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      Sarah Beeny reveals heartbreak as Property Ladder presenter’s ‘wonderful and fun’ dad dies

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      SARAH Beeny has paid tribute to her “wonderful and fun” dad after he tragically passed away.The TV property expert revealed the heartbreaking news on her Instagram today.
      Sarah paid tribute to her dad RichardCredit: Instagram
      The architect suffered a stroke a few years backCredit: Instagram
      Sarah said: “Goodbye my wonderful, fun, supportive, lover of life, father – thank you for just being you – may you rest in peace xxxx.”
      She shared the tribute alongside a series of touching pictures of architect Richard – including one from her wedding day.
      Sarah, 51, previously opened up about Richard’s health battles after he suffered a stroke six years ago.
      The TV star, who battled breast cancer, told how she did not want to reveal her diagnosis to him in case he mistook her for her late mother.
      Read more on Sarah
      She said: “He sometimes knows who I am, then sometimes he doesn’t remember.  
      “He knows that his first wife died of breast cancer. He gets lots of things muddled up and my fear is that I tell him, and tell him I’m going to be fine, but he’d remember the fact that I’d got it but not that I was going to get better. He’d think I was my mother.”
      The tragedy comes after Sarah opened up on her cancer battle last month.
      She revealed she had undergone an operation to remove her ovaries and Fallopian tubes.
      Most read in Showbiz
      The Property Ladder presenter was diagnosed with the disease in 2022 and had a double mastectomy.
      She was given the all-clear in April after finishing chemotherapy.
      Sarah has been battling breast cancerCredit: PA
      She was diagnosed with the disease in August 2022 More

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      Who was Hannah Hawkins and how did she die?

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      LORRAINE Kelly has revealed the sad news that her friend and ITV colleague Hannah Hawkins has passed away.The TV presenter paid an emotional tribute on her morning show to her good friend.
      Hannah Hawkins was an ITV producer who has sadly passed awayCredit: Instagram
      Who was Hannah Hawkins?
      Born on December 11, 1989, Hannah Hawkins was a TV producer.
      She worked on ITV’s Lorraine Kelly show, which airs every week day.
      Hannah got on well with the show’s host Lorraine, who kept fans updated with her health battle.
      The TV host had previously said Hannah was a “much-loved part of our Lorraine team”.
      Read more on breast cancer
      How did Hannah Hawkins die?
      Hannah passed away on November 3, 2023, after battling breast cancer.
      Her husband Tom Hawkins revealed the sad news on Instagram.
      Paying tribute to his beloved wife, Tom said: “There is no way I can pay tribute or sum you up in one post. In fact I could write an essay on how unfair this is.
      “That you miss out on seeing Rory growing up, that he won’t be able to feel the love of his mum, and that this terrible illness took hold so quickly.
      Most read in Showbiz
      “But that’s not how you saw it. The remarkable person that you were, the phrase you used so many times over the last few weeks – and it set me off every time; ‘I’m so at peace with the life I’ve lived’ is something we can all admire.
      “The fact that right until the end you were putting others feelings first and making us all laugh was just you to a tee.”
      What has Lorraine Kelly said about Hannah Hawkins’ death?
      Paying tribute to her late friend, Lorraine opened her show with a heartfelt message after sharing the “saddest news” on Instagram.
      The Scots star said: “We’ve got some very sad news about a much-loved member of our team.
      “Our producer Hannah Hawkins died just before the weekend, after discovering her cancer had returned only a few months ago, just shortly after she gave birth to her beautiful boy Rory.
      “She was amazing at raising awareness and money for breast cancer.”
      “Too young, too soon. It’s really difficult for all of us”
      Is Hannah Hawkins married and does she have children?
      Hannah was married to her husband Tom Hawkins, who was by his wife’s side throughout her battle with breast cancer.
      They had been together 13 years, and she passed away just hours before his birthday.
      Hannah gave birth to their only child, a son called Rory, just a few months before she died.
      Shortly before Hannah passed away, her husband Tom took to Instagram to share his wife’s final few days.
      He wrote: “Just wanted to say we are truly overwhelmed by the love and well wishes we’ve received over recent weeks and completely blown away by the generosity shown towards the Just Giving fund for Rory.
      “Therefore I felt it only fair to share that Hannah’s condition has continued to deteriorate to the point where, amongst other things, she’s not able to use her phone anymore.
      “I am trying to keep an eye on her messages so even though you won’t get a reply please know I am passing on your support and it is hugely appreciated.”
      Does Hannah Hawkins have a JustGiving page?
      A JustGiving page has been set up in Hannah’s memory by one of her colleagues.
      Read More on The Sun
      You can make a donation to her fund here, with the amount raised already well over its target of £5K.
      The money is being raised for her baby son Rory. More

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      Linda Nolan reveals heartbreaking update on her cancer battle and says ‘I’m trying not to panic’

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      LINDA Nolan has vowed “not to live in fear” as she revealed a heartbreaking update in her cancer battle.In March, The Nolans singer, 64, gave a devastating update on her illness as she revealed her cancer had spread to her brain.
      Linda Nolan has vowed not to ‘live in fear’ as she updated fans on her cancer diagnosisCredit: Splash
      The singer, 64, was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017Credit: Getty
      Linda, second left, found fame in her family’s band The NolansCredit: Getty
      Horrifyingly, she was then forced to deny she was dead.
      Now Linda has told how the cruel disease has sparked memory loss – leading her to forget the name of her Loose Women star sister Coleen’s daughter.
      Writing in The Mirror Linda said: “The moment I had to turn to Coleen’s son Jake’s girlfriend and ask her what my niece, Coleen’s daughter, is called.
      “My memory has been lapsing for a while but that moment was as bad as it has got. I could actually have asked Ciara herself – that’s it, CIARA.
      read more linda nolan
      “She’s funny like her mum, and she’d have responded just like her, too.
      “You can imagine the comments about my age… But I didn’t, because deep down it doesn’t feel right. As I said, I won’t panic.
      “My balance is still better than it was, I’m not having headaches. I have some scans arranged and I’ll wait for them.”
      The brave singer then added: “I’m not going to live in fear, because it’ll take over, and I have to concentrate on making the most of now.”
      Most read in Celebrity
      Back in April, we revealed how Linda had already started to plan her funeral.
      Talking of her late husband Brian’s funeral, she described it as “amazing”.
      Linda additionally referred to her sibling’s passing and told the publication: “Bernie arranged hers [her funeral]. It’s easier for people left behind.
      “I’ve gone into it a little bit. A Neil Sedaka song, Our Last Song Together. And I know the funeral people I’m going to use.”
      Her sister Bernie died from breast cancer aged 52 in 2013 after it had spread to her brain, lungs, liver and bones.
      Linda’s husband Brian also died from skin cancer in 2007.
      Linda was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2005 and given the all-clear the next year.
      But in March 2017, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer which was identified after it spread to her hip, following a fall.
      Read More on The Sun
      Doctors confirmed they could see no cure – and in May 2020 that it had also spread to her liver.
      Previously she has heartbreakingly admitted she does not know how much time she has left.
      She admitted she had forgotten the name of sister Coleen’s daughter, CiaraCredit: Getty
      Back in March, Linda was told how her cancer had spread to her brainCredit: Rex
      She has heartbreakingly confessed she does not know how much time she has leftCredit: Splash More

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      Girls Aloud fans spot HUGE clue band are reuniting after Sarah Harding’s tragic death

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      EAGLE-EYED Girls Aloud fans have spotted a key sign the band are set to reunite.Savvy followers of the Call The Shots hitmakers noted how a new company, dubbed Let’s Go Eskimo, has been registered on Companies House.
      Eagle-eyed Girls Aloud fans are convinced the band are set to reuniteCredit: Getty
      It comes after the tragic death of Sarah Harding, second from right, in 2021Credit: Alamy
      Cheryl’s firm is believed to be one of the four companies behind the Let’s Go Eskimo companyCredit: Getty
      The phrase is a lyric from Girls Aloud’s hit Love Machine and has been officially registered on the government website as “LET’S GO ESKIMO PRODUCTIONS LLP.”
      The firm’s status has been confirmed as active, with the company being London-based.
      Yet there’s a key link to the pop band – who tragically lost member Sarah Harding in 2021 following a battle with breast cancer.
      The company’s four registered officers and “four active persons with significant control” have not been named – but fans are convinced they are Cheryl, Kimberley, Nicola and Nadine.
      read more girls aloud
      This is because they are listed as Cinderella’s Eyes Limited – the same name as Nicola’s solo album – and CC Entertainments Limited – the initials of Cheryl’s married name, Cheryl Cole.
      The others are listed under All That Jazz Entertainment Limited and Black Pen Limited.
      While the four separate companies were formed before, Let’s Go Eskimo was only incorporated in September.
      Its first accounts have also been filed, and made up to next September.
      Most read in Music
      Recently, the band reunited to celebrate a star-studded wedding.
      Promise This songstress Cheryl also added fuel to reunion rumours as she celebrated Nicola’s 38th birthday.
      The band came together last October for a charity ball in honour of bandmate Sarah Harding, who had breast cancer and died aged 39 in 2021.
      It was one of Sarah’s final wishes, as she asked them to help raise money for cancer charities.
      Sarah was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in August 2020 and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy in a bid to prolong her life.
      The singer’s mum Marie today confirmed the heartbreaking news of her daughter’s death – saying her “shining star” had “slipped away” after bravely fighting the disease for 12 months.
      She wrote: “It’s with deep heartbreak that today I’m sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away.
      “Many of you will know of Sarah’s battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day.
      “She slipped away peacefully this morning. I’d like to thank everyone for their kind support over the past year. It meant the world to Sarah and it gave her great strength and comfort to know she was loved.
      “I know she won’t want to be remembered for her fight against this terrible disease – she was a bright shining star and I hope that’s how she can be remembered instead.- Marie x”.
      Manchester lass Sarah gushed about being ‘so happy’ in her final Instagram post
      Girls Aloud reunited last Christmas and celebrated reaching the £1million fundraising mark.
      Read More on The Sun
      They raised more cash with a special pair of PJs sold in Primark.
      Meanwhile, the group came together publicly for the first time in nine years last summer to take part in Breast Cancer UK’s Race For Life in aid of Sarah.
      The Love Machine popstars came together for the first time in nine years last summerCredit: Getty
      They helped to raise money for Breast Cancer charities in Sarah’s honour with a special pair of pyjamasCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Sarah passed away aged 39Credit: Cancer Research UK More

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      Mammograms Are Essential – So Why Are So Many Women Skipping Them?

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      According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), it’s far better to have an early-stage diagnosis, as it results in better breast cancer treatment and long-term survival. The only way to get an early diagnosis? Checking your breasts regularly at home, and making sure you attend your scheduled mammograms. But there are so many mammogram myths that scores of women are opting out of this practice. An informal survey amongst women who are hesitant to go even though they have the means to go shows that the top reasons include thinking it’s painful, having fear of radiation and being afraid of that Big C diagnosis.

      Plus, skipping just one screening can increase a woman’s risk of dying from breast cancer, per a study of half a million Swedish women.

      Since mammograms are essential, we’ve broken through a few of the myths and addressed them, courtesy of the radiologists at SCP Radiologist Practice and Dr Lizanne Langenhoven, who specialises in the treatment of breast cancer. Here’s what you really need to know about mammograms.

      Myth #1: Mammograms are too painful

      Many women still rely on their mother’s experience with early mammograms which were painful. Mammography machines have progressed exponentially since the early days, so the level of discomfort experienced during the procedure is now significantly reduced. Modern technology and digital equipment allow us to use less compression and still obtain quality imaging. Also, the amount of pressure is different for each individual, depending on the breast size and composition. Pressure is often manually adjusted so speak to your mammographer if you experience any discomfort.

      READ MORE: Getting A Mammogram: What To Know, Even If You’re Young

      Myth #2: Mammograms mean exposure to cancer-causing radiation

      A mammogram uses relatively low-dose radiation. The total dose is approximately 0.5 mSv (2D mammogram). To put that into perspective, we are exposed to 3.0 mSv of background radiation from our natural surroundings per year. Radiologists also strictly follow what’s known as the ALARA principle – to always apply radiation “as low as reasonably achievable”. Clearly, the benefits of this screening tool vastly outweigh the actual low-dose radiation.

      Myth #3: You don’t need a mammogram if you go for thermography

      At present, thermography cannot substitute mammography but may be used as complementary screening. Dr Langenhoven cautions that thermography is not all it is cut out to be. In order for the cancer to give off heat signals, it has to be significant in size. Mammography on the other hand can detect changes in the breast before they progress to cancer. A mammogram therefore picks up the disease course much sooner than thermography.

      READ MORE: 8 Breast Cancer Myths You NEED To Stop Believing

      Myth #4: Ultrasounds are safer

      “Mammography is our workhorse.  We look for masses, calcifications, and architectural distortion,” says Dr Langenhoven. “Ultrasound is a supplementary investigation used to further evaluate morphology, blood flow, consistency of masses, and lymph nodes that are abnormal on a mammogram.” Tomosynthesis, a type of X-ray, is also supplementary, used to further evaluate architectural distortion seen on a mammogram. They all work together. With denser breasts mammography is less sensitive, which is when we add the supplementary investigations to improve the sensitivity of detection.

      Myth #5: I can’t have a mammogram I have breast implants

      Yes, you can, is the short answer. If you have breast implants the compression and positioning are adjusted. The amount of pressure is equivalent to sleeping on your stomach. Modern technology means there is a very low risk of implant rupture or damage. It is usually combined with ultrasound for better evaluation of the implants.

      READ MORE: 11 Symptoms Of Breast Cancer In Women That Aren’t Lumps

      Myth #6: If am diagnosed with breast cancer I am going to die anyway. So I would rather not find out

      Perhaps the biggest and most harmful myth of all. The truth is that we’re in a period of time where 90% of women with early breast cancer can be cured of their disease, says Dr Langenhoven. “In the same way we don’t drive cars from the ’50s, our treatment is no longer ancient either!” she remarks.

      “The good news is that our understanding of the different subtypes of breast cancer has improved significantly over the past few years! We no longer follow a one-type-fits-all approach and many women may even safely be spared chemotherapy in a curative setting,” she says.  

      “As with everything else in life, it is easier to address a ‘small’ or ‘early’ problem than it is to address a much larger problem! I’ve seen breast cancer diagnosed at a size of 2mm on a mammogram – meaning that treatment is tailored to a very low-risk situation. In short, the earlier we become aware of an existing problem, the sooner it can be addressed and with much less invasive treatment.”

      Added to that, the side-effect profiles of our new drugs improve the quality of life during treatment. And the fact that we now identify and treat four distinct subtypes of breast cancer means that we can target the specific growth pattern at play and avoid unnecessary treatment. In short, modern medicine means your chances of dying of breast cancer are reduced. But screenings are still the champion in our fight against breast cancer.

      Different screenings for breast cancer

      “When you consider that around 90% of women find their own breast lumps, it is a very important part of the screening process,” says Dr Langenhoven. “Although 80 percent of these lumps are not malignant, there are cases where women owe their lives to their own self-examination.”

      Mammogram

      A mammogram involves breast imaging using low-dose X-rays to form a 2D image. The advantage? It often reveals abnormalities undetected in a clinical breast examination. Four images are taken, two of each breast. The breast is lightly compressed for less than 1 minute during the examination to improve diagnostic accuracy.

      Tomosynthesis

      This is a form of 3D mammography and uses X-rays as well as sophisticated software to create a 3D image of the breast. It is considered better at detecting cancer and reducing false positives in dense breast tissue.  It is invaluable in problem-solving and is used in combination with 2D mammography.

      Breast ultrasound

      Ultrasound is a supplementary investigation used to further evaluate morphology, blood flow, and consistency of masses and lymph nodes that are abnormal mammography.  It uses no radiation but rather real-time imaging, using sound waves to create an image. It’s a slightly longer process and is also valuable in problem-solving. It is used in combination with a mammogram not in place of it.

      MRI

      The digital MR image uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves but no radiation. You will receive an intravenous injection and then lie on your stomach, in an MRI ‘tunnel’ for around 45 minutes.  An MRI for breast screening is usually used for problem-solving, high-risk screening and for women who have breast implants.

      Biopsy

      Your doctor might recommend a breast biopsy when a suspicious area is found in your breast, like a breast lump or other signs and symptoms of breast cancer. It is also used to investigate unusual findings on a mammogram, ultrasound, or other breast examination.

      Thermography

      Thermography is a test that uses an infrared camera to detect heat patterns and blood flow in body tissues. Digital infrared thermal imaging (DTI) is the type of thermography that can be used to show these patterns and flow in the breasts. More

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      “I Conquered Ovarian Cancer And Breast Cancer At The Same Time.”

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      “You can decide to let your cancer diagnosis get the better of you or you can choose to fight. There was no other option for me but to fight,” says Robyn Frick, Teamhead Commercial Marketing for PUMA. And fight she did, when in January 2023 Robyn was diagnosed with both breast cancer and ovarian cancer. This is how she went into combat with “The Big C” and came out a champion.

      Being Diagnosed With Breast Cancer And Ovarian Cancer At The Same Time

      “With any diagnosis, hearing that you have cancer comes as quite a shock. This diagnosis would be my second, and little did I know it would be a double whammy,” recalls Robyn. During a 2023 routine check-up, doctors discovered the ovarian cancer she’d been diagnosed with in 2013 had come back. And while undergoing tests, they discovered Robyn also had breast cancer. She had two large lumps in her right breast which had not been visible during a mammogram 6 months prior.

      What’s The Treatment For Fighting Two Separate Cancers?

      “Fighting two different cancers at the same time is somewhat unique,” explains Robyn. “They both require different treatment plans that ideally coincide so one cancer isn’t left to its own devices but that in itself is tricky.”

      Usually, doctors have to make a decision; which cancer they will treat first. In an ideal (albeit rare) circumstance, if the two cancers share characteristics they could respond to the same targeted drug or chemotherapy plan. 

      READ MORE: 11 Symptoms Of Breast Cancer In Women That Aren’t Lumps

      How Common Is It?

      According to WebMD, researchers estimate around 1 in 20 people with cancer have another separate cancer at the same time. “At the same time” is defined as two tumours that occur within less than 6 months of each other.

      Robyn’s Treatment Plan For Fighting Breast Cancer And Ovarian Cancer

      After consulting with a panel of oncologists and surgeons, Robyn’s oncologist came up with the best treatment plan possible. They would tackle her ovarian cancer first – the chemotherapy would treat the breast cancer at the same time – then her breast cancer.

      Her oncology treatment plan included:

      Chemotherapy: 6 cycles of chemo (carboplatin and paclitaxel) which was administered every three weeks and took 6 hours per session.

      Mastectomy: The chemotherapy was followed by a bilateral mastectomy (and immediate reconstruction which she elected for)

      Radiation: Then 5 weeks of radiation with 5 sessions per week.

      A PARP Inhibitor: Before Robyn started with chemo, she consulted with a Geneticist. This was to determine if she carries one of the BRCA gene mutations, which she does – BRCA-1. This opened up the opportunity for her to take a PARP Inhibitor (a type of targeted cancer drug) for post-treatment support. She will take this for the next two years.

      “Alongside my oncology treatment plan, I have a holistic treatment plan which will continue for years to come,” she says.

      Her holistic treatment plan includes:

      Supplements: She takes supplements targeted at her specific cancer

      A special diet: This diet excludes wheat, gluten, sugar and dairy

      Rife Therapy sessions: Rife machines produce low electromagnetic energy waves similar to radio waves

      Vitamin C drips: IV drips quickly increase the levels of ascorbic acid (or Vitamin C) in your blood.

      Exercise

      Spirituality: Robyn is tapping into her spiritual side

      The Biggest Out-Of-Pocket Expense

      With Robyn’s particular cancer, she qualified for a drug called Lynparza – a PARP Inhibitor. In her first consultation with her oncologist, she mentioned this drug would become part of Robyn’s post-chemo treatment plan if she was able to upgrade her medical aid to one of the top plans.

      If not, she would be facing a monthly cost of roughly R90,000 for the next two years.

      “Thankfully I was fortunate enough to be able to do the upgrade, and that monthly cost when compared to the price of the drug is nominal,” she says. 

      READ MORE: My Experience With Breast Cancer, At Age 27

      Inspirational Words For Anyone Who Has Received A Cancer Diagnosis

      “You can decide to let your cancer diagnosis get the better of you or you can choose to fight. There was no other option for me but to fight. Was it hard? Absolutely! Having to deal with a second cancer diagnosis and questioning why it happened to me in the first place, would treatment work this time around, how severe was my cancer diagnosis, had it spread through my whole body? Constant doctor’s visits, undergoing tests, treatments, it becomes exhausting. Losing my hair, losing my breasts, those are two things that define who you are as a woman, right?”

      “But if you choose to fight, you know your hair will grow back, you know that you will have the option for reconstruction (should you choose to do so), and you know that life is about so much more than those things.”

      “Focusing on one day at a time, being present in the moment, the support and love from my family, friends, colleagues, my medical team, even a whole lot of strangers, has definitely made my journey and the bigger picture that little bit easier.”

      You Are More Than Your Diagnosis: 

      “I don’t want my cancer diagnosis to define who I am. While it has forever changed my life and I am grateful to have survived it, I view it as a small part of my journey here on this earth and so many other amazing things have happened in my life which need to be celebrated,” says Robyn.

      Advice For Those Currently Experiencing Breast Cancer

      Take It Step By Step

      “It may sound like a cliché but take one moment at a time – one minute, one hour, one day. This is a journey not a race, so be kind to yourself. You will feel like you again.”

      Rely On Your Circle

      Robyn suggests surrounding yourself with the people who make you laugh, smile and who see you for who you are. On the hard days, let them carry the weight for you. And on the good days, invite them to celebrate with you.

      Do Your Own Research

      Robyn says you should investigate alternative therapies which can live alongside your treatment plan. But she emphasises that you make sure it is done with someone who specialises in cancers. “I have my wing chick and honestly could not have done this without her by my side – I am beyond grateful for her, her knowledge and her passion to find a way to cure cancer,” she says.

      READ MORE: 8 Breast Cancer Myths You NEED To Stop Believing

      Advice Everyone Should Heed About Breast Cancer

      If someone in your immediate family has breast cancer and tests positive for the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation, it is recommended that you get tested as well, Robyn emphasises. According to her, you would rather be equipped with that knowledge and take the necessary preventative measures should you test positive.

      “Had I done the gene test after my first diagnosis, I would probably have had a bilateral mastectomy and prevented my current breast cancer diagnosis,” she reflects.

      She highlights that you should really get to know the ins and outs of your body and trust your gut if you think something is amiss.

      How Fighting Breast Cancer And Ovarian Cancer Has Changed Robyn’s Life:

      “Well, first of all, I have a new set of perky boobs and a flat tummy,” she says. Robyn chose DIEP Flap surgery as reconstruction is done immediately and would eliminate the number of operations she would need to undergo had she selected implants. “My plastic surgeon was also very pro this surgery,” she says.

      Thankfully, she was a good candidate for a DIEP Flap which is a type of reconstruction that uses your own tissue to create a new breast after a mastectomy. They used Robyn’s abdominal tissue to create new breasts, which took around 9 hours as it is such an intricate surgery.

      The New Normal:

      You look at those around you who don’t have cancer and just want to feel ‘normal’ again, as you perceive them to be. But you soon realise this is your new normal and that life can’t go back to how it was before – you were given a warning, take heed of it and develop the skills to reduce stress, practice mindfulness, change your diet, set boundaries and so on. It does take daily practice though.”

      “I have only recently completed treatment, so I am still adjusting to what life looks like outside of daily treatments and doctor’s visits, but one thing it has definitely done is made me slow down and focus on today. Being diagnosed with cancer opens your eyes to what is important in life – prioritising time spent with family and friends, taking the time to listen to the sound of the waves crashing, the wind blowing through the trees, the sunsets and the moon rising – life is about the simple things we so easily take for granted,” she says. More

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      8 Breast Cancer Myths You NEED To Stop Believing

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      Ah, October… The time of year when almost every tree is swathed in pink and the term “breast cancer” is in your timeline more often than a Kardashian. And while awareness is incredibly important – regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are key to combating cancer – a flurry of information also creates room for confusion.

      In the world of science, it can take years of research and studies on large numbers of people to get a clear picture of what can and can’t increase or decrease your risk. That’s why you need to be extra careful where you get your information from. Here, we bust eight common myths and uncover the truth.

      Myth#1: Younger women are becoming more and more susceptible.

      Truth: The older you get, the more at risk you are for any cancer – not the other way round, says Dr Melissa Wallace, head of research at the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). “The majority of breast cancer patients in South Africa and abroad have typically been and still are women between the ages of 50 and 70 years,” says Dr Justus Apffelstaedt, a specialist surgeon with a particular interest in breast, thyroid and parathyroid health management. So why older women? It’s not entirely clear, but research has shown that it may be a result of the accumulation of age-associated changes in a biochemical process that helps control genes.

      Myth#2: Chemotherapy is the MVP of breast cancer treatments.

      Truth: “The most effective way to treat breast cancer is with a multi-disciplinary approach, combining a number of treatment options that include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal and biological agents,” says Apffelstaedt. The right treatment for you will depend on the type and stage of cancer and how far it has spread. “Treatment can consist of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or biological or targeted therapies, which are new drugs that work differently to chemotherapy. A patient may have one of these treatments or a combination,” says Wallace.

      Myth#3: If you’re a smoker, you’re automatically at risk for breast cancer.

      Truth: Hate to break it to ya, but if you’re smoking, you’re at risk for around says Wallace. But that’s not the end of the story. “Many women will not necessarily increase the risk of getting breast cancer by smoking, but there is a subset of women with a specific genetic make-up that prevents them from detoxifying cancer-causing chemicals in cigarette smoke efficiently,” says Apffelstaedt. Those women do indeed have an increased risk of breast cancer when smoking. Places like 3×4 Clinics and DNAlysis can help you find out if you’re among them– but quitting is still a better option.

      READ MORE: 11 Symptoms Of Breast Cancer In Women That Aren’t Lumps

      Myth#4: Mammograms are painful.

      Truth: It shouldn’t be painful, but a little discomfort is normal. Plus, knowing the state of your boobies should for sure outweigh any temporary unease.

      Myth#5: Mammograms are not a big deal in breast cancer treatment.

      Truth: Not all mammograms are created equal. When it comes to screening for BC, you want the best tech available, including an image produced by a mammogram specialist radiographer.

      “High-quality breast imaging will detect about 95 percent of all breast cancers. In such centres, women whose breast cancer is detected at screening will have the same survival chances as women without breast cancer,” says Apffelstaedt.

      Myth#6: It doesn’t make a difference where you’re treated.

      Truth: “There can be a variation across facilities and provinces in terms of waiting periods for diagnosis and then waiting periods for accessing treatment,” says Wallace. The longer the waiting period, the worse the prognosis, since early treatment and detection are key. “In certain parts of the country, patients are experiencing unacceptable waiting periods to access treatment. CANSA is working hard to do what we can to address this at a national level,” she says. If you’re among those waiting, contact CANSA on advocacy@cansa.org.za.

      READ MORE: My Experience With Breast Cancer, At Age 27

      Myth #7: It’s best to remove the whole breast when you have breast cancer.

      Truth: A tumour in the breast will not kill you. What will? The spread of cancer to the brain and lungs, says Apffelstaedt, Wallace agrees. “Whether or not the breast will be removed is entirely dependent on the type of breast cancer, the stage and how far it’s spread.” Plus, says Apffelstaedt, breast cancer often spreads to other areas early in the course of the disease, so a mastectomy won’t guarantee a better survival rate than breast-conserving therapy.

      Myth #8: You’re more likely to get breast cancer after a breast augmentation.

      Truth: “It may be hard for the doctor to see certain parts of your breast,” says Wallace. “The X-rays used in mammograms cannot go through silicone or saline implants well enough to show the breast tissue under them. This means that part of the breast tissue can be hard to see on a mammogram.” But studies show that women who undergo breast augmentation surgery and have breast implants are no more likely to develop breast cancer than women who don’t, says Apffelstaedt. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      My Experience With Breast Cancer, At Age 27

      by

      Model Amber Denae Wright tells about her experience with breast cancer, having been diagnosed at the age of 27.

      Discovering a lump

      In March of 2020, literally two weeks before we went into hard lockdown, I got out of the shower one evening and I felt this really large lump on the right side of my breast. I hadn’t noticed it before. I was shocked by how big it was. It was on the right-hand side and thankfully close to the surface.

      As a teenager, I had been diagnosed with fibroadenomas, which are non-cancerous lumps that are quite common in young women. When I felt the lump, I thought that’s what it was. I had been told that they can grow and change. Sometimes, they need to be removed. But knowing that I didn’t want foreign things in my body, I immediately phoned my gynae and booked an appointment.

      That appointment got cancelled because we then went into a hard lockdown. Throughout that time, I had this thing constantly bothering me. I was very aware of it the whole time. It was causing a lot of pain. It was right where your bra wire catches. I fully believed that it was a fibroadenoma. I never even for one second imagined the big C word.

      The diagnosis

      When I was referred to a breast surgeon, he examined me and said that the way it felt and moved felt just like a fibroadenoma. He however recommended not going in for the surgery immediately, given the risks of contracting COVID in the hospital. I took that recommendation and another two months went by. Eventually, it caused me a lot of pain. I was struggling to sleep at night and struggling to complete workouts with my sports bra catching it. I eventually elected to do the surgery in August, five months after finding the lump.

      They removed the lump and sent it away for testing. A week later, I went back for a follow-up appointment. Everything felt very normal but then he called me into his office and started by asking me when I had found this lump. He said I’d shocked them all because, as it turned out, the lump was cancerous.

      I’ll never forget that moment for as long as I live. They were words I never ever, even for one second, imagined hearing, having breast cancer at age 27. The doctor immediately started to go through my treatment plan, the type of diagnosis it was, and the rest. I felt like I was watching this whole scene play out like I was outside of my body because it was too much. And then he started to talk about all of the treatments and he said the words ‘chemotherapy’. Once he said those words I was like, ‘This is actually real’. And I immediately just started to cry. I was completely overwhelmed.

      The treatment

      From that point on I was catapulted into 1001 different appointments, from scans to blood tests. I went straight from there for an ultrasound and the next day, I met with my oncologist.

      Given that my husband Nick and I don’t have kids yet, our first port of call was to preserve my fertility (which can be affected by chemotherapy). We did fertility treatment and froze embryos. This involved hormone injections, regular scans at a fertility facility and the harvesting of my eggs. It was the craziest few weeks of my life. Once the embryos were frozen, it was time to start chemotherapy. 

      My chemotherapy treatment was 16 rounds, over five months. Two weeks after my first chemo session, my hair started to fall out. It was one of my biggest fears. Every day I’d wake up, there was more hair on my pillow and more hair on my floor and every coat that I wore. It was all over me and it became very overwhelming.

      Eventually, it got to the point where my husband had to help me shave it off. It was a moment I never pictured going through in my life.

      Amber in treatment

      My life with breast cancer

      Initially, I was determined to keep up with everything I had been doing: working full-time, doing workouts and staying healthy. I had started doing Raise the Barre, an online barre class, during the lockdown. Before I’d gone in for surgery I was literally feeling my strongest, fittest, healthiest self. One of the toughest things was watching that slowly slip away as I got weaker and wasn’t able to train as much.

      During chemotherapy, for the first couple of weeks, when I still had energy, I was trying to train as much as I could. But chemo weakens you over time. I had debilitating headaches and couldn’t take too many painkillers because my organs were already under so much strain from the chemo. At about two or three o’clock, on some days, I would just crash and I literally felt like I couldn’t keep my head up. Because of all this, I decided to leave my job and focus on fighting the cancer.

      I also sought out therapy to help me maintain a positive mental state throughout. That helped me a lot because there are a lot of dark, hard thoughts that you don’t want to burden other people with.

      Amber ringing the bell after the last chemo treatment

      My surgery

      After chemo was done it was time for surgery. Because I didn’t test positive for any of the cancer gene mutations, I elected for a lumpectomy, where the lump and surrounding tissue were removed. When they operated on me the first time to remove the lump, they were operating as if it wasn’t cancer, so they didn’t do what they would normally do, which is cut around it and take all the tissue and the tumour out.

      They ended up taking out a lot of tissue and had to reduce the left breast to match the right. It ended up being a massive surgery. I also underwent 5 weeks of daily radiation and I am currently on 5 years of hormone treatment (Tamoxifen and Zolodex).

      Finding remission

      In October 2021, after all my active treatment was completed, I had an MRI which was all clear and confirmed that I was in remission. During my cancer journey, I felt like I was in survival mode, trying to get through every single day, and so when all of my treatment was done, I had a lot of emotions to work through and mental healing to do.

      Although my life looks very different now and although I will need to go for regular check-ups and scans for the rest of my life, and although I have needed to make changes and sacrifices to my lifestyle, there has been so much good that has come from this difficult journey. It made me a better person and helped me to become more confident in who I am and it made me realise how much I have to be grateful for.  

      I have been given a fresh start and I now know that I can do and be whatever I want to be because I proved to myself and everyone around me how strong I am. I am so grateful for my life and the people I have been blessed with  

      I’ve really tried to embrace this new version of myself and navigate all that comes with the cancer aftermath. My life is different, but it’s beautiful and I’m so blessed to be here.

      Amber now, cancer-free More