SHARON Williams credits the knowledge of her family’s history with breast cancer for her ability to get a headstart on her own fight against the disease. From early on, she decided to err on the side of caution and took no chances, given that her mother and grandmother had both battled breast cancer.

“The history of breast cancer in my family made me quite in tune with my body,” Williams disclosed. “I just happened to feel a weird sensation in my breast and decided to have it checked out. Once I have any concerns with my body, I don’t hesitate to visit the doctor, especially since I know my family’s history.”

The doctors quickly confirmed Williams’s suspicions about what was happening with her breast — she had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), one of the earliest forms of breast cancer.

“The doctor said that if I didn’t do anything, the calcification in my right breast would develop into cancer within a few months,” Williams revealed. “Considering the history of cancer in my family, I just thought I should get ahead of it. So I made the decision to have a double mastectomy at that time, removing not just my breasts, but the possibility for the cancer to develop even further.”

While Williams’s decision to take this precautionary measure was difficult, she found comfort in knowing that she had significantly decreased the likelihood of contracting the illness like her mother and grandmother did.

“I wasn’t even worried about my self-image, as I knew I was in a position to take advantage of reconstructive surgery,” she said. “Knowing my family history made me even more prepared, as I was always big on saving and investing. I’m of the view that after working so hard to acquire what I have it only makes sense to protect myself against any eventualities.

Williams, who is Head of Group Client Experience at National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited and Distinguished Lieutenant Governor of Excellence for the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston, encourages women in particular to develop a habit of saving and investing from a young age, which includes assessing insurance options.

“Many people do not consider insurance to be an important part of good financial planning; however, I would say it is one of the most critical factors in giving you the financial security of knowing that some of your expenses could possibly be covered in the event of an emergency,” said Williams. She also strongly urges women to ask questions and make sure they understand the provisions of their policies, as well as the support available based on the type of diagnosis they receive.

“Sometimes people plan ahead and do not give the appropriate consideration to the possibility of eventualities,” Williams noted. ing insurance, coupled with a solid long-term savings and investment plan, provides a good buffer in handling the expenses that come with an unexpected diagnosis.”

She added: “Making a decision to remove your breasts as a preventative measure is not simple, nor is it easy. But to know that I can live a long, healthy life (bra optional) is an extraordinary benefit, and I hope more women are able to use the tools available to them to catch and fight cancer early, increase their chances of survival, and live long, meaningful lives.”