October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I will be featuring breast cancer awareness in my blogs, as well as hereditary cancer. My focus on cancer awareness this month is due to a passion for health promotion. I can speak from experience because I have been a Registered Nurse for 30 years as well as having diagnostic tests and multiple surgeries.
If you have been following Midlifestylist.com you may be aware that I have BRCA2 gene mutation which increases my risk of breast and other cancers. Both my parents died of cancer – mum was my age, 54. My father had BRCA2 as well. He had prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer, and passed away when he was 84. His father also died of prostate cancer and his sister died of ovarian cancer. My son and two siblings had melanoma. Cancer has therefore impacted my life dramatically.
This year I had prophylactic surgeries to remove my ovaries and breasts. That is because my chance of getting cancer was so high. Unfortunately I had complications from both operations and required 3 extra operations. I’m still recovering and have not been able to return to work since May.
Raising awareness of breast cancer and BRCA2
I can use my blog as an avenue of passing on my knowledge and experience of the impact of cancer and hereditary cancer risk. Raising awareness will hopefully spare other families from seeing one of their loved ones suffer from cancer.
My previous blog posts about BRCA2 and cancer are:
- BRCA2 Gene Mutation – How it has Affected my Life
- Being a Patient in the Midst of a Pandemic
- I will GO PINK for Breast Cancer Research
- We went PINK for Breast Cancer Research
- Staying Positive Despite Setbacks
- Why You Need to Know Your Personal and Family Health History
- 2020 My Unpredictable Year
The first of every month is the day women should perform a breast self examination. My next post in this series will show you the correct way to perform the breast self examination, and what symptoms to look for.
Shared on Life This Week Linkup by Denyse Whelan
MidlifeStylist 
13 responses to “October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month”
Thank you for reminding us all about the importance of remaining vigilant. I had melanoma several years ago and now go for an annual check up to have all my moles checked. I now also I go for annual mammograms as my mother got breast cancer at the age of 83. She had a double mastectomy and developed further tumors the following year. I went for a mammogram last week and just got my results – all good! I’m sorry to hear that you have had to endure so much on your journey, and then this pandemic on top of it all. Take care and be safe.
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I just feel compelled to bring awareness to this issue. I really don’t want to see other families go through what our family has gone through, and I want my sons to still have a mother! My mum was my age when she passed away, I was only 24, and it’s been pretty horrible living without her! I’m happy that you have your regular checkups as they’re so important. Getting something in the early stages can mean the difference between life or death, literally. Stay healthy, and thanks so much for your comment. I really appreciate it, regards Christina
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I lost someone that I loved dearly after a fight of 20 years against breast cancer. Its a horrible disease and regular check ups are so important. Take care.
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It’s really devastating to lose someone you love to cancer. I agree, cancer is a horrible disease and it seems to hit some families like mine, particularly hard. Thank you for your comment, regards Christina
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wow , it’s unreal to think that someone could actually go through so much tragedies. It’s so courageous of you also to be advocating and creating health promotions around these issues. You are a hero. I;ve always been scared about the possibility of that happening to myself or my family. I’m a nursing student and have always checked my own breasts for lumps and encouraged my family to get mammograns. Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable
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Hi Roshanna, Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I really don’t feel like a hero! I’ve been told I’m brave too, but I was terrified of getting cancer – that’s what was my driving force. If I can help just one person it will be worth it. You will make a wonderful nurse, good luck with your studies. Continue to promote health, with your family and your patients. You can make a difference. Take care, regards Christina
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Hi Christina – you are such an example of proactively tackling an issue that a lot of women avoid. Thanks for the reminder to self check – something we all need to remember to do. I’m not a big fan of mammograms, but having reminders about checking is good for those of us who take our health too much for granted. Hope your recovery is continuing to go well.
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Hi Leanne, thank you so much for your feedback. It’s good to have a reminder now and again. My recovery is still slow but at least it’s progress! Regards Christina
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You do an amazing job of communication, teaching and helping people understand so much about the cancers which have affected you and your family. Well-done. I know it’s hard in recovery…but hope you are making progress. Thank you for linking up this week. Next week on Life This Week, the optional prompt is 41/51 I Have Never. 12.10.2020. Hope to see you there! Denyse.
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Thanks so much Denyse. When cancer has impacted you, your focus changes. I never want anyone else to be affected as our family has been. You’re also a great advocate for health education which I really admire. I am making progress, although it’s a lot slower than what I would like. Regards Christina
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I am so glad yo read your post Christina, it’s information many of us need to know. You are doing a great job of highlighting the need for vigilance. I wish you well with your recovery, I’ve tweeted to share your message. #lifethisweek
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Hi Deb, thank you for your lovely comment. I appreciate your feedback. Thanks also for sharing, regards Christina
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[…] article – it may help someone you care for. If you enjoyed this you may like my previous post October is For Breast Cancer Awareness which lists my previous posts about my BRCA2 diagnosis and […]
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