INSPIRING HOPE THROUGH RESEARCH
Canada AM host Beverly Thomson speaks about her battle with breast cancer and how recent advances have transformed our understanding of the disease.
It’s been over a decade since Beverly Thomson, co-host of CTV’s Canada AM, was diagnosed with breast cancer. “In many ways [it] seems like yesterday and at the same time like it was 30 years ago,” says Thomson. “It’s a real vortex in the beginning, it just kind of runs you around chasing your tail for awhile because so much information is coming at you.” And then, when you’ve barely had time to digest the diagnosis itself, come the conversations about treatments. “You’re absolutely lost and you don’t want to take the time to think about it because you really want to get on with how to get better,” she adds.
Thomson got her diagnosis in May of 2003 and by December was undergoing chemo and radiation treatment. But despite being a master communicator, one of the toughest parts was telling her young children. “I spoke to them in an age appropriate way, I wasn’t hiding anything or promising everything was going to be great,” she says. “But I told them I’m going to do everything I can to get better.”
A journalist’s instincts
By January 2004,she started getting involved with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation through fundraisers and speaking publicly about her battle, eventually becoming Honorary Chair and spokesperson. “It propelled my thirst for knowledge, I needed to know more and I think that’s the journalist in me,” says Thomson adding she wanted to be a conduit of truth at these fundraisers. “I needed to know so I could stand up [there] and wholeheartedly say we’re working for a future without breast cancer and, to one up that, I think wewill see that future.”
Forward moving
Thomson’s involvement with the CBCF has put her at the forefront of developments in breast cancer research. “Over the past 10 years, there have been a number of drugs that have come on the market or are in clinical trials,” she says. “The efficacy of some of these drugs is improving and they’re becoming more targeted to the different types of the disease.”
As treatment has improved so have detection processes. “I really believe in self exams but a lot of women still don’t do it,” says Thomson. “If you do find a lump and doctors look at it, whether it’s cancerous or not, the best chance you have is by early detection.”
One in nine
Outside of early detection, support in all shapes and forms is also key. “When you look at the stats, 1 in 9 women will develop the disease and your life will be affected in some way whether you’re a man or woman,” says Thomson. “And I think women sometimes pass off potential symptoms as part of a normal day-to-day existence and of course there’s stress in your life, of course you’re going to be tired — but don’t ignore your health, not ever.”