The Gift of Knowledge, the Cost of Action: Advocating to Reduce Cancer Risk

Before she passed from metastatic breast cancer, Sarah’s mum gave her the greatest gift: knowledge that may help Sarah future-proof her health.In this powerful follow-up conversation, Sarah Wallace opens up about what it means to self-advocate when you live with inherited risk factors for breast cancer but no diagnosis. For her, it’s a complicated space: considered ‘elective’ in the system, but a risk too great for her to wait.And now she’s facing the prospect of accessing her superannuation again drawing from the little she’s managed to save since using every cent she had to fund IVF. Together we talk about:The inherited cancer risk space, and why it can leave women feeling invisibleHow her mum’s knowledge shaped Sarah’s decisions around genetic testingWhy she feels risk-reduction surgery using her superannuation is her only optionWhat it looks like to advocate for yourself in the gaps, between risk and prevention, system and selfSarah’s story is a powerful reminder that advocacy is not only about facing a diagnosis. It is also about the courage to act before one comes.⚠️ This episode includes discussion of fertility challenges, pregnancy loss and related experiences. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you. It’s always okay to pause or step away if you need to.For the links to all the resources mentioned in this show, go to the episode blog page.Connect with Luan:Follow Luan on InstagramGet Luan's free SSASy guide to Self-AdvocacySign up for Luan's NewsletterCheck out Luan's websiteDisclaimerCREDITS:Host & Producer: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health AdvocateSound engineering: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.