The Barrack Heights resident is one of hundreds of Illawarra women who have taken part in the Bling a Bra competition to mark their own – or a loved one’s – breast cancer journey.

Now in its third year the competition is run by the South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra (SESI) BreastScreen Service as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Aunty Lindy is taking part for the second year in a row, to pay tribute to her sister who lost her cancer battle six years ago and to send a message to other women.

‘’I felt like what I had made was for her and for our community as well,’’ Aunty Lindy said.

‘’Unfortunately we lost her because it was the late stages of breast cancer, but she and I still have a strong bond.

‘’Her experience has made me want to recommend all women to go for a breast screen, because catching it early can really save a life.’’

Aunty Lindy said she and her sister shared a love of roses which was the inspiration for last year’s bra, while this year she had handpainted her competition entry and embellished it with diamantes.

SESI health promotion officer Boshra Hemmati said individuals, and groups, took part in the competition which raised awareness about breast cancer and its early detection through mammography screening.

‘’Bling a Bra is a fun and creative way to get the community involved in spreading a serious message,’’ Ms Hemmati said.

‘’This disease affects around 270 women in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven every year.

‘’However only half those who are eligible to receive regular and free mammograms through BreastScreen NSW are doing so.

‘’We want to encourage women to learn more about the importance of screening, and also to regularly check for changes in their own breasts.’’

Ms Hemmati said it was important to note that 90 per cent of women who got breast cancer, did not have a family history of the disease.

There’s still time to get entries in for the 2015 competition, which closes on Friday. Completed bras can be dropped off at BreastScreen sites across Wollongong, Shellharbour and Nowra.

Entries will be displayed, and winners announced, at a morning tea at Kiama Pavilion on October 30.

Women over 40 are recommended to have a mammogram every two years – call 13 20 50 to book.