Simmons College President Battles Breast Cancer

http://media.boston.cbslocal.com/CBSBOS_1004201518303800000AA.mp4 BOSTON (CBS) – Breast cancer is a very personal diagnosis. When a woman with breast cancer holds a powerful leadership position, the decision to talk about battling the disease involves more than just herself. Simmons College President Helen Drinan has spent the academic year sharing her private struggle with the entire campus community. “(My doctor) said they were right to bring you back (because) we think you have breast cancer,” Drinan said. That was late August and almost immediately Drinan decided she wouldn’t keep it a secret. “I do remember thinking, if I’m going to do this, it’s going to have to be in a public way because I’m the president of a women’s college,” she recalled. Now in her seventh year as president, Drinan told the campus about her condition in her weekly “Thoughts From The President” email. Drinan was fortunate that it was stage 1 but her tumor was aggressive. She focused on educating young students about prevention and early detection. “I think it’s very important for women to understand this is not life ending, even if you get a diagnosis, and the sooner you get it the better,” she says. The president says some days have been harder than others when it comes to going to work every day while receiving treatment. The exhaustion of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation made it difficult to s...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Breast Cancer Health Local News Seen On WBZ-TV Syndicated Local Watch Listen Cancer Screening Chemotherapy Massachusetts Paula Ebben Simmons College Source Type: news