Adult women, starting at age 20, are encouraged to perform a breast self-exam at least once a month. The key to a successful self-exam is consistency.
Young Adult Cancer
Cancer patients and survivors struggle with a lot of tough questions. Will I be cured? Will I relapse? When will my body be back to normal? These are just some of the questions I think about on a daily basis, but they have an even stronger presence at the start of a new year.
There is a lack of expectation that young adults get cancer, yet it is the number one cause of disease-related death in this age group.
"But you're so young." These words have resonated loudly in my mind over and over again in the last year. Yes, statistically, a 28-year-old should be planning other major life events that do not include a double mastectomy, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, endocrine therapy, and several reconstructive surgeries.
At age seven, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. After my main surgery to remove the cancer, I had to go through weeks of chemotherapy and never stopped asking questions during the process.
Chemotherapy is tough. It’s a long and tedious process that sometimes includes curveballs before getting better. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make your chemotherapy treatment easier to navigate.
A complex and unexpected mix of emotions sometimes follows the end of cancer treatment. While you are relieved that your cancer is in remission, it’s normal to feel worried that the cancer could come back.
With each new year comes a sense of hope. An opportunity to set ambitious goals, break bad habits and learn from past mistakes. It’s a free pass at a fresh start with endless possibilities for growth.
Kristen and Brandee, members of the AYA and Pediatric Psychosocial team at Roswell Park, will be sharing new insights and advice for the AYA population each month on Cancer Talk.
Cancer doesn’t define you; it’s just a piece of your story.