WENDY WATSON
The journey and inspiration
“I was only in my mid-thirties, and I was too young for mammograms. Because of dense breast tissue in young people, the results could have been inaccurate, with false positives or false negatives.”
The path to advocacy
“They asked if our family would be prepared to donate blood samples to help find the BRCA1 gene, and I said yes, of course, because that’s how I am: I always want to find out more.”
The heart of advocacy
“I think that people need to have all the information about the perks and the limitations of all their options so that they can make an informed decision.”
The heart of advocacy part II
“I wanted everything possible that could be offered to women to be made available. And in that, I advocated at NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK.”
Navigating challenges
“For me, personally, the biggest challenge is the funding. I do not get any funding, so I rely on an annual Charity Ball, and I set up charity shops myself.”
Championing prevention
“I’m living my absolute best life. I’ve got grandchildren, I phone with them, I take them out, and I can still run the helpline 18 hours a day. I take every single person into my heart, and there is nobody that will be left in the dark.”
Looking ahead
“The current screening methods, which are MRI and mammograms, sometimes are not very reliable, especially in dense breast and young breast tissue.”
Wendy Watson
Wendy Watson, driven by the discovery of breast cancer affecting nine relatives, embarked on her advocacy journey determined to take charge of her health. Convinced that her family history was not mere happenstance, she sought preventive measures, despite the prevailing skepticism among professionals regarding hereditary factors. Following her preventive double mastectomy, she described feeling profoundly privileged. In 1996, Health Minister Baroness Cumberlege invited Wendy to establish a helpline, the Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline, marking the inception of a vital resource for individuals affected by breast cancer. Over time, this initiative has garnered strong professional backing, evolving into a lifeline for many. Wendy’s advocacy efforts extend beyond the helpline, with various educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness nationwide. Central to Wendy’s advocacy is empowering individuals to comprehend their risks, navigate referrals, and access guidance from dedicated advisors. Through collaborative efforts, Wendy and her team work tirelessly to save lives and enhance the quality of life for those affected by breast cancer.
