I spent the last two weeks educating myself on Breast Cancer to become more aware about its occurrence in women and men (yes, men too can get breast cancer). I have learnt a lot from all the scientific and personal stories that I have encountered. Part of this is realizing that I could never tell their stories better than they have so I decided to instead link some of the stories I’d recommend to you whether you have been diagnosed with cancer or not. 

Disclaimer: most of the stories I have listed below are based on an Australian podcast so the resources and options might be restricted to the country, but I would recommend researching alternatives based on where you are in the world and what your situation is. 

Money and the healthcare system

• We know that a breast cancer diagnosis can push people to the brink financially – particularly if they are treated in the private health system. This podcast explores financial options when it comes to treatment and care such as splitting your breast cancer treatment between the public and private hospital.

Link to podcast

Breast Cancer diagnosis without knowledge of the BRCA Gene

• The BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes normally protect you from getting certain cancers. But some mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes prevent them from working properly, so that if you inherit one of these mutations, you are more likely to get breast, ovarian, and other cancers. However, not everyone who inherits a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation will get breast or ovarian cancer.
• This story highlights the frustration of breast cancer when you are diagnosed without knowledge of the BRCA genes in your body, ranging from buying a wig and to the fear of returning to work especially as a young woman who is still navigating early stages of her career.

Link to podcast

Breast Cancer diagnosis with knowledge of the BRCA Gene

• Everyone has two copies of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, one copy inherited from their mother and one from their father. Even if a person inherits a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation from one parent, they still have the normal copy of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene from the other parent. Cancer occurs when a second mutation happens that affects the normal copy of the gene, so that the person no longer has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene that works properly.
• Dimity Paul knew about the persistence of the gene in her body. You may think that when you know you have the BRCA gene you can spend time preparing for a possible cancer diagnosis. However, Dimity talks about her experience and how even though she had spent most of her 20’s reading about breast cancer, the experience was still different and difficult in several ways. 
• Link to podcast

Can starve the cancer? Is sugar okay? Can I exercise when I have cancer?

• A cancer diagnosis will have you questioning your food choices, lifestyle and exercise routine. Truth is you can never trace it down to one specific thing even though some choices might heavily influence it. This podcast explores some of the food and lifestyle options recommended to reduce the hormone that drives breast cancer development. 
• Link to podcast

I hope these are helpful, eye opening stories to get you started. Feel free to leave more in the comment section.