The news of the diagnosis came in 2018. A few days earlier, Dr Mona Ben M’Rad’s daughter had fallen asleep against her, and the weight of her head on her chest caused unusual discomfort. The next morning, her daughter asked her, “Mommy, are you going to see a doctor about the ball in your breast?”
A few tests later, the diagnosis was confirmed: it was stage 3 breast cancer. “When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you completely lose control over your life,” she says.
The following months were marked by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and several breast reconstruction procedures.
The most painful thing would be not seeing my child grow up. I felt like it was my life’s purpose to be with my child.
Before her diagnosis, Mona thought she understood what her patients were going through, but experiencing the illness herself gave her a deeper understanding of everything that comes with a cancer diagnosis – the worry, the fatigue, the uncertainty and the impact on loved ones.
When you haven’t walked in someone else’s shoes, you don’t know what they’re going through.
Screening can save lives
Mona is now an ambassador for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Memo-mamo campaign. For 15 years, this campaign has raised awareness among women in Quebec aged 50 to 74 about the importance of having a screening mammogram every 2 years. For Mona, this message is very important.
One in 8 women in Canada are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. In Quebec, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, making up 1 quarter of all new cancer cases.
The good news is that finding cancer early increases the chances of successful treatment. Mammograms remain the most effective way to find breast cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms even appear.
My daughter often says, ‘You have to face your fears head-on.’ And that’s exactly what you need to do.
In Mona’s opinion, many people put off medical appointments or ignore symptoms because they’re busy with their day-to-day responsibilities. However, finding breast cancer earlier can save lives.
That’s why Mona encourages people who are eligible to participate in breast cancer screening programs. She reminds everyone that if they notice an unusual change in their body, they should see a health care provider immediately.
Reasons to hope
Since the 1980s, the breast cancer death rate has decreased by half thanks to research, early detection and improved treatments. Today, nearly 90% of women survive for at least 5 years after their diagnosis.
As a doctor and a survivor, Mona has seen the impact of these advances firsthand.
My body is my best friend; it is with me every moment, from birth until my last breath. My body was so brave as it went through the challenges of breast cancer and its treatments. I promised it I would respect it.
Eight years after her diagnosis, Mona continues to share her story in the hope of encouraging others to pay attention to changes in their bodies, learn about prevention and screening, and make their health a priority.
“I’m optimistic about the future,” she says.
Advances in screening and treatment have been absolutely spectacular. Things have already changed a lot in just a few years.
Help create a future without cancer
With support from readers like you, we can continue to make a meaningful impact for people affected by cancer.
We are determined to increase survival, stop cancer before it starts, and improve lives. But we can’t do it without you.
If everyone reading this gave just $5, we could achieve our goal this month to fund the most promising research, compassionate support and transformative advocacy. Please give today because every contribution counts. Thank you.