Routine health check uncovers silent danger early: 'I'm just so grateful we picked up on it'

At just 35, Australian model and entrepreneur Natasha Oakley thought she was simply being proactive about her health when she booked a preventive MRI scan in March. What that scan revealed would change everything—and potentially save her life.

The co-founder of Monday Swimwear discovered she had a 2.5cm cancerous tumour in her left kidney, caught at a stage where it was still completely treatable.

Her story offers a powerful reminder that cancer doesn't always announce itself with symptoms, and sometimes the most important health decisions are the ones we make when we feel perfectly fine.

A shock discovery with a silver lining

Oakley shared her journey on Instagram last week, explaining how her Prenuvo MRI scan—a whole-body screening technology—detected the small tumour before it had a chance to spread or cause noticeable symptoms.

The timing couldn't have been more crucial. Following multiple scans and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, doctors performed a partial nephrectomy—removing the tumour and a small portion of her kidney while preserving the organ's function.

The procedure was successful, and Oakley is now recovering with the support of her husband Theo Chambers and business partner Devin Brugman, who flew in from overseas to care for her.

For those who might not be familiar, Oakley rose to fame in 2012 alongside Brugman through their 'A Bikini A Day' Instagram account, which garnered millions of followers worldwide.

The duo later launched Monday Swimwear, building a successful fashion empire. But this health scare has put everything else into perspective.

The Australian kidney cancer reality

Oakley's experience highlights a sobering reality about kidney cancer in Australia. It's estimated that 4,771 Australians were diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2024, making it the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country, with one in 65 people expected to be diagnosed by age 85.

What makes kidney cancer particularly concerning is that it often causes no symptoms in the early stages, and sometimes very few symptoms even when it has grown extensively. This 'silent' nature means many cases are discovered accidentally during scans for other conditions, or unfortunately, when the cancer has already advanced.

Understanding preventive whole-body scans

The scan that saved Oakley's life was a Prenuvo MRI—one of several companies now offering preventive whole-body imaging to detect diseases before symptoms appear. These scans check for over 500 conditions including auto-immune disorders and early-stage cancers, without using contrast agents or radiation.

However, it's important to understand both the potential and the limitations of such technology. Prenuvo can generally identify cancerous lesions once they're approximately one centimetre in size, though detection limits vary by body region.

The reality is that there are currently no recommended screening tests for kidney cancer in people at average risk, unlike breast or bowel cancer which have established screening programs. This makes preventive scans an attractive option for those who can afford them, though they come with significant considerations.

The cost factor

These preventive scans aren't covered by Medicare or most private health insurance. While exact Australian pricing varies, similar services typically cost several thousand dollars. Prenuvo operates from Melbourne's Toorak, while Australian alternatives like OneMRI and Everlab offer competing services across the country.

Why early detection matters so much

The difference early detection made in Oakley's case cannot be overstated. For kidney cancer, earlier diagnosis generally means better prognosis. When caught before it spreads, kidney cancer is highly treatable, with excellent long-term survival rates.

Survival from kidney cancer has increased greatly over time, largely due to improvements in detecting and treating early-stage renal cell carcinoma - the most common type of kidney cancer, which typically appears as a single tumour in one kidney.

The surgical approach used in Oakley's case—partial nephrectomy—is the gold standard for small, localised kidney tumours. By removing only the tumour and a small margin of healthy tissue, surgeons can preserve most of the kidney's function, allowing patients to maintain normal quality of life.

What this means for you

For Australian seniors, Oakley's story raises important questions about proactive health monitoring. While not everyone can afford preventive whole-body scans, there are practical steps you can take:

Know the symptoms to watch for:
While early kidney cancer often has no symptoms, advanced cases may cause blood in urine, persistent back or side pain, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue. Don't ignore persistent symptoms, especially if you're over 60.

Understand your risk factors:
Risk factors include smoking, obesity, family history, high blood pressure, and certain medications. Up to one-third of kidney cancers are thought to be due to smoking, making this the most preventable risk factor.

Talk to your GP:
If you have multiple risk factors or persistent concerning symptoms, discuss whether additional imaging might be appropriate. While there's no standard screening program, doctors can order targeted scans when clinically indicated.

The recovery journey ahead

Oakley's positive attitude throughout her ordeal reflects the generally excellent prognosis for early-stage kidney cancer. Her Instagram post, complete with photos showing her surgical scars, sends a powerful message about the importance of early detection and maintaining perspective during health challenges.

'This little health hiccup has been nothing compared to what so many people go through,' she shared, demonstrating remarkable gratitude and empathy. Her promise to be 'back in a bikini rocking these baby scars ASAP' shows the confidence that comes with successful early treatment.

Recovery from partial nephrectomy typically involves several weeks of reduced activity, with most people returning to normal life within 6-8 weeks. The procedure has high success rates when performed on small, contained tumours like Oakley's.

The bigger picture

While Oakley's story has a happy ending, it serves as an important reminder that cancer can affect anyone at any age. For Australian seniors, who face the highest risk of kidney cancer, her experience highlights both the value of early detection and the importance of staying engaged with preventive healthcare.

The key takeaway isn't necessarily that everyone needs an expensive whole-body scan, but rather that staying proactive about health—whether through regular GP visits, attention to symptoms, or lifestyle modifications—can make all the difference.