NASSAU BAHAMAS — Cancer can sometimes lead the diagnosed to conceal their physical symptoms from loved ones and deny themselves of suggested treatments and surgeries.
As she marks five years since her stage one breast cancer diagnosis, Errin Storr called on Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) students, faculty and staff to take a different approach, be intentional about regular health checkups and know that cancer is not a death sentence.
She explained at a virtual forum that when persons are uneducated about cancer, it takes them over and they can eventually succumb to the disease due to lack of knowledge.
“Most persons who are diagnosed go into a depressive state or have a pity party. Being diagnosed is not something you can take a magic pill or antibiotics for to make it go away. However, denial does not help the situation,” she said.
Errin had a mammogram done at the end of October 2017. It was an annual routine that was not sparked by any signs or symptoms. It was surprising when the discovery of a suspicious mass led to the need for an ultrasound, which was followed by news that breast cancer was present. Surgery to remove the lump, chemotherapy and numerous not-so-easy days came next.
Although the first in her family to have the disease, Errin did not shy away from enjoying life or letting it be known that she was being impacted.
“I did not bother to hide, cover my hair and not let people know what I was going through. I knew there was a purpose in me being diagnosed and looking back I can say it happened for a reason,” she told members of the BTVI community.
Now three years after becoming both cancer-free and the Cancer Society of The Bahamas’ administrator, Storr shifted from knowing about the non-profit organization solely for its annual ball, to becoming a key pillar in its day-to-day operations.
Today, Storr informs countless men and women how to overcome cancer both mentally and physically.
During the virtual forum hosted by BTVI’s Student Affairs Department, Errin presented on the Cancer Society of The Bahamas’ slogan “Know your melons”, stressing that men are not exempt from breast cancer and Bahamian women as young as 21 are being diagnosed. She also underscored that if diagnosed, cancer is not a disease you go through alone.
“When you go through cancer, you must have a great support group. You must have a strong tribe of support. Whether family, church, a fraternity or sorority, you need people to motivate you to keep going. Having a positive attitude also helps with healing,” she said.
