[Becky]

I have to comment here because Gerri hit the nail on the head. I believe many things. First, I believe many cases of bc can be prevented and at LEAST primary care physicians should tell you that you're fat, you need to exercise, you need to eat your veggies and fruit, you need to take Omega 3 and eat fish. This is good for all disease conditions, not just bc. I believe for many of us, we have genetic predispositions that mix poorly with environmental conditions that exist at a certain moment in time. I think the body can keep these in check year in and year out but then, something else just gives and wham. I think this happens to most of us that have cancers (bc and others) in our families but are clearly tested BRCA neg (BRCA positive is clear). Our biological sisters who are unaffected may not have some of these genes or may not have hit the numerous steps in the process (and may never hit them).

My mother, 2 of her sisters - bc and my paternal grandmother - ovarian. I am BRCA negative but clearly there are pre-disposition genes. Pre bc - I am a chemist by education (high level) and first jobs. I was overweight, smoker (quit 1993), diet pepsi addict, non-exerciser. I ate alot of veggies but never fruit. I am totally different now. I am hoping the changes in my cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides etc prove that perhaps other healthy changes occured. My 2 (bio) sisters and brother are cancer free as are 30 female cousins (from both sides). I am the first of my generation yet one of the youngest cousins.

I am trying to bet that food is medicine (or a poison) and that that and exercise will prevent recurrence or a new cancer.

Prevention in the first place is key. Although those that truly take care of themselves get cancer, they are few (and as RB says, are they eating the right fats)?

We can only do our best and go from there.

Love to all of my sisters