Timely reminder

I was moved by your article Bosom Buddies (October). I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer in July. The years when she struggled with the disease were trying and challenging. I remember the last few weeks of her life, when she was confined to her hospital bed. It was heartwrenching to see her unable to move, speak or even recognise anyone. Your article and my mother’s long struggle with the illness is an important wake-up call to women out there to constantly go for health check-ups.

While I won’t undergo a double mastectomy to lower my chances of getting cancer, I now make a more conscious effort to look after my health. I’m more selective about my diet and I also keep fit by taking on new sports and going to the gym more frequently. Vanessa Favacho, via e-mail