So, when I was 2, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She did her chemo- treatments, had a visectomy (however you spell it), and 15 years later... she's all better and 100% clear of any cancer at all. She's 47.
My gram (mom's mom) was just diagnosed with Lukemia. Her memory has been going for a long time now and everyday she'll be talking about something, end the conversation, then start talking about the same thing again. The doctors say its the cancer. It's so hard watching this disease kill her. She's 80.
Me. I'm 17, and I have no medical problems... my future isn't looking good though. My boyfriend and I are so scared I'm going to get cancer. Even my doctor wants to start mammograms as early as 20.
I'm scared...It's not like this is affecting my life drastically and I think about it every minute of every day but.. it's always in the back of my head saying: Brittany what if you get cancer...
help?
2006-09-14 08:25:00 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
mastectomy sorry. You understood what I meant.... don't be so damn literal.
2006-09-14 08:48:09 · update #1
Hi, yes, it can be genetic. Various forms of cancer also run in my family. My sister, my dad's sister and I are all breast cancer survivors. My dad, 2 of his brothers and both parents have been diagnosed with colon or prostate cancer (grandparents and one uncle on this side have passed on) My mom's dad died of lymphoma at the age of 42. A counsin on my mom's side had a daughter with kidney cancer when she was about 3 years old and is now married and expecting her first child.
There are organizations that support and do research on familial cancer, you might want to do some research on what latest advances have been made in this field and what you might be able to do to prevent getting it also. Some women who have the gene that shows they may be predisposed to getting cancer have both breasts removed to prevent that possiblity. Personally, I think that is going too far.
From my personal experience with cancer, the best thing you can do is become familiar with your own body, all its normal lumps and bumps and take a proactive stance on your healthcare. Read as much as you can from reliable sources on research and advances in treatment and live your life to the fullest each day.
Some reliable sources for information on cancer are
The American Cancer Society
Dr. Susan Love's web site (she is an authority on breasts)
The Lance Armstrong Foundation
Susan Komen Foundation
2006-09-14 08:39:08 · answer #1 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to relax. First The two cases of cancer you mention afflicting two different people does not indicate that you are susceptible to cancer. It would be a different matter if 2 or more close relatives (& different generations suffered froom it) all contracted the same type of cancer. That might raise the suspicion that that cancer was a genetic flaw running in your family. But that is not the case.
Suggested steps to take in the future.
1) keep your intake of fats down.
2)get a lot of exercise and keep fit
3) have regular medical check-ups, & inform about your family.
4) get regular pap smear tests done.
5) keep the total number of different sexual partners low & use barrier protection.
6) get the new herpes vaccine that was just approved.
7) use multivitamins especially after age 30 or 35.
8) a diet that includes fruit and vegetables is advised.
If you have a family start in your mid or late twenties (it protects against breast cancer.)
9) do not become overweight
Mamograms are uncomfortable but safe. The level of radiation has dropped dramatically over the last few decades.
Also, cancer therapy has improved a lot in the last 50 years and progress will soon become dramatic very soon.
Try to relax and enjoy life.
Doc Dan.
.
2006-09-14 15:54:42 · answer #2 · answered by Dan S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK-you can't know what is going to happen tomorrow, so don't start worrying about it! I understand because it runs in your family! I would suggest to get a physical every year and make sure you are OK!
I'm a 1 year survivor of cancer(Hodgkin's disease) and never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd get it. my Grandmother died of ovarian cancer, but it was way back when they didn't have any kind of treatment.
I had chemo and I got thru it! Live your life, one day at a time!
And, if it did happen to you, the odds of beating it are greater than ever!!!
Don't worry be happy!!!
2006-09-14 16:50:56 · answer #3 · answered by redirishactress 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please, don't be scared. Use caution and common sense when it comes to your health. Follow your doctors guide lines, make healthy choices and be aware of the risks and how to lower them. Stress and worry is very hard on your health. You are 17 and should not be obsessing about cancer. Does your doctor know that you are being affected this way? Let him/her know and help you deal.
2006-09-14 15:32:18 · answer #4 · answered by eeyoreshunni 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Edit your question.
Women can not get vasectomies.
It's a mastectomy.
Prepare yourself for death and the life after and you will not have to worry about death in any manner.
Jesus loves you.
He is in control.
If you are going to get it you are going to get it.
Don't waste your time worrying about things that might or might not happen. Live.
2006-09-14 15:35:08 · answer #5 · answered by HEATHER 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only fate knows. I don't think you'll get cancer. There's cancer in my family to though.
2006-09-14 15:34:32 · answer #6 · answered by jp78 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just go get checked for it i think i have canser but im not going to but u should!!
2006-09-14 15:33:25 · answer #7 · answered by Josh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋