This is a story about living with breast cancer; about the toll it takes, about the effects it has on one’s life and the lives of those closest to the person suffering from the disease. It is a story about the strength and the determination it takes to confront and beat a disease like cancer. This courageous woman is a prominent woman in the broadcasting industry. She has chosen to be open and honest about developing breast cancer and today I share her story.

The second highest risk factor for breast cancer is increasing age. Being female is the highest. At least fifty percent of women diagnosed with the disease have no family history of breast cancer, so it makes it impossible to discover through genetics. Imagine waking up one morning, about to begin your daily routine, to discover a lump in your breast through breast self-examination. This was the reality for one woman who possessed a healthy and active lifestyle. The tumour discovered was fairly substantial so she immediately sought advice from her physician. Since there is no physical difference between a benign and malignant tumour, an ultrasound and mammography were scheduled. Her physician informed her that a surgeon would not surgically remove a lump in the breast (lumpectomy) until preliminary tests show the tumour is indeed cancerous. Her tests came back positive.

Surgery was performed two weeks after the lump was discovered. It was not until this young woman woke up after the surgery that she was told the tumour was cancerous and that they believed the lumpectomy was successful. However, further tests were completed on the area where the lump was found and the surgeon was not completely satisfied with the surgery. They found microscopic pieces of cancerous tissue and needed to operate once more. This time, she underwent a mastectomy, which is the removal of the breast and deep excavation of the lymph nodes. After this procedure, extensive tests were performed on the lymph nodes to determine medically whether any breakaway cells from the tumour had entered the blood stream, causing the cancer to spread throughout her body.

The next two to four weeks were emotionally trying on this young woman’s mental state. The waiting period to determine if the cancer had spread was difficult to bear. It was during this time that she had mentally prepared herself for dying.

If the cancer spreads and is in the late stages, the chance of treatment drops dramatically. If discovered early, there is a ninety-five percent chance of survival. In this woman’s case, her tests came back negative for cancer cells in her lymph nodes, which meant the cancer had not spread and her treatment would continue. It was through discussions with her regular physician and surgeon that they determined what treatment would be best for her. They decided on a chemotherapy regiment and radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to treat cancerous cells and reaches all parts of the body. While undergoing chemo, she felt the common side effects of the treatment such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting and hair loss. She is now a month away from completing her three- month chemotherapy regiment. Radiation, which is the use of high-energy rays to treat the disease, is the next step. She looks forward to completing her radiation therapy so that she can begin to put this struggle behind her.

At this time in her treatment, her mental state is strong. She has not suffered any forms of depression or anxiety due to her fight against breast cancer. She receives phenomenal support from her husband, children and colleagues. They assist in keeping her positive and upbeat. The outpouring of kind words from the general public has been overwhelming. Physically, she continues to be strong and stays active by playing tennis and working out. The more she exercises, the better she sleeps, which makes it easier to cope with the stresses of life.

The best advice she can offer to young women is to know your body. visit your doctor for regular physical examinations and learning how to perform your own breast self-examination is your greatest weapon in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection is the key.