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Andrew Dickens: Get tested - nobody is too healthy for cancer!

Author
Andrew Dickens,
Publish Date
Tue, 26 Nov 2019, 2:31PM
(Photo / Getty)
(Photo / Getty)

Andrew Dickens: Get tested - nobody is too healthy for cancer!

Author
Andrew Dickens,
Publish Date
Tue, 26 Nov 2019, 2:31PM

I am outraged by the story about the 35 year old Wanaka Mum who found a lump in her breast and was told by a doctor that she was too healthy for cancer so don't bother testing the lump.

Nobody is too healthy for cancer!

Earlier this month she went for a second opinion, got the lump tested and found out she had a stage four metastatic breast cancer. Even worse she found out that it has spread to her lymph nodes and liver. Her only hope is cutting edge treatment in Mexico or Germany. Her friends launched a Give A Little page and so her fight begins.

Nobody is too healthy for cancer!

I just find the first doctor's thoughts unbelievable.

As you may know I'm currently on sick leave after removing my prostate last Wednesday. Apparently, I have prostate cancer.

Who knew? I had no symptoms and I'm the fittest I've been in decades. My cholesterol and heart are tip top.  My liver, remarkably, is chugging along just fine.  I'm putting on weight for god's sake!  I found the prostate cancer through a simple, regular blood test.

Nobody is too healthy for cancer!

I've already written that the only harm a test ever does is save your life. I've already written that if you've got symptoms then you're entering the fight a bit late and under handicap.

Interestingly, I'm reading Elton John's autobiography right now and I've discovered he's been through the same cancer as me and the same treatment. He also mentions how one of his complications was cured during a regular colonoscopy.

Good on him. Testing. What harm can it do?

As he said, he's quitting the road and looking after his health because he's got kids now and he's already in his 70s and he wants to see the job through.

The Wanaka Mum. The 35 year old “too healthy to have cancer” Mum, has two children aged four and two. It's heartbreaking and unfathomable.

If in doubt, TEST. Why not?

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