More than 32 million people worldwide have survived a cancer diagnosis. In the United States, more than 18 million people have been told they have it, were treated for it and are winning their battle.
To celebrate their victories and recognize Sunday’s World Cancer Day, one breast cancer survivor shared her journey and what she wants you to know when a family member, friend or co-worker is diagnosed with cancer.
“In 2017, at the age of 39, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer,” said survivor Michelle Brubaker.
For the next two years, Brubaker endured chemo, a double mastectomy, radiation, and a fight for her life as she battled breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes.
“I just recently hit my six-year breast cancer-free milestone,” Brubaker said.
Brubaker is now in the chapter of survivorship and is on a mission to educate others.
“I had people come up to me and say, ‘I am so sorry. My aunt, my sister, my fill in the blank, died of that disease.’ And as the person who’s newly diagnosed, that is literally the root of your anxiety,” Brubaker said. “You are petrified that you are going to die. So, my first piece of advice is, please do not say that. What I need to hear is, ‘You’ve got this, you’re strong, we’ve got you, and you’re going to overcome this.’”
Brubaker said people want to help, but remember not to burden the patient.
“A lot of people will reach out and they will say, ‘What can I do for you? What do you need?’ and as the patient, especially in those beginning days, you don’t even know what you need,” Brubaker said. “I always like to say, show up for people, but you don’t have to physically show up on their doorsteps to show that support. Send a card, send a meal, send a warm, cozy blanket and socks for if they are going through chemo treatment.”
And remember, words matter.
“What I need to hear from you are things like, ‘Let me give you a hug. Do you want to go out and get a coffee?’ It’s those types of things where you feel supported and loved,” Brubaker said.
Most importantly, she wants people to remember that prevention starts with vigilance.
“Early detection saves lives. I am living proof of that,” Brubaker said.
Brubaker said she thinks of cancer every day, but it no longer consumes her. It motivates her.
She gives speeches, writes blogs, and creates videos on social media to help people understand a cancer patient’s journey.
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Mammography is the most effective screening tool, but you should also examine your breast and your armpit areas, checking for lumps. If the disease is detected early, the survival rate is 98%.