Giuliana Rancic revealed today that she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
As many of you already know, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple years ago (my great aunt also passed away from the disease) and breast cancer awareness and research is very important to me.
One thing Giuliana’s diagnosis reiterated to me was that breast cancer happens to women of all ages. Giuliana is 37 years old and was only diagnosed because a doctor said she needed a mammogram before going though with her third round of in vitro fertilization. She wasn’t even planning on getting her first mammogram until she was 40 (the recommended age).
Giuliana will now undergo surgery and radiation and is expected to be fine, but her diagnosis (and the fact that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month) prompted me to feel the need to spread more awareness about breast cancer through this blog and share some statistics with you guys.
- About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer
- A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer
- About 70 – 80 percent of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer
- Men can be diagnosed with breast cancer as well and account for 1 percent of all diagnoses
(All statistics are from BreastCancer.org.)
So how can you lower your risk?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Get screened for breast cancer regularly. By getting the necessary exams, you can increase your chances of finding out if you have breast cancer before it reaches a later stage.
- Control your weight and exercise.
- Know your family history of breast cancer.
- Find out the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Some women use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat the symptoms of menopause. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of HRT and find out if hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
And you’re never too young to start checking yourself for lumps! My mom found a lump in her breast only from doing a self breast exam and her cancer had already significantly developed from the time she had her annual mammogram a few months prior.
Here is a link to an article detailing how to preform a breast self exam.
Question of the Afternoon
- Has breast cancer affected you or someone close to you?
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I just saw her interview on The Today Show this morning. It was so sad, but at the time, she seemed so grateful that she caught it early. Breast cancer doesn’t run in my family, but my mom was telling me, just last night, a list of tips for prevention. Drinking three cups of green tea daily was one of them that I remember, and limiting alcohol intake.
Thank you for your post today! It’s a great reminder not just to be vigilant with this disease but also that there are so many people with lives affected by breast cancer. My mom was diagnosed last month and had surgery just last week and it’s comforting to know that there are people out there who understand. Your posts this month on breast cancer awareness have helped me through this tough time.
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 14, and then my paternal grandmother was diagnosed when I was 16. Both of them were the first in their families to be diagnosed, which exponentially increases my chances of being diagnosed. I can’t take birth control pills due to the hormones, I have to self-exam at least twice a month, and I’ll need mammograms starting at 30, not 40. It’s a scary, scary thing, but being as prepared as I can be helps!
hillary, i’m really interested in your thoughts about birth control and the hormones. we feel like my mom’s diagnosis may have been in part due to the use of hormones (she took hormone supplements after menopause). did a doctor specifically tell you not to take birth control pills? it’s something that has honestly made me uneasy for a while now and i’d love to hear your thoughts if you’re comfortable sharing.
Sure, Julie. (Obviously, I’m not a doctor, but I will speak openly about what all of my doctors have told me: that includes two primary care physicians, two GYNs, and one holistic midwife):
The doctors have no clue what caused my mom’s breast cancer. She was young (in her early 40s) and the first in her family to be diagnosed. As you mentioned, this is a big deal for my own history.
My paternal grandmother’s cancer, on the other hand, seems to be related to hormone replacement therapy she took for menopause. Again, the doctors aren’t certain, but they feel pretty confident that’s what caused it. Similarly to my mom, my grandmother was the first in that family line to be diagnosed. Because of the double whammy, I am at EXTRA risk at developing breast cancer, and possibly at a very young age.
Here’s what the docs have told me, and been quite open about: birth control has apparently been proven to reduce the risk of other cancers (ovarian and cervical, I believe), but they are being extra cautious by not allowing me to put ANY unnecessary hormones in my body. They all say that it’s not definite that the hormones have any affect on a “normal” person’s odds of getting breast cancer, but with my personal family history, they feel like it would only be making my (already shitty) odds way, way worse.
Personally, I’m fine with it. I know birth control is a totally normal thing and that millions of people take it every day. Maybe it’s because of my own personal medical history, but the idea of messing with my hormones, no matter how slight, freaks me out a bit at this point.
Hope this answered your questions! I’m more than happy to talk about it more with you, if you’d like!
i totally agree! thank you for this info. it’s something i’ve been thinking about for a LONG time. i have my annual appt. coming up and will definitely be addressing this. thanks, hillary!!
You’re welcome! Yes, it’s definitely worth talking to your doctor (or several doctors) about. Good luck!
They have apps that will tell you (based on your cycle) when is the best day to do your breast exam. It’s important ladies!
If they say “this will lower your risk of breast cancer”, I do it. I have a very strong family history of breast cancer. My mother, my grandmother, and about 20 other females on my mother’s side has been diagnosed. Although I’ve tested negative for the gene, I still do my best to prevent a development.
I support a lower mammogram age. Even with my family history, I still have to wait until I’m 35 for the “early” testing.
And fellas, you check yourself out too. Breast cancer doesn’t just happen to ladies!
i had no idea there were apps for that! thanks for the info!
Thanks for this post Julie. My grandmother was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at a young age and its become something I pay close attention to now. This is such an important and worthwhile cause. Best wishes to Giuliana!
My mother in law was just diagnosed with breast cancer, for the 2nd time. I mentioned on my blog a few weeks ago that we had gotten some sad news about a family member and i didnt want to go into detail at that point but that is what it was in regards to and also what our visit to FL last weekend was for, to see her and it also happened to be the weekend her friend puts on the “Hooked on Hope” breast cancer awareness fishing tournament in St Pete, to raise money for the cause. With the weather the tournament was canceled but a lot of money was still raised!
The first time it was cought very early and she was able to get surgery and a short stint of radiation. February (of this year) was her 5 years “clear” of it and at her first 6 month scan after that (august) they found it again but it is a lot more developed this time. She is on her 3rd week of chemo….shes strong and will stick through it I know it but its incredibly scary!
Hi Vanessa,
I hope you don’t mind my input, but so many women are talking about the BRCA gene, and I am involved in hereditary cancer research at Moffitt. There is a law called GINA (Genetic Information Nondiscriminatino Act) and if you work for a large employer you can not be discriminated against for health insurance. You are right the law does not protect against life insurance; which is why most genetic counselors will recommend you get your life insurance in order before you have testing. I would definitely recommend you consider genetic counseling (which DOES NOT mean you have to have testing). Genetic counseling is an informational session where you can learn more about hereditary cancer and whether testing may or may not be right for you. I am not sure if you live in Florida, but if you do you should check out this website: http://www.facingourrisk.org/
The support group FORCE (facing our risk of cancer empowered) was started by Sue Friedman, who is an inspiring and amazing breast cancer survivor. FORCE has an annual conference in June in Orlando, but they also have support groups throughout the nation. Also, my boss has created a registry for inherited cancer. You can checkout our website: http://www.moffitt.org/icare
I hope these websites help you!
Hi Andrea,
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond and provide so much information. I did meet with a genetic counselor when my mother was first diagnosed, but I was 21 at the time (6 years ago) and they probably have quite a bit more information now. I will definitely check out the websites.
Thanks again!
I am going to piggyback on this and say that FORCE is an awesome organization with lots of info for those with hereditary cancer risks. Many women have a family history of breast cancer and don’t realize that they can carry a gene that will put them at higher risk.
FORCE has a great message board and Facebook page with lots of women of all ages who offer support and insight. If anyone has questions about their potential BRCA status, I recommend checking out FORCE.
My mom had a lump with pre-cancerous cells removed (they found it before it turned into cancer). Her father, aunt and sister all had breast cancer. The women all had it prior to menopause, which is pretty rare. She tested for the gene mutation (BRCA II) and it came back positive.
My oldest sister (she was 35 at the time) chose to get tested and also came back positive. If you are positive, you have an 80% chance of getting breast cancer and higher risk of ovarian cancer. She chose to have a prophylactic double mastectomy (removing both breasts prior to actually getting breast cancer). She did this b/c she has three daughters and felt that she could not afford to wait until she actually got sick and then deal with chemo, radiation, etc.
My other sister and I have not been tested. My doctor warned me that if I were to be tested, I could/would be denied life insurance and possibly health insurance in the future. We decided to treat me as though I am positive without doing the test. This means I see a high-risk specialist once a year and get annual MRIs. I’m too young (27) for mammograms – we tried them but nothing shows up b/c breasts are too “fibrous” at this age.
It’s definitely daunting to have this family history – but I’m glad it’s a disease with a high survival rate!
hi vanessa! andrea posted a comment for you that you may be interested in right above this one but accidentally posted it in reply to another reader. didn’t want you to miss it!
Thanks, Julie! I would have missed that!
Great post 🙂
My Aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 10 years ago now after doing a self exam. You couldn’t miss the golf ball size lump in her breast. She started treatment , chemo and radiation right away and kept her spirits high. I am happy to say that she beat it. Her mom, my Nana also got breast cancer exactly 1 year after my Aunt did. She had radiation and she also beat it!!! 🙂
Since it runs in my family, I do regular self breast exams and keep myself healthy. Although I know I need to go to mammograms at an earlier age due to the family history.
It can be beat!!
This is so heartbreaking but I am thanking God that they found it! What if she didn’t have to go through the IVF process and they wouldnt have found it for a couple more years. I lost my Younglife Leader Sara to breast cancer 2 years ago. She was 26 and gave birth to her first baby a week before she passed away. I self check as often as I remember!
I was sad to hear about Giuliana because I really like her, but also because as you said, it was a reminder that this can happen to anyone. My aunt was recently diagnosed, and as you can understand, it really shook the whole family up. We lost a very close family to it a few years ago too. I love breast cancer awareness month and the emphasis on early detection. So glad that your mom is looking healthy and beautiful. 🙂
Wow 1 in 8 women, that is incredible. It’s good to know these kinds of statistics. Such a horrible disease.
When I was 19 I found my first lump through self exams and another when I was 21. My doctor missed both lumps initially. Luckily after both were removed niether resulted with cancerous cells but it still shows how important self exams are.
Remember, you know your body better then anyone else and you should be your own advocate through self exams! Early detection is the best protection!
Breast cancer has affected me more times than any other family issue. My maternal grandmother died from it, my paternal grandmother had it, my mom has had it twice and her only sister has also had it. In honor of my mom beating cancer 3 times (she also had ovarian cancer) and with it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, my sisters and I donated hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths on Saturday! My hair is just above my shoulders now. We each donated 10″ each!! It was such a great feeling.
I decided to comment because my husband found a few links worth sharing. He is VERY worried about my chances of getting breast cancer and does a lot of research. He’s even told me things I should incorporate into my diet to help reduce the risk. Its actually very cute of him. Here are the two links he found recently:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2037602/Breast-cancer-breakthrough-Luke-Piggott-juggles-medical-degree-hockey.html
http://m.abc27.com/default.aspx?pid=2705&wnfeedurl=http://www.abc27.com/story/15671057/midstate-breast-cancer-breakthrough-gets-funding-boost%3fclienttype%3drssstory
Cross your fingers for a cure!!!!
On October 9th (last weekend), I ran the Chicago Marathon dressed in pink after raising $1,700 for Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure. Luckily, no one that I am close with has been faced with the challenge of battling breast cancer, but my heart goes out to all that have. My hope is to do as much as I can to help fight this terrible disease.
On a lighter note, when do we find out which book won the book club vote?
that is awesome!!! thanks for raising all that money!
and i’ll announce the book tonight – i totally forgot about it yesterday!!
My mom has stage 4 breast cancer. I know, it sounds scary. But honestly, its been a blessing in disguise.
Spending Christmases in hospitals and birthdays in bed has helped my family to realize that its not where you are, but who you’re with that really matters.
I KNOW that some day we will find a cure to this terrible disease. But in the meantime, I just want everyone (wether healthy or sick) to truly appreciate the ones the love.
My aunt passed of breast cancer about 8 years ago and one of my closest friend’s mom passed last week after a long, long battle with breast cancer.
Yesterday my whole family – all 38 of us – did a 5k for the Susan G. Komen foundation. We do it every year and have a big bbq afterwards. To be honest, not a single one of us did the whole 5k (we are a real lazy family and took a shortcut) but we raised a lot of money and we honored our aunt/sister/mom/wife. Somehow, I think my aunt would be really pleased that her passing brought us all together in a unique way.
This post is awesome and hits close to home for me. My stepmom was diagnosed with a serious stage of breast cancer when I was 11 years old. She and my dad have been married since I was 2 years old, so she’s just like a second mom to me. We’re very close, and even though I was young at the time, I still remember feeling so so scared. She has been cancer free ever since – praise God!
Most people also don’t realize that if you have a relative that had ovarian cancer, you are also at a higher risk for getting breast cancer! My grandmother died of ovarian cancer, and so I worry about both.
My jaw literally dropped when I heard about Giuliana Rancic…I’m so glad you’re bringing attention to this, Julie. Thanks for the reminder that we have to do all we can to keep our bodies healthy and support those who are battling this horrible cancer.
Wow; that’s shocking news. I hadn’t heard that she was diagnosed until reading this post.
My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was very young. It went into remission, but ultimately came back & she passed away when I was in the sixth grade.
Omg Giuliana! I don’t know of anyone in my family ever having breast cancer, but I still donate when I can and would like to do a walk for the cause except me have none remotely near me. Having the knowledge of what to look for and getting checked is definitely key!
I lost my mom to breast cancer 5 years ago yesterday – she might still be here today if she had been more vigilant about getting regular mammograms. My hope is that for those who knew her, her legacy will encourage them to be their own health advocate. We girls have got to look out for ourselves!
I read this online this morning. Its so awful! I’m glad that they were able to catch it early enough. My grandmom had breast cancer but she beat it, unfortunately it was due to other illnesses that she passed. It is so important to do self-exams and go for annual visits. We definitely need to take care of ourselves.
Just this year before my twentieth birthday I had a fibroadenoma (benign tumor) removed from my left breast. My mother has had tumors removed in the past and breast cancer has always been a huge topic in our family. It’s always good to check and DO NOT BE SCARED TO VISIT YOUR DOCTOR. It took me a while to go from my obgyn to an actual breast doctor and in that span the fibroadenoma had more than doubled in size. So if you ever have a concern don’t be afraid! That’s what they’re there for!
i had to have a lump removed in my early 20s. luckily it was nothing! AND i fainted during my mammogram! lol. so embarassing! (but it’s never too early to get checked out!!!)
i was shocked to read about guliana rancic this morning. 🙁
breast cancer is a scary thing. i know someone that just had a double mastectomy . it’s a long and scary journey.
Great information — thanks for posting it! Can never be reminded too often to take care of ourselves!
My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a little over three years ago. Fortunately, her doctor caught it nearly as early as possible. She had to undergo surgery and radiation, but my family is so blessed to now have a happy and healthy mama! The advice she tries to give to everyone: get your mammograms!!!
Breast Cancer has definitely affected someone close to me. My father’s mother actually passed away from Breast Cancer days before I was born after fighting the battle & being in a coma and to this day my Dad misses his Mom so much. I know it tends to affect you more when it is on the maternal side(mother, sister, grandmother, or aunt, etc) but cancer is big on my Dad’s side and Mom’s side as well as Diabetes. It’s sad to hear about Giuliana Rancic being diagnosed. Her & her husband are such dolls! I will keep their family in my prayers. Thanks for putting this on your blog. It’s an issue we need more and more awareness about.
My 26 year old sister (who is also pregnant) was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year. She had a lumpectomy and is currently going through chemo treatments. She is absolutely the strongest and most amazing person I know!
Early detection really is so important!
oh my gosh, your comment stopped me in my tracks. thinking of your sister and her baby and wishing them both health and happiness. and strength!
Thank you for blogging about this! When I saw that news on People this morning I was shocked! I don’t have anyone in my family with breast cancer but it so important for all women to be aware of our bodies and realize that it can happen to anyone!
I have seen that a few people have mentioned genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2. These are two genes that when working normally, help to protect us from getting cancer. Sometimes a person has a change or a mutation in one of their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes that doesn’t allow it to function properly and results in a person having a greatly increased risk to develop cancer in their lifetime. BRCA1 and BRCA2 predisposed people to developing: breast cancer (both males and females), ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and several other types of cancer. I work as a genetic counselor, so I see patients every day to discuss the chance that the cancer seen in their family is genetic in etiology. Some things in a family history that serve as “red-flags” for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer are: breast cancer at a young age (under 50 y.o.), cancer diagnosed in both breasts, ovarian cancer at any age, breast and ovarian cancer in the same family regardless of ages of diagnosis, breast and ovarian cancer in the same person, male breast cancer, Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. If you have any of these hallmarks in your family history, please discuss BRCA testing with your physician–and be persistent, if they don’t listen or dismiss your concerns, find a doctor who will listen. Genetic counselors can also review your family history and help determine if you or someone in your family is a good testing canddiate. You can find a genetic counselor in your area with the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ find a genetic counselor tool : http://www.nsgc.org/
Why might that be important to know if there is a BRCA1/2 mutation running in your family? If you know that you carry a mutation for BRCA1 or BRCA2, you are advised to follow a very rigorous breast screening program including breast MRI, and mammograms beginning at age 25-30. Ovarian cancer screening is also recommended for women. Prophylactic surgical options are also made available to women with BRCA1/2 mutations. Some women choose to have risk reducing mastectomy or risk reducing oopherecomy (removal of the ovaries). If someone in your family is identified to be a carrier of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, you should also consider genetic testing–you can determine if you also carry the mutation or are a TRUE negative which means you do NOT carry the mutation running in your family and your breast cancer risk is back to the normal population risk (12.5%). If anyone would like more information about this or how to find a genetic counselor, reply to my comment and we can figure out a way to correspond privately.
thank you so much for this comment, lily!!
Today I took my grandmother to her follow up oncology appointment…she goes every 3 months since she had her mastectomy.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer last July, and underwent a mastectomy in August. Things are going well – she’s a healthy 87 year old lady:)
Today’s appointment was a little different though. My aunt ( my grandmothers daughter) was diagnosed with breast cancer in her mid-30’s. She had a mastectomy, a couple of years later she underwent reconstruction surgery, and eventually had a recurrence of cancer. Ann past away at the age of 43 over 11 years ago. Because of this history, the Doctor asked us to sign a permission slip to access Ann’s pathology records, as well as Nanny’s records to confirm whether or not there there is a “breast cancer gene” being carried within our family. I’m surprised they are just deciding to do this now, but I am happy they are doing it all. We are a family full of girls – I have 3 sisters myself, plus tons of female cousins. Ann was a mother to two daughters, so this information would be very welcome. My heart goes out to anyone who has had to deal with this disease (or any type of cancer!) and I try to get involved with any fundraiser or awareness campaign that I can! Thank you for this blog post – it’s a wonderful way to spread information.
Hi Julie, I’ve been reading your blog for a while (love it!) but never commented until now. My cousin is 31 and was just diagnosed with breast cancer in July. She was also undergoing fertility treatments but unlike Giuliana, she felt the lump and brought it to the attention of her doctor. This isn’t the first time i’ve heard a story similar to this. I’m starting to wonder if there is a link. So glad that your mom is doing well! Thanks for all of your inspiring words each day and some killer workouts!
thank you for commenting, cristina, and please know i am thinking of your cousin and wishing her a fast recovery and strength through her treatments.
Wonderful post Julie. I was so so sad to hear about Guiliana. After all they have gone through with IVF etc. poor girl.
I’m so glad you posted this — she is so young and when I saw it, even though I’m a total realist now, I was still shocked.
My Mom is a 12-year breast cancer survivor. Her 10-year anniversary is how I stumbled into a lifelong love of running – I ran the Komen Race for the Cure in her honor.
I started having mammograms when she was diagnosed, even though I was still in my early 30s, she was relatively young and would not have rested if I’d taken any chances. When my doctor heartily agreed, I figured I was outnumbered and have been doing it ever since.
I actually had a scare of my own a few months back. I have still not blogged about it, because there’s still something a little off, but thankfully it was not breast cancer.
I tell you, sitting there in a drafty hospital gown in a cold ultrasound lab really brings the abject terror of the thing home. All I could think of was “Oh, my God. THIS is how Mom felt.” And it was all I could do to not break down and cry because even though I thought I knew, I really had no idea. Every thought of leaving people I love behind, alone without me, of not getting to grow old with this amazing man I married, of not getting to see nieces and nephews grow up and have their own families.
It was one of the worst moments of my life, which is ironic, because I came out with a clean bill of health (breast health at least).
So yes, I’m a major and vocal advocate for research and treatment and finding the DAMNED cure!
Long winded way of saying thanks for posting 🙂
Edited to add to the above: Even though I have annual mammograms, I found my own lump through self-exam. Which is also how my Mom found hers, and she also had regular mammograms.
So for the ladies who are not yet old enough to have regular mammograms and/or don’t have that direct family history that suggests starting earlier, do your BSEs!! Mark a day on your calendar and do it every single month. It may be one of the kindest, most loving acts you can do for your family and people who love you … ever.
That’s an excellent suggestion. Most of the time I just do it when I happen to remember, and I really should start doing it more frequently. I spoke to my doctor and she doesn’t think I need to do it at my annual pap test just yet, as I am only 30, but still suggested I do it at home. I should be more diligent when it comes to BSE’s, and I’m going to take your advice and mark it in my calendar!!
i love the idea of putting it ON your calendar!
To everyone who said they’re afraid to get tested because they don’t want to find anything….PLEASE take that step. My husband died of lung cancer 2 years ago at 40 years old. He was a non-smoker with absolutely no symptoms. They did a chest x-ray as part of a yearly physical through his employer and that is how they found it….he was already stage 3B. If they would done that x-ray a year earlier it would have saved his life. Don’t put it off…you really never know.
oh this makes my heart break for you, sherri. i am so sorry about the loss of your husband.
I am an ultrasound technician and deal with breast cancer patients on a regular basis. While there is always a chance that anyone can get it at any age, it is extremely rare in very young women.(Still do your self breast exams though!) However, I wonder in Giuliana’s case if her IVF contributed to her getting breast cancer. Hormones have great influence on breast tissue and with IVF you are injecting yourself with a ton of hormones that cause all kinds of changes in the body.
we think horomes may have played a part in my mom’s diagnosis, as she took a hormone supplement after menopause.
Wow that is so surprising! I’m also wondering if the IVF had anything to do with her breast cancer. I’ve only known 3 people in my life with it – my grandma, my old co-worker, and a family friend. Fingers crossed that it doesn’t affect anyone else!
I was just reading about this. Unbelievable. She’s so young and seems to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. It truly does show that this disease can strike anyone, at anytime.
I admire everything that you do for breast cancer awareness and support- it’s so important to help wherever we can! Further, it’s crucial that none of us turn a blind eye to symptoms in ourselves and others- avoiding the problem because we’re scared won’t solve anything, unfortunately.
Thank you for this post! It brought up a great point and reminded me just how unpredictable life can be and how often we take our health for granted.
Hi Julie,
I have been a reader of your blog for a few months and always enjoying stopping by. My sisters and I have just created a blog about how small deeds can impact others. I just posted about Giuliana! Thanks for mentioning her in your blog, I believe creating awareness is so important!
My grandma died of breast cancer in her 30’s. Since reading the book the China Study I have decreased my intake of animal products because it has been proven that animal products cause higher risks of cancer. It is a great book and the movie Forks Over Knives is on Instant play on Netflix and covers the topics in the book. I think you wiuld be really interested, Julie.
i REALLY want to watch that! we canceled our netflix subscription when they raised the prices, but i really want to see that documentary.
I heard about this too! It’s so sad to see after everything she’s already been through.
My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer last July, but is in full remission now. My sister, who is 30, was diagnosed with a rare cervical cancer last August. Needless to say, it was a rough fall for our family. My sister is also doing fine as well. It was almost a blessing for them to be able to lean on eachother & talk to eachother because they were both going through it at the same time. I also have 2 other aunts that passed away due to female cancers.
I’m in nursing school & will be graduating in May. I’ve always been proactive with women’s health and because of my aunt & sister, I want to go into gynocology to help women & teach them to be proactive about their own health. I think it’s really important to support eachother & bring awareness, so I will be participating in Race for the Cure this Saturday.
i think that you will be excellent in your job because of your personal tie to women’s-related diseases. thank you for pursuring such an honorable career!
My family has been touched by breast cancer for years and years.. My mum now has to go for a second lot of treatment 🙁 She is a tough cookie and I am sure she will be fine – but there is always that worry in my head.
I found a lump in my breast a few months ago (just before completing a 10K race for life in aid of breast cancer) – and my whole life flashed before my eyes. Scary as hell..but please ladies, be vigilant and check yourself !!
thinking of your mom. she sounds like a fighter and i wish her only the very best.
I too saw this yesterday morning and was really saddened. I happen to watch her reality show and was praying that she would get pregnant this time around with her IVF.
I was shocked at how young she is to be diagnosed with breast cancer. We, as women, really need to share the knowledge and so I thank you for doing so.
Recently, I found out my aunt had a tumor grow back less than 2 years of the same type being removed. She will have to have a mastectomy now because it’s such a rare tumor. If it gets outside the breast tissue its untreatable. My grandmother is also a survivor of breast cancer.
It is amazing to me how prevalent breast cancer is in womens of all ages, shapes, and sizes.
Much love to Guiliana Rancic!
Thank you for sharing this. I adore Giulianna, I admire her strength.
This is a great post, Julie. Thanks for shedding light on a really important topic!
When Giuliana’s story came up on my news feed, my heart sank. I love her and definitely admire her for encouraging women.
Excellent post and one that always needs to be brought to the forefront.
I myself had a scare two years ago. It turned out to be benign, but had to have surgery to find out. Self exams and mammos are important and each only takes a few minutes. Well maybe not the imaging, but you get the idea.
so glad it was benign – and awesome job doing self exams!
Thanks for the great post. As a Clinical Social Worker, working at the University of Miami’s comprehensive cancer center, awareness is so important! Cancer is not just for “old people” anymore. I talk to patients who are dying and have young children at home, I talk to single parents who can no longer work and can’t afford to put food on the table for their children and elderly parents. The list goes on. I went to a nutrition seminar recently and heard that this is the first generation that is not expected to out live their parents. That’s huge!! Not only is awareness important but so is prevention…eating fruits and vegetables!! The research shows that whole food nutrition, fruits, vegetables, berries, grains (not multivitamins) are cancer fighting tools. We need to be more aware and disciplined about what we feed our bodies. This is a topic I feel fairly passionate about, especially because of the population I work with. Have you heard of Juice Plus+? 17 different fruits and vegetables in capsule form. It’s bridging the gap between what we do eat and what we should eat. Anyway, great post. Thanks for sharing!
that is SO interesting about this generation not outliving their parents. do you have a link to an article or presentation about that? i would LOVE to learn more!