Breast Cancer Awareness Month: More than pink ribbons - Every story is unique, every journey matters.

I am the youngest of 10—nine of the 10 are girls. Two of my sisters were diagnosed with breast cancer in the 90’s; one sister was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer—they are no longer with us today. Another sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and she continues to thrive. Several women in my family (grandmother, nieces, and cousins) have been diagnosed with breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer over the past 30 years.

In light of this information, I chose to have the BRCA1/2 gene testing. I am positive for BRCA2, which means that I am at a higher risk for developing breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and skin cancer than most. I chose to know.

Does a positive result for BRCA2 mean that I will develop any of those cancers?

No—not necessarily. But I chose to know and to be proactive.

Today, I have a Breast Cancer Specialist who walks me through this positive resut and my options. Some options include a double mastectomy and hysterectomy to reduce my risk of breast and ovarian cancer or closer observation and increased screenings. I chose closer observations and increased screenings.

In the past year I've had MRIs of the pancreas, ovaries, and both breasts—all good. And I've had dermatological screenings—all good.

At age 63 I chose increased screenings because my lifestyle choices over the years indicate a reduced level of risk than most. My reduced lifestyle choices include: I don’t smoke or drink; I’m not more than 20 pounds overweight for my height; I get a moderate amount exercise—and have recently increased; I eat relatively healthy—not to many sugars, starches, or fried foods—and working to do better; and I breastfed four babies—two of them until they were about one year old. In general, these choices are recommended for a healthier lifestyle and factors consider for those at a higher risk for cancer.

Do these choices mean that I will never get cancer?

No—nothing guarantees that anyone will or will not experience sickness or disease. But I choose to eat and live healthier because not doing so puts me at a greater risk for many other health problems too—and because it makes me feel better.

What now?

I choose to be proactive.

I choose to continue meeting with my Breast Cancer Specialist yearly.

I choose to continue my increased observation and screening schedule, because early detection means earlier treatment if needed.

I choose to continue exercising regularly, keeping my weight down, eating healthy, and doing what I’ve been doing to be a healthier me.

I chose to share information about the importance of knowing your family history, researching information about this dreaded disease, reducing health risks, and telling others what I’ve learned.

That’s My Story….I choose to know and I choose to be proactive.