As we approach the end of October (breast cancer awareness month), I would like to share my personal story with the hope that it can help someone in some way. Prevention and early detection are the best options we have against insidious diseases like cancer.I am a 31 year old, (happily) unmarried Bangladeshi woman, currently pursuing a masters degree in Germany. Fourteen months ago, I went to a gynecologist to get a lump on my right breast checked. Because of my age, the doctor assumed it would be nothing, but did an ultrasound and a biopsy just to make sure. A week later, I got the news that changed my life in a way I had never imagined. Because no one imagines getting breast cancer at 30!Cancers in younger people tend to be more aggressive, as was mine. Immediately after diagnosis, I had to start 10 grueling months of treatment – 16 chemotherapy sessions, a lumpectomy, 24 rounds of radiation and am on hormone therapy (daily pill) for the next 8-10 years.The great news is that there is no sign of the disease – so I’m cancer free I was tremendously lucky that it was detected early before it spread elsewhere and that I was able to go through treatment in Germany (wonders of health insurance!). I also would not have made it through without the unwavering support of my incredible friends and family.My experience made me wary of a few important issues:

• The habit of self-examining breasts for lumps/abnormalities is a life saver! Here’s how to do it: https://shapermint.com/blogs/news/breast-cancer-awareness
• Without the biopsy, my fast-growing cancer would not have been detected early. Breast cancers generally are very treatable, but if it had spread, it would have been close to impossible to get rid of the cancer. And so, a thorough check (biopsy) is necessary even for young women.
• Soon after the biopsy results, I went through a genetic test. The gene test for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, helps determine whether someone has a genetic inclination and therefore quite likely to get breast/ovarian/prostrate cancers (there are also cases in men) – thankfully I don’t, but if that was the case, instead of the breast preservation surgery (lumpectomy), removal of entire breasts (mastectomy) would have been the safest option in my case.

If I was positive for the genes – the immediate first step would have been to also get my family tested based on which they can take preventative steps. For those with a family history of breast/ovarian cancers – genetic testing can play a big role in early detection/prevention. (affordability is of course another big factor)

• Since treatment, I have been exercising regularly. I ran during chemotherapy and throughout my treatment – and I strongly believe this helped me get through – physically and mentally. There is also numerous evidence on the benefits of regular exercise for cancer prevention.
• Having access to a network of other breast cancer survivorswas crucial for support and I am still connected with them today. If you are a survivor and need to talk, I am here.

Lastly, and very importantly, the abilities of a person who has or had cancer are only limited within the imaginations of others. There can be a lot of stigma attached to such persons especially if they are young and single – both men and especially women. I connected with many survivors who are thriving – having kids or not having kids, having successful careers, living their lives – 5, 10, 20+ years after treatment. I also continue to make plans for myself  And yes, it is also okay (often necessary) to seek help for mental health/counselling – this stuff is not easy.It is true that many are not so lucky. There is always the possibility of recurrence despite our best efforts and treatment. After realizing how life is so easy to lose, I count each day as a blessing. Even though I am still very far away from my family and friends (thanks to corona), I do find many reasons to laugh and love life each day.Such events in our lives change us in unexpected ways, I wont give credit to the disease (because it really sucks), but the process of dealing with it has certainly made me a much stronger woman than I had ever imagined myself to be.Thank you for reading. Strength and love to you all.

(Don’t forget to check yourself. If you suspect something, get a biopsy even if you are young and/or unmarried!)

Written By : Adiba Afros