Manuela , Germany shared by Nele

World Cancer Day – My Personal Story

I am 25 years old and cancer has been part of my life since 2015.

When I was 14 years old, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer around. She fought for years — bravely, tirelessly, with so much strength and hope. In 2020, I lost her to this disease. Losing a parent at such a young age changes you forever.

Cancer is not just something from my past — it is part of my present and my future. I carry the BRCA gene mutation, which means I have up to a 70% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer myself. This gene runs deeply in my family: my cousin, both of my aunts, and my grandmother have all been affected by breast cancer.

Living with this knowledge is heavy. It means living with fear, but also with responsibility. Responsibility to take care of myself, to go to regular check-ups, to take early detection seriously — and to talk about it openly.

That is why World Cancer Day matters so much to me. Awareness saves lives. Education empowers us. Early detection can make a difference — not only for ourselves, but for the next generation.

Please go to your screenings. Inform yourself. Talk about your family history. Protect yourself and those who come after you.

Cancer took a lot from my family — but raising awareness is one way I choose to fight back.