February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Here in the US, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men will develop cancer in their lifetime. Think about that. How many members are in your family? How many friends do you have? Do the math.
Cancer is hell. For cancer patients. For cancer caregivers. For families watching their loved ones suffer from cancer and the side effects of toxic chemotherapy and other treatments. And the grief of losing a loved one to cancer is hell. It tears lives and families apart. It crushes hopes and dreams of the future. However, many cancers can be prevented. So, take the time to know your risks and to get screened regularly. And learn about your family’s cancer history and get genetically tested if there’s even the remote chance of a mutation in the family. Then openly share the results with all blood relatives.
In June of 2021, my beloved wife of 40-years died in my arms from a preventable hereditary cancer because acutely aware relatives did not care enough to promptly share genetic data and talk openly with unaware family members about the deadly seriousness of a BRCA2 mutation. It was hell watching her suffer. It’s been hell losing her. That’s why I’m showing up and speaking up about cancer prevention.
This Valentine’s Day show love and compassion for yourself, your loved ones, and your friends by taking cancer prevention seriously. Take time to care. A little effort and love can make a big difference. Not just in one life, but in all the lives connected to that life.
Cancer is hell. For cancer patients. For cancer caregivers. For families watching their loved ones suffer from cancer and the side effects of toxic chemotherapy and other treatments. And the grief of losing a loved one to cancer is hell. It tears lives and families apart. It crushes hopes and dreams of the future. However, many cancers can be prevented. So, take the time to know your risks and to get screened regularly. And learn about your family’s cancer history and get genetically tested if there’s even the remote chance of a mutation in the family. Then openly share the results with all blood relatives.
In June of 2021, my beloved wife of 40-years died in my arms from a preventable hereditary cancer because acutely aware relatives did not care enough to promptly share genetic data and talk openly with unaware family members about the deadly seriousness of a BRCA2 mutation. It was hell watching her suffer. It’s been hell losing her. That’s why I’m showing up and speaking up about cancer prevention.
This Valentine’s Day show love and compassion for yourself, your loved ones, and your friends by taking cancer prevention seriously. Take time to care. A little effort and love can make a big difference. Not just in one life, but in all the lives connected to that life.
Related story of mine on CURE®:
Families Need to Be More Open About Cancer Risks, Because it Could Save the Life of Someone You Love
Families Need to Be More Open About Cancer Risks, Because it Could Save the Life of Someone You Love
Cancer Information Resources
Please share these links.
Take a Stand to Prevent Cancer!
Staying
on top of your health is one of the most important calls you can make. Nearly 5,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the US. Routine
cancer screenings are incredibly important for early detection,
especially for individuals with a family history of cancer.
National Cancer Institute
The American Childhood Cancer Organization
St. Jude's Children's Hospital
Breast
Cancer Research Foundation
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Breastcancer.org
My wife's memorial tribute page at FacingOurRisk.org
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