“After my cancer, I started to live every day in every positive way.”

In 2004, Suzan Murad found an abnormality in her breast. Since she had no history of cancer in her family, breast cancer was the last thing on her mind.

A mother of three and only 32 years old, Suzan spent a year in consultations. Finally, she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of stage 1.

Suzan had to undergo surgery and months of chemotherapy causing many difficult and emotional days and nights and much physical discomfort. However, within months, her cancer was in remission. Suzan beat cancer, and today – 4 years later – she is still cancer free.

“There are many factors that helped save my life, but the most important is the fact that the breast cancer was detected early!” says Suzan.

Once detected, beating breast cancer involves a multitude of factors, one of the most important being family support. Husbands, parents, siblings and children are instrumental in providing emotional and physical support, such as helping with household chores, lending a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear to the fears and loneliness that accompanies a breast cancer diagnosis.

“I had the blessing of having a huge support system from my family,” says Suzan. “I really want them to know how much I appreciate their patience and help, then and now as well.”

Positive thinking and believing in your ability to beat cancer are also instrumental in helping your body fight the disease.

“After my cancer, I started to live every day in every positive way,” says Suzan. “I make the best of every day that God gives me to live, learning from everyone, and applying it in a positive way.”

Suzan strongly urges every women to perform self breast exams and annual clinical breast exams. She also stresses the importance of regular mammograms starting at the age of 40. It only takes a little effort and a short trip to the mammogram unit, but the result is a lifetime of relief.

Early detection of breast cancer is the key to saving lives. It saved Suzan’s.