Not a cancer survivor or previvor, but a cancer preventer

<p>"I know how different my experience is. I am not facing potentially debilitating treatment(s) or the fear of death. Still, I am experiencing a physical transformation, a redefining of my feminine self, yet I do not feel as if I have the 'right' to be scared, saddened or supported. This is a "me" problem but raises the broad need for inclusivity, acceptance, and support in general and by health care professionals.</p> <p>I no longer have breasts. Pathology confirmed for me that this was the right choice — no cancer yet. Findings indicated that it was 'just a matter of time.' While I truly have no regrets (even looking at my now truly, scarred flat chest) my vanity is still an issue. Time, a lavish, beautiful tattoo of lilacs or orchids and working toward washboard abs to match my washboard chest will help to heal this wound — and, most importantly, no more worries about breast cancer.</p> <p>The guilt and doubt still linger, but then I see the relief in the faces of my family and understand that preventive mastectomy (and going flat) may not be right for everyone, but it was right for me.</p> <p>I am not a survivor, not a previvor, but a preventer."</p> <p><a href= "https://hsd.luc.edu/bioethics/aboutus/facultydirectory/people/nanetteelsterjdmph/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nanette Elster</a> is a bioethicist.</p> <p>She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, "<a href="https://www.kevinmd.com/2022/07/not-a-cancer-survivor-not-a-cancer-previvor-am-i-a-cancer-preventer.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Not a cancer survivor, not a cancer previvor: Am I a cancer preventer?</a>"</p> <p><strong>Did you enjoy today’s episode?</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.kevinmdpodcast.com/rate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rate and review</a> the show so more audiences can find <strong>The Podcast by KevinMD</strong>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.kevinmdpodcast.com/follow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe on your favorite podcast app</a> to get notified when a new episode comes out.<