hi, i’m Luan
self-health advocate (TM) and host of the regarding me podcast.
In 2017, at 46, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Terrified and overwhelmed, I faced life-changing decisions with little knowledge. But through my experience, I discovered the power of self-advocacy—knowing myself, understanding my rights, and learning to communicate my needs clearly. Now, I’m dedicated to helping women take control of their health. Through Regarding Me and SSAS, I share tools and strategies to empower you to confidently advocate for you and your health.
I truly believe…
Our bodies are extraordinary, even when faced with illness. In those moments, self-advocacy helps you to choose how you’ll respond, adapt, and focus on what matters to you most.
from cancer patient to self-health advocate.
When I was first diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer, I didn’t know what self-advocacy meant. All I knew was that I had to start asking questions—even the uncomfortable ones—and make my voice heard. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
But I quickly realised that I couldn’t afford not to speak up. This was my life, my health, and my future. And the more I spoke up, the more I learned not just about my diagnosis and treatment, but also the power of self-advocacy—and the power of ‘me’ to choose how I responded, as it felt like the only thing I could control at the time.
When I began sharing the story of my DIEP flap reconstruction surgery under #100DaysDIEP on Instagram I discovered the strength of community and connection. I never imagined my posts would resonate so deeply with women worldwide.
As women reached out to share their stories and ask questions, I realised this was about more than just my recovery—it was about fostering empowered education and informed awareness.
That motivated me to create safe spaces where women could find evidence-based information and personal support. From my Instagram Breast Recon 101 Live Q&As with surgeons to Rewritten Me, Australia’s first podcast about reconstruction after mastectomy, I’ve dedicated my advocacy work to helping women make informed decisions, curiously challenge with confidence, and take control of their health and care.
Every time a woman tells me she finally asked the question she was scared to ask or made a decision that felt right for her, I’m reminded why this work matters—and why self-advocacy changes lives. Or, as I call it. self-health advocacy.
Inspired by the wonderful women who trusted me with their experiences, I launched the Regarding Me podcast and created the Six Self-Advocacy Steps (SSAS) to help women find their voice when making decisions about their health.
But Regarding Me is more than a podcast—it’s a movement and a call to action. Whether you’re facing a diagnosis or proactively managing your health, I’m here to share practical tools, real-world strategies, and the confidence to say, ‘Regarding Me, here is what I need …’ Respectfully, effectively and with some SSAS.
The evolution into SSASy self-health advocacy
more about me
Listen up.
Discover the story behind Rewritten Me, from my breast cancer diagnosis to reconstruction surgery and the little-talked-about side effects of my DIEP flap surgery that led me to launch Australia’s first podcast dedicated to reconstruction after mastectomy. I share how personal challenges inspired a platform for advocacy, information, and real conversations about women’s health.