We beat cancer FIRST!

Written by FFHC Cofounder, Sheila Adams Gardner

How do YOU beat cancer FIRST?

My sister, FFHC Cofounder Jacinta Tatum and I met up with our cousin Vanessa Jones at HoneyBee Sage Wellness & Apothecary Cafe in Milwaukee, Wisconsin recently to chat about the ways in which we beat cancer BEFORE it has a chance to strike. Jacinta and I chose prophylactic surgeries to manage our elevated risk for breast and ovarian cancer due to our gene mutation, RAD 51D. Vanessa does not have a gene mutation related to cancer. Her risk for developing breast cancer is elevated because of her mother’s history of breast cancer. Vanessa beats cancer first through regular screening. Every six months she alternates between breast MRI’s and mammograms. Our mothers are sisters. Vanessa’s mom lost her battle with breast cancer in 2008. Our mother lost her battle with liver cancer in 2016.

We are all so grateful to have the tools to change our family’s story as it relates to cancer. For Vanessa, prophylactic surgery was not a fit. Screening for breast cancer every six months gives her peace of mind because if cancer is found during a screening, it would likely be at a manageable stage.

Don’t let fear rob you of your weapons against cancer! Join us and other Thriving Previvors!

Know your risk. Manage your risk. Beat hereditary cancer!