In 2001, at the age of 63, Shelagh was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. It’s a very aggressive cancer with a low remission rate. “My prognosis was grim: I was given between 18 months and 2 years to live! Fortunately, I was cared for by exceptional oncologists at every stage of my intensive treatments. My journey was full of challenges, but over the years, I began to believe that I had defied the odds.”

Thanks to the love and support from her family, friends, and support group, she remains convinced that it is thanks to them, as well as organizations like the Cancer Research Society, that she outsmarted cancer.

In 2019, the unthinkable happened. Shelagh, then 81, and her daughter Mary, 50, were both diagnosed with breast cancer. As a survivor, Shelagh knew what to expect, but as a mother, her primary concern was for Mary. Thanks to advances in research, they were able to face this challenge together and, fortunately, after years of scientific progress, personalized treatments were thriving, offering new and promising options. These advances, tailored to the physical needs of each patient, restored hope for Shelagh and Mary.

“The diagnosis my daughter received was very different from mine and therefore required a different treatment. In 2001, when I was diagnosed, treatments were not as personalized. It is thanks to research that cancer treatments today are better adapted to each individual.”

Today, Shelagh and Mary are greatly aware of the positive impact that scientific progress has had on their lives as survivors. They acknowledge how much their shared journey has transformed their outlook on life. More than ever, they are convinced that research plays a fundamental role in outsmarting cancer.

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis gives life a whole new meaning. Everyday counts, and you learn to live fully in the present moment. Your perspective on what is essential changes. You begin to appreciate the little things and the people you love even more. And most importantly, the more you know, the better prepared you are. This is where research comes in: it gives us the tools to understand our diagnosis and to keep hope alive.”

Despite the physical and emotional challenges they have faced, Shelagh and Mary remain resolutely optimistic.

“Unfortunately, Mary and I know many people who haven’t been as fortunate as us to still be here today. Last year, my brother passed away from cancer. Like us, he believed that cancer could be outsmarted! That’s why we must support everyone who works tirelessly for research. Tremendous progress has been made in treating many cancers and even more advances are still possible.”

Their journey is concrete proof of all the progress made in cancer research, offering real hope to those affected by the disease. It is thanks to these advances that Shelagh and Mary can share their story today.