It’s time to expand Army of Women Wednesday to include other people and organizations of interest to cancer survivors. What drew me to the Army of Women
was its use of the internet to bring about positive change. The simple brilliance of the idea grew from Dr. Susan Love’s frustration that progress was slow in figuring out what causes breast cancer and how to prevent it. When scientists told her they couldn’t easily find women to be part of the studies that were needed to end this disease, she realized women weren’t hiding, they simply did not know how much they were needed. From that realization, it was a short leap to create an online army of women ready to serve science.This week, I discovered another online movement that is relevant to survivors of any type of cancer. Is My Cancer Different?
was launched by GE Healthcare. It was created to educate individual patients about the benefits of molecular-level diagnostics and personalized care. The question is important because not every cancer responds to the same cookie-cutter treatment. By asking your doctor, “Is my cancer different?” you are working with your team to create an individualized treatment plan.
Since the day I was diagnosed, I’ve heard it said a million times that each person’s cancer experience is different. It turns out that each person’s cancer is different too – on a molecular level. Asking the question takes the management of your cancer to the next level. I believe strongly that we need to be active participants in our own healing. Ask the question during your next doctor’s visit. By advocating for yourself, you will get the information you need to make the best decisions you can for your health care.
Visit the website today to watch informational videos and learn about new advancements in technology and research. You can also join the “Is My Cancer Different?” Facebook community. We all want to live long and healthy lives beyond cancer. Knowing how best to talk to our doctors and make the right decisions is crucial to that goal.
Survival > Existence,