I07 -- February 2008 -- Talking About Breast Cancer

Intro: The words “you have breast cancer” are never easy to hear. They often mean the beginning of a treatment plan that can be very difficult. For some women, talking about their cancer with those who’ve been through it can help make the process easier. And doctors at Mayo Clinic say this communication may improve the quality of life of many women fighting this disease.

BREAST CANCER HAS CHANGED SURVIVOR TRACY WILLIAMS LIFE IN MANY WAYS. INCLUDING A CAREER CHANGE.

“AFTER 17 YEARS AT THE SAME COMPANY I DECIDED I WANT TO BE A NURSE. SO NOW I’M BACK IN SCHOOL.”

LEARNING ABOUT THE HUMAN BODY SO SHE CAN HELP OTHER WOMEN COPE WITH BREAST CANCER.

“I THOUGHT WHEN YOU GOT BREAST CANCER YOU DIED. I’M LIVING PROOF THAT YOU DON’T AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO GIVE THAT HOPE TO SOMEONE ELSE.”
TRACY WAS 34 WHEN SHE NOTICED THE CHANGE – THE LUMP – IN HER BREAST.

“I WAS IN STAGE TWO AND THE TUMOR WAS 2.5 CENTIMETERS.”

SHE WENT THROUGH SURGERY CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION. IT WAS NOT EASY.

“THEN YOU GET THIS STRENGTH AND IT CARRIES YOU THROUGH.”

PART OF TRACY’S STRENGTH CAME FROM TALKING ABOUT IT. AND DR. RICHARD GRAY SAYS THERE’S PROOF THAT FOR MANY WOMEN, OPENING UP ABOUT THEIR BREAST CANCER HAS BENEFITS.

“WE KNOW IN TERMS OF SOME QUALITY OF LIFE STUDIES THAT WOMEN WHO UNDERGO TREATMENT AND HAVE A REAL ACCEPTANCE OF THEIR BREAST CANCER SEEM TO HAVE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE THAN WOMEN WHO IGNORE WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN THROUGH.”

DR. GRAY SAYS THAT IF A WOMAN GOING THROUGH BREAST CANCER TREATMENT TALKS TO A SURVIVOR AND GETS A LITTLE GLIMPSE OF THE OTHER SIDE – OF THE POSSIBILITY OF A FULL LIFE AFTERWARDS -- THE BURDEN MAY BE EASIER TO BEAR. IT MAY NOT HELP ALL WOMEN, BUT IT HELPED TRACY.

“THEY GAVE ME HOPE, AND THEY GAVE ME ENCOURAGEMENT, AND THEY WERE MY SUPPORT GROUP. AND HOPEFULLY, I CAN DO THAT FOR SOMEONE SOMEDAY.”

FOR MEDICAL EDGE, I’M VIVIEN WILLIAMS.

Anchor tag: Every woman responds differently to having breast cancer. Some want to talk about it. Others don’t. Either way is fine. But if you do want to talk to someone who’s been there, ask your health care provider about support groups in your area. Or for more information visit our Website at …

STATIONS: Per the licensing agreement, please provide a link from your station's Web site to www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge or voice tag "mayoclinic.org/medical-edge" for more information.