Celebs bare all about breasts

Celebs bare all about breasts

Linda Black, 38, model and TV personality

"My sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer about seven years ago when she was 38 - my current age.

So many questions ran through my mind: Why her? Why so young? Could she have prevented it? I trawled websites, blogs, articles and research papers to find out more about the disease.

The more I read, the more I understood, and my fear of the unknown was lessened.

I also try to share my knowledge with others. I emcee for free at events organised by the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), and I try to incorporate useful facts and figures I've come across in my speeches.

I take my hat off to the cancer survivors at the BCF. One who really inspires me is a 40-year old woman whose breast cancer returned after 12 years of remission, and now she's sharing her story to encourage other women around her."

Tara Rushton, 29, presenter, model and ambassador for Singapore Cancer Society's (SCS) donation drive Daffodil Day

"My mum was diagnosed with uterine cancer five years ago and is now in remission. Seeing her health deteriorate was the biggest wake-up call of my life. Her cancer made female-centric cancer more real to me.

Seeing my mum at her lowest was heart-wrenching. Th ere were mornings when she wouldn't want to get out of bed and face the day. I moved back home to Sydney to take care of her, together with my father and brother.

What shocks me is how cancer is no longer an ageing related disease. I often hear of people in their 20s and 30s getting it, which is why I've started to look after myself more... and that includes my breasts.

I do self-examinations regularly and go for a full-body check-up every six months. I also read widely about health matters to keep myself up to date.

On a lighter note, I also pamper my boobs. I'm very particular about the fit of my bra whenever I go bra shopping, as this ensures good support and comfort, and prevents the damage of breast tissue. It's a 'ritual' I've kept since I was 17!"

Simone Khoo, 50, singer with acapella group Vocaluptuous

"Growing up, I assumed that having 'mozzy bites' for boobs meant I was less susceptible to breast cancer. How wrong I was.

Last year, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. I discovered it by chance - while lying in bed, my hand brushed across my right breast and I felt a small, solid lump.

I had surgery to remove the lumps and lymph nodes in my breast, as well as several cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and I've been in remission ever since.

It was a tough period - I went through bouts of self-pity and crying. I remember standing in the shower two weeks after my fi rst chemotherapy session, feeling horrifi ed as I pulled clumps of hair from my scalp.

But going about my daily activities, like work and singing, helped me stay upbeat. My husband and mother also took turns accompanying me to my doctor's appointments, while my domestic helper offered to cook me any dish I wanted while I was recovering.

To all the breast cancer patients out there, don't give up, and never let vanity or the fear of pain stop you from fighting for your life."

Colleen Francisca, 31, Miss Singapore World 2006 and founder of dessert shop Francisca Dessert Parlour

"My aunt discovered she had Stage 3 breast cancer a few years ago.

It came as a shock because she's one of those happy-go-lucky, free-spirited types, who does all kinds of exercise, like pilates, yoga and zumba.

While she's in remission now, what really helped her through her ordeal was the support of my uncle, to whom she's been married for 11 years.

He would accompany her to her doctor's appointments even when his schedule was packed.

He would also constantly tell her how much he loved her, even in front of the rest of the family, which was something he never used to do.

These days, I support the BCF by baking cupcakes for their charity bazaars and modelling at their fundraising events.

I want to increase awareness about the supporting role that others - especially the men - can play to cancer patients."

Rebecca Tan, 33, Fly Entertainment model and host

"Breast cancer used to be the last thing on my mind.

So I got a shock when, during my first full-body check-up five or six years back, my doctor discovered lumps in both my breasts. I had 12 lumps in total, and one was almost as big as a 10-cent coin.

I was terrified to hear that I needed to do a biopsy. What if the results revealed I had cancer? I was too young to die. I even thought about drafting a will, just in case.

Thankfully, the lumps turned out to be non-cancerous cysts. But I still have to go for an ultrasound scan every six months to monitor them because there's a possibility that they might become cancerous.

I'm now more conscious and diligent when it comes to checking my breasts.

I'm constantly pressing on the big lump to monitor its size and movement.

I also tell my friends and relatives to get full-body check-ups done. Early detection can save your life."

Rosalyn Lee, 34, presenter at 987FM

"For nine years, from the age of 16 to 25, I watched my mother struggle with breast cancer.

When the cancer spread to her brain, she was given four months to live. By then, she was so weak that she had to blink to give my younger brother and me 'yes' and 'no' answers. It was heartbreaking.

But I was inspired by how she used her remaining time to give as much of herself as she could.

At the hospital, she would help to feed the other cancer patients in her ward. She took my grandparents to their hospital appointments, and organised their funerals when they both passed away from cancer as well.

She constantly told us she loved us and we would hold hands whenever we were out - things that never happened before.

Thanks to her, I'm now a lot more vocal about my love for my family.

I tell my brother that I love him so frequently I think he must be sick of it already! I also try not to go to bed angry - I only have one life, and who knows how long I'll be around for?" HW

 

 
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