A personal journey
Recognizing the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
I received my breast cancer diagnosis in 2008, and at that time research indicated that one in nine women would receive treatment for the illness at some point in their life.
Despite a decade of research and education on prevention, that statistic has since increased to one in eight.
I remember thinking during those first few weeks after my diagnosis how I wanted to keep the fact that I had cancer private. I didn’t want people knowing my business and I definitely didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. I was not to be pitied and if that meant keeping my diagnosis between myself and my family, then that is what I was prepared to do. I soon realized that it would be a difficult secret to keep.
As time went by I began to have a change of heart in terms of who knew about my bout with cancer. I realized that it was selfish of me not to share my story, and in fact, as a survivor with a platform, I had a responsibility to help educate women about the importance of self-examination and annual testing. So as a writer, I was compelled to write a book about my experience.
“One Small Lump - Memoirs of a Breast Cancer Survivor” was published in 2011 and it chronicles my year-long journey with cancer.
I used a very matter of fact approach to writing the book with the objective being to assure women that there is life beyond the diagnosis. In fact, life after cancer in many ways can be richer and more fulfilling.
The book details many of the experiences I endured during my illness. It also highlights the important work that is begin done at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre in Sydney.
We are very fortunate to have on our island one of the most effective cancer treatment facilities in the country. The staff works hard to make patients feel as if they are members of their own family. Their kind, compassionate and dedicated approach to patient care is commendable.
I share the story in my book about that first October after my diagnosis, it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I had only learned of my illness weeks before. I was shopping with my daughter at the Mayflower Mall and it appeared that there was a notable push to make sure people knew the importance of the month.
Everything was pink — there were pink blouses, pink scarfs, pink socks, pink neckties and even pink frying pans, all displayed prominently in the windows of each of the outlets.
I remember saying to my daughter “this is a bit much.”
I wasn’t sure if I resented the constant reminder of an illness that affects so many women and was now affecting me or if it was all just simply too much.
As the years past I made a point of educating myself as to what was being done to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
As an international month of recognition, a lot of information has been shared over the years, and continues to be shared about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Research clearly suggests that the illness that affects so many women in Canada and worldwide, if detected early, is curable. Those of us who have experienced the disease, need to be reminded to have our checkups, to have regular blood work, to eat healthy and to get plenty of rest. For those yet to be diagnosed, education is the key.
Millions of dollars are raised each year in support of ongoing research and for the purchase of equipment to help detect cancer early. Still today, with all of the information available, people are choosing not to be tested.
It amazes me when I have occasion to ask women if they have had their annual mammograms how many of them say no, and if the answer is not no, they say maybe every three or four years.
Tests to detect breast cancer are readily available and are relatively easy to take. I would be lying if I said there isn’t a little discomfort having a mammogram, but what is a moment of discomfort compared to the potential repercussions from not detecting breast cancer in time. I can attest to the fact that equally as important as having a mammogram is self-examination. It only takes a minute and it has been credited for saving my life.
I recently marked 10 years of being cancer free and though the past decade wasn’t without its challenges, I am happy to be here to share my story.
I encourage women who haven’t already, to please start the process and get screened. Research clearly suggests that timely detection does save lives. The earlier the diagnosis is made the less invasive the treatment need be.