much about breast cancer, and how little my peers knew.”

With a strong background in film – Bryson has a BA in Film Studies from the Loyola University New Orleans, has made several short films including a documentary about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina for the Australian Government, has his own media company and worked in the New York film scene before moving to Australia recently to study at the International Film School Sydney – he decided to make a film about breast cancer and the conference was an ideal setting.

“I wanted to make a documentary combining my personal story with the latest scientific research to present a realistic perspective on breast cancer. When I found out about Leura VI it sounded perfect. So I emailed the event managers over and over until they had to say yes and it paid off.

Prof John Boyages (far left) and Leura VI Organising Committee chair Prof Owen Ung (far right) with conference guest speakers, comprising breast cancer experts from around the world.

”Professor John Boyages, Director of the Breast Cancer Institute NSW (BCI) which hosted the conference, was impressed by Bryson’s enthusiasm to raise breast cancer awareness and allowed Bryson to film throughout the conference, which attracted more than 700 international and local delegates and a strong contingent of breast cancer survivors.

“Thankfully, my girlfriend Peta-Megan, who also attends the International Film School Sydney, helped me stay organised. She took hundreds of still photos at the conference, while I filmed with a Sony Z1 HDV camera, which she also operated when I conducted interviews.”

Peta and Bryson.

Bryson is editing the footage into a documentary movie, which will be assessed by his film school and then gifted to the BCI for promotional and educational use. “I learned so much during the conference, talking to the doctors and nurses about breast cancer. Everyone was so welcoming and positive about my project, it inspired me to make the best documentary I could,” he said.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 00:42