Hosted by Catherine Young, Sr. Vice President of Susan G. Komen Memphis Midsouth Mississippi, and Molly May, author and breast cancer survivor Molly May, our co-host for our Pink Podcast series, is not your typical "beauty queen.” Molly, at age 19, is the youngest individual in Mississippi to undergo a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Molly’s mom is also a breast cancer survivor.
In this Pink Podcast, Catherine Young, Sr. Vice President of the Susan G. Komen Memphis Midsouth Mississippi affiliate, talks with Molly who shares her personal story of being 8 years old when her mom, a single parent, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. It is an enlightening story of determination, difficulties, fear, courage and faith.
We learn that if one’s mother is diagnosed with breast cancer, there is an increased chance that you could also develop the disease. While most breast cancer is actually not hereditary, it is helpful to know if you have family members who were ever diagnosed with breast cancer. Women who have a mother, sister, or even a daughter who developed breast cancer at a young age (premenopausal) have double the risk of the disease compared to those who don't have this family history.
If you have a “first-degree” relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you have a 24% chance of developing the disease. If you have 2 “first-degree” relatives diagnosed with breast cancer, you risk increases to 36% of developing the disease (Stephen, P., June 2019)
Fortunately, Molly’s mom is a survivor and has shared with her their family history. It’s important for everyone to gather as much information about one’s family history as possible and share this information with your doctor.
Molly continues her positive outlook on life and brings inspiration and kindness to everyone she meets.
Reference: Stephen, P. June 2019. "Your Risk of Breast Cancer if Your Mother Had Breast Cancer". Retrieved from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/mother-and-daughter-breast-cancer-is-it-inevitable-430161