After the storm
It is estimated that there is one woman diagnosed with breast cancer every eleven minutes in the UK. Yes thats right one person, their family, their friends, their colleagues knocked side ways by the diagnosis, every eleven minutes. And sometimes in my job it feels like I know them all. Of course I don't but it's a rare day when I don't connect with someone who has just been diagnosed, heard good or bad results, lost someone they love and all the shades in between. Breast cancer after all is called a common condition, it's impact felt by many and on every one of these occasions there is a tough road to travel. Our work in Breakthrough helps to make some of these roads a little easier I hope and also very importantly gets better outcomes for them. But we also want to prevent this happening to more people.
It is estimated that there is one woman diagnosed with breast cancer every eleven minutes in the UK. Yes thats right one person, their family, their friends, their colleagues knocked side ways by the diagnosis, every eleven minutes. And sometimes in my job it feels like I know them all. Of course I don't but it's a rare day when I don't connect with someone who has just been diagnosed, heard good or bad results, lost someone they love and all the shades in between. Breast cancer after all is called a common condition, it's impact felt by many and on every one of these occasions there is a tough road to travel. Our work in Breakthrough helps to make some of these roads a little easier I hope and also very importantly gets better outcomes for them. But we also want to prevent this happening to more people.
So why am i saying this now? Well for two reasons. Recently I got
an update on the world leading Breakthrough Generations Study , the study following
up 100,000 women for 40 years to help us better understand the causes of
breast cancer. Fortunately we don't need to wait 40 years to increase
our understanding either, already the new information is coming through.
We know about more genes involved, we understand more about the impact
of obesity and sex hormones after the menopause, we are building the
jigsaw day by day. I feel very proud to play my role in helping this happen. Epidemiology is a very
accessible science so hearing the progress is incredibly exciting. And
of course with my history it feels personally important, especially to
understand risk for my family. So in Breakthrough we have produced Family History Guidelines too. They
are based on our current knowledge and so useful to those of us who may
worry about this very subject. Many people over estimate the risk to
family members but perhaps others under estimate it too. Here's the link
to help you know more.Family history guidelines
And the other reason is I know even with my early diagnosis it has had an impact I cant just ignore. Prevention is better than cure, it's something that trips off the tongue, doesn't it? But I wrote some of this sitting on a train and fighting a headache that never feels far away just now,a daily reminder of my current struggle with my health. And when I read so often of how fellow travellers too are felled by the impact of diagnosis, treatment and the disease itself I know it is so , so true that even with a succesful outcome, breast cancer takes a huge toll, both physical and emotional. So yes prevention deserves our focus and resources.
I have made the decision to delay the top up surgery I was recommended to have next month. Its not the right time for me, I know in myself. I need to feel stronger and also I need to get on with my life. I am not saying never but thats what I am thinking.Its good to have made the decision finally. Another step forward of sorts!
Reasons to be cheerful. My holiday is here, not only offering precious time with those I love but also in a beautiful, restful, healing place. I have shared an image of the mountains nearby, after a storm. Seems appropriate somehow.
Also the opening ceremony of the olympics was full of surreal images and heart tugging links to what it means to be from the UK. Not least the hommage to the NHS, what puts the Great in modern day Britain indeed, the symbol of compassion for all.I get a tingle as I write it, its a proud one! One worth celebrating for sure.
Olympic joy!
Have a wonderful holiday. You deserve it. I have often thought that your job must be exquisitely exhausting for anyone, let alone someone fighting the battles you are.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the family history guidelines. I'm sure they will help many people. Enjoy your holiday; R&R is wonderfully therapeutic. xx
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