Many people throughout their lives have encountered cancer. Whether that’s through having a friend or relative with cancer, or from having cancer themselves.
For me, cancer has been a part of my life for over 20 years. My mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Mums initial symptoms arose whilst she was in her mid-forties. Symptoms consisted of bloating, and mum was told on more than occasion that it was just IBS, or wind.
A few years later, mum had a scan which showed stage three cancer that had spread to her liver and bowel.
Mum had chemotherapy, lost her hair and lost an awful lot of weight.
Memories of mum are far and few between. My sister and I were just 18 when mum passed away at the age of 50.
Over the years I have often wondered about the chances of my sister and I developing ovarian or breast cancer.
Whilst we aren’t eligible for genetic testing on the NHS, there are many private clinics that do offer this service.
It’s not cheap, but I have often thought about whether it’s worth my sister and I being tested.
Whilst the NHS would argue that there’s no reason for us to be tested, I can help but worry about what the future holds.
At 31 years of age, with six year old twin girls, the thought of not being there for them as they grow up, makes me think that being tested is worth it.
Whilst the results, negative or positive, don’t necessarily mean I will get cancer, I feel that it’s more for my own peace of mind so that I can take preventative measures if I feel it necessary.
Of course, this isn’t something to enter into lightly, and whilst I have an appointment booked, this will also involve counselling.
I’d probably also pay for my children to be tested when they’re older too.
Whatever the outcome, I feel that this is something I need to do for myself and my children.
