‘We have to take care of ourselves’: N.B. woman’s breast cancer story prompts another to find the disease early

One woman's cancer journey didn't just change her life - it may have saved her friend's.

A New Brunswick woman’s journey through breast cancer didn’t just change her life, but may have saved her friend’s life as well.

Last fall, Ganong Bros. Ltd. president and CEO Bryana Ganong shared her own story of a breast cancer diagnosis and the importance of early detection.

It’s a message that resonated with children’s author Lana Button, who grew up with Ganong in St. Stephen, N.B.

“I said, ‘Bryana, you know, you’ve really inspired me. I’m going to get my first mammogram because of your post, because it was such a powerful post…you’re really going to help someone,’” says Button, recalling a conversation she had with Ganong last year.

Button never thought Ganong’s story would have such a profound impact on her own health.

“I knew the statistics – one in eight women,” says Button, referring to the number of Canadian woman estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. “But I don’t smoke, I nursed my kids, there’s no breast cancer in my family.”

Button says she had nagging fatigue she “just couldn’t shake,” but was shocked when she received a phone call asking her to return for a second mammogram.

“I’m not proud to say that at 56 I had my first mammogram,” says Button, giving credit to Ganong’s story for giving her the push.

The second mammogram confirmed Button did in fact have breast cancer.

Button has spent the last few months going through treatment and is now in recovery. She says Ganong’s story was integral for her excellent prognosis.

“It was very emotional,” says Ganong, remembering when Lana told her the news. “But I was very appreciative, and it has really inspired me to make sure I am continuing to advocate and have conversations and look for opportunities, because it really does show we can all make a difference.

“I guess I feel a responsibility to pay it forward and inspire other people to take steps to prioritize themselves and remember how important it is to take advantage of the opportunity to have a mammogram.”

Since sharing her own breast cancer journey, Button is being approached by other women who are taking steps to be their own health-care advocates.

“I’ve had people say, ‘I booked my mammogram,’ and that’s what it’s all about,” says Button. “Because we have to take care of ourselves.”

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