Not a cancer survivor or previvor, but a cancer preventer

"I know how different my experience is. I am not facing potentially debilitating treatment(s) or the fear of death. Still, I am experiencing a physical transformation, a redefining of my feminine self, yet I do not feel as if I have the 'right' to be scared, saddened or supported. This is a "me" problem but raises the broad need for inclusivity, acceptance, and support in general and by health care professionals. I no longer have breasts. Pathology confirmed for me that this was the right choice — no cancer yet. Findings indicated that it was 'just a matter of time.' While I truly have no regrets (even looking at my now truly, scarred flat chest) my vanity is still an issue. Time, a lavish, beautiful tattoo of lilacs or orchids and working toward washboard abs to match my washboard chest will help to heal this wound — and, most importantly, no more worries about breast cancer. The guilt and doubt still linger, but then I see the relief in the faces of my family and understand that preventive mastectomy (and going flat) may not be right for everyone, but it was right for me. I am not a survivor, not a previvor, but a preventer." Nanette Elster is a bioethicist. She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, "Not a cancer survivor, not a cancer previvor: Am I a cancer preventer?" Did you enjoy today's episode? Rate and review the show so more audiences can find The Podcast by KevinMD. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified when a new episode comes out. Click here to earn 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CME for this episode. Also available in Category 1 CME bundles. Powered by CMEfy - a seamless way for busy clinician learners to discover Internet Point-of-Care Learning opportunities that reward AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Learn more at about.cmefy.com/cme-info