Artist Survives Two Cancers to Become Movie Director
After being diagnosed with colon cancer in 1997 and breast cancer in 2000, British conceptual artist Sam Taylor-Wood could have chosen desperation and given up.
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December 11, 2009
After being diagnosed with colon cancer in 1997 and breast cancer - which led to a mastectomy - in 2000, British conceptual artist Sam Taylor-Wood could have chosen desperation and given up. Instead, she went on to thrive and develop an illustrious career in the entertainment industry.
In a recent interview for the Guardian, Taylor-Wood said the experience "toughened her up."
"It's like this core of steel developed to deal with it, where I just had to feel impenetrable," she admitted, quoted by the news provider.
And nearly 12 years after her first diagnosis, the 42-year-old is preparing to unveil her latest project - a biopic about legendary Beatles signer John Lennon titled Nowhere Boy, which was the closing presentation of the 53rd Annual London Film Festival.
In America, where according to the Centers for Disease Control more than 140,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2005, December is celebrated as Colorectal Cancer Education and Awareness Month.
As with most cancers, early diagnosis is key to survival so individuals at risk, as well as those older than 55, are encouraged to get regular colonoscopies. There are also preventative measures that physicians have recommended, which include physical exercise and a diet low in red meat but rich in fresh produce.
Survivors and their loved ones may access the resources of the Colorectal Cancer Coalition and the Colon Cancer Alliance for support and information. The organizations also accept donations.
After being diagnosed with colon cancer in 1997 and breast cancer - which led to a mastectomy - in 2000, British conceptual artist Sam Taylor-Wood could have chosen desperation and given up. Instead, she went on to thrive and develop an illustrious career in the entertainment industry.
In a recent interview for the Guardian, Taylor-Wood said the experience "toughened her up."
"It's like this core of steel developed to deal with it, where I just had to feel impenetrable," she admitted, quoted by the news provider.
And nearly 12 years after her first diagnosis, the 42-year-old is preparing to unveil her latest project - a biopic about legendary Beatles signer John Lennon titled Nowhere Boy, which was the closing presentation of the 53rd Annual London Film Festival.
In America, where according to the Centers for Disease Control more than 140,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2005, December is celebrated as Colorectal Cancer Education and Awareness Month.
As with most cancers, early diagnosis is key to survival so individuals at risk, as well as those older than 55, are encouraged to get regular colonoscopies. There are also preventative measures that physicians have recommended, which include physical exercise and a diet low in red meat but rich in fresh produce.
Survivors and their loved ones may access the resources of the Colorectal Cancer Coalition and the Colon Cancer Alliance for support and information. The organizations also accept donations.
