I'm 49 so I don't fit into the young or old group! My Mum had breast cancer at 60 and it returned later. Both my Grandmas had it at much greater ages and although this family history was considered to justify early monitoring the policy changed and 3 years ago I was discharged. So here I am 3 years later being treated for DCIS and ER- HER2+ IDC whilst my Mum is being treated for ER+ secondary BC. Two different BCs. From reading and discussion, I understand that all people have cancer cells in their bodies. The cell DNA is damaged by environmental factors and pollutants but in some people the immune system stops the cancer cells from proliferating and in others it doesn't. I've read variously that it's diet (Western diets have the wrong balance of fats and sugars), it's alcohol, it's stress, it's basically anything that damages your immune system that allows cancer to develop. If 1 in 2 people in the uk are going to have cancer in their lifetime then in the end perhaps it's just life that's bad for your health?! All the best xxx
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