Multiple Cancer Survivor Stresses the Power of Sharing Hope
Former Boston TV reporter Joyce Kulhawik fought a successful battle with melanoma and ovarian cancer for many years.
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January 11, 2010
Former Boston TV reporter Joyce Kulhawik fought a successful battle with melanoma and ovarian cancer for many years. Today, she is spending her time speaking out and helping raise awareness through organizations such as the American Cancer Society, which also accepts donations to fund research.
Kulhawik's story is featured on the website of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute where she discusses the key lessons she learned from her experience, which helped her thrive despite the odds.
The 57-year-old told the news source that she never allowed herself live in fear, and even secretly welcomed the prospect of losing hair due to chemotherapy because "when else can you try out a wild hairstyle risk-free?"
She also reminisced on the power of sharing stories of suffering and triumph. "[Talking about cancer] can be very powerful for [patients] and for me," she stated, adding, "If you don't think you can survive, you won't, but seeing someone who has survived may make you start to think you can."
Skin cancer affects more than 1 million Americans each year. However, if caught early it is one of the most curable cancers, so vigilance, frequent screenings and wearing sunscreen while outdoors are highly recommended.
Meanwhile, ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer in women and ranks fifth as the cause of cancer death. Research suggests 70 percent of women who do not survive were diagnosed when the disease was already advanced.
In addition to early detection, prevention efforts may reduce a person's risk, and they include birth control pills and surgical procedures such as tubal ligation or hysterectomy.
Individuals affected by either disease may consult the website of the American Cancer Society for information on the resources best suited for their particular circumstances.
Former Boston TV reporter Joyce Kulhawik fought a successful battle with melanoma and ovarian cancer for many years. Today, she is spending her time speaking out and helping raise awareness through organizations such as the American Cancer Society, which also accepts donations to fund research.
Kulhawik's story is featured on the website of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute where she discusses the key lessons she learned from her experience, which helped her thrive despite the odds.
The 57-year-old told the news source that she never allowed herself live in fear, and even secretly welcomed the prospect of losing hair due to chemotherapy because "when else can you try out a wild hairstyle risk-free?"
She also reminisced on the power of sharing stories of suffering and triumph. "[Talking about cancer] can be very powerful for [patients] and for me," she stated, adding, "If you don't think you can survive, you won't, but seeing someone who has survived may make you start to think you can."
Skin cancer affects more than 1 million Americans each year. However, if caught early it is one of the most curable cancers, so vigilance, frequent screenings and wearing sunscreen while outdoors are highly recommended.
Meanwhile, ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer in women and ranks fifth as the cause of cancer death. Research suggests 70 percent of women who do not survive were diagnosed when the disease was already advanced.
In addition to early detection, prevention efforts may reduce a person's risk, and they include birth control pills and surgical procedures such as tubal ligation or hysterectomy.
Individuals affected by either disease may consult the website of the American Cancer Society for information on the resources best suited for their particular circumstances.
