My Story

7 women from across Canada share their stories…

You may have read our story Your Breast Self from our November/December 2023 issue where Spencer, a trans man, shares what he wants you to know about breast cancer… especially if you think it’ll never happen to you. Here, seven women from across Canada share their stories about how breast cancer has affected them, as part of the I Want To Know campaign….

Christella, diagnosed at 35

“My partner and I met only a month before my diagnosis process began, and I’m so grateful to her and my friends for supporting me through cancer!” exclaims Christella. I Want You to Know, “YOU are in charge of your body, your research and your health. As much knowledge and education as the people on healthcare teams have, they don’t know YOU or live in YOUR body! Listen to your instincts, and don’t be afraid to advocate or make decisions for yourself, even when they go against the grain!”

Christine, diagnosed at 52

“I live in London, Ontario, with my wife of 22 years,” says Christine, who with her wife has two sons ages 17 and 20, and an Australian Shepherd named Charlie. I Want You to Know, “not all cancers are seen on a mammogram or ultrasound. If you have concerns after a clear mammogram or ultrasound, push to have a biopsy or MRI. Trust your gut! Cancer was a wake-up call for me to prioritize myself and my well-being.”

Adeeba, diagnosed at 32

“I was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma with metastasis in the lymph nodes,” shares Adeeba. I Want You to Know, “the Indian community has a lot of pride and emphasis on their reputation and how they look to others. Having cancer is not something to be ashamed of; it is not anyone’s fault, and sharing our journey helps educate so many women.”

Usha, diagnosed at 29

“As younger and younger people get diagnosed, we really need more research into the unique challenges that younger people face with the disease,” says Usha, who was diagnosed with grade 3, stage 2 estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) positive cancer. I Want You to Know, “there are many treatments, and being vigilant and informed can save your life. It’s not a flex to ‘never go to a doctor’ – age-appropriate testing and prevention are important.”

Christina, diagnosed at 35

“I am first-generation Canadian of two hard-working immigrants; I am half Laotian, Vietnamese and French,” proclaims Christina, who lives in Ottawa with her husband and two sons. I Want You to Know, “young women of colour are not represented when breast cancer is discussed. It can happen to anyone. If you have breasts, you can get cancer.”

Robin, diagnosed at 24

“I first found the lump in my breast in the summer of 2021,” says Robin, who, following months of being told she was too young to have breast cancer, was diagnosed in April 2022. I Want You to Know, “breast cancer is not exclusive to those over 50; young women can get it too. So if you notice a change, advocate for your health! I did, and it saved my life. And it can save yours, too.”

Sharon, diagnosed at 52

“I am Indigenous; Nipissing First Nation is my community,” says Sharon, who is a stage 4, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) metastatic survivor. I Want You to Know, “cancer has no preference. I need members of my community to know that the traditional medicines we often rely upon are not always enough. Western medicine saved my life.”

To find out what Spencer, a trans man, wants you to know about breast cancer read IN‘s November/December 2023 story: Your Breast Self. To read more stories of survival log on to densebreastscanada.ca.