Table of Contents
- 1 “My pregnancy saved my life”
- 2 “I have had comments from midwives or nurses who refused me help”
- 3 **Given Virgilia’s insights into the potential connection between night work and breast cancer risk, what specific recommendations or actions does she propose for individuals working night shifts to mitigate potential health risks?**
It’s a hairless Sabrina Perquis who welcomes journalist and weather presenter Virgilia Hess on the set of Top Santé TV, to talk about a subject that affects them both: breast cancer. The particularity of Virgilia Hess’s case is that she received this diagnosis while she was pregnant, at the age of 32.
At the end of 2022, when she was six months pregnant, the future mother was felt in the chest area by her midwife, who noticed a small lump. A few exams later, the verdict is in, it’s breast cancer. “ It was a cold shower, total astonishment “, she remembers. “ Already, when you are young you don’t expect to be sick. Furthermore, when you are pregnant, you are in a life dynamic. Death was not part of my daily life and my current vocabulary. » Her delivery, a few months later, will be triggered between two chemotherapy sessions.
“My pregnancy saved my life”
The risk of suffering from breast cancer during pregnancy is rare. The journalist, who told her story in a book called My pregnancy saved my lifeestimates it between 0.01 and 0.05%. However, she wonders if this figure would not be the result of an underestimate linked to pregnancy and the attention of health personnel to the stomach rather than the breasts of future mothers.
Virgilia Hess discovered that working as a weather presenter may have played a role in her illness. “ There are aggravating factors, namely night work. I woke up at 1 a.m. five days a week, I worked very odd hours, and indeed, there were cases of night workers who managed to have their breast cancer recognized as an occupational illness. »
“I have had comments from midwives or nurses who refused me help”
In her personal case, Virgilia Hess considers herself very satisfied with the support provided by the caregivers at the Marie Curie Institute, where she was treated. “ Overall it went well, but there are always some hiccups. When I gave birth I had comments from midwives or nurses who sometimes refused me help, encouraging me to prove myself to take care of my daughter. »
After this long journey, Virgilia remains aware of the risks, but above all thinks of the positive aspects, and savors the simple moments of everyday life, measuring the chance of being alive.
Today very invested in raising awareness of self-examination, she would like this gesture to be automatic during consultations during pregnancy. She also advises each woman to be rigorous in gynecological follow-up and to practice self-palpation approximately once a month. “ It’s important to know your tits well », she smiles. “ If in doubt, do not hesitate to change practitioner and go to an institute specializing in cancerology. »
**Given Virgilia’s insights into the potential connection between night work and breast cancer risk, what specific recommendations or actions does she propose for individuals working night shifts to mitigate potential health risks?**
## World Today News: An Interview with Virgilia Hess
**Introduction**
Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re joined by two incredible women – Sabrina Perquis and Virgilia Hess – to discuss a topic that deeply affects countless lives: breast cancer. Virgilia, a journalist and weather presenter, faced a particularly challenging journey when she was diagnosed with breast cancer during her pregnancy. Sabrina, a long-time advocate for women’s health, will guide us through this conversation.
**Section 1: Diagnosis and Journey**
**Sabrina:** Virgilia, thank you for sharing your story with us. Being diagnosed with breast cancer is undeniably difficult, but receiving this news during pregnancy must have been unimaginable. Can you walk us through those initial feelings and thoughts?
**Virgilia:** Absolutely.
**(Virgilia shares her experience of shock, disbelief, and the emotional rollercoaster that followed her diagnosis.)**
**Sabrina:** It’s incredibly brave of you to open up about this. Virgilia, you mentioned that the risk of breast cancer during pregnancy is rare. Do you believe enough awareness is being raised about this possibility amongst expectant mothers and their healthcare providers?
**(Discussion on the rarity of breast cancer during pregnancy, the potential for underestimation, and awareness within the medical community.)**
**Section 2: The Impact of Work and Support Systems**
**Sabrina:** Virgilia, your story highlights the potential connection between night work and breast cancer risk. Can you elaborate on this connection and how it specifically impacted your experience?
**(Virgilia discusses her work as a weather presenter, the unconventional hours involved, and the possible link to her diagnosis.)**
**Sabrina:** That’s a vital point to bring up.
**(Turns to the audience): Everyone’s fight against cancer is unique. It’s essential to remember that support structures, both personal and professional, play a critical role in navigating this journey. Virgilia, can you tell us about the support you received from your family, friends, and the medical community during your treatment?)**
**(Virgilia shares specific examples of support received and any challenges encountered.)
**Section 3: Awareness, Empowerment, and Looking Ahead**
**Sabrina:** Thank you for sharing that. Virgilia, your courage is truly inspiring. What message would you like to leave with our viewers, particularly mothers-to-be, regarding self-examination and early detection?
**(Virgilia emphasizes the importance of self-examination, regular gynecological check-ups, and advocating for oneself within the healthcare system.)**
**Sabrina:** Excellent advice. Vigilance and self-awareness are crucial.
**(Open the floor for audience questions, allowing Virgilia to offer further insights and encourage viewers to seek information and support.)
**Conclusion**
**Sabrina:** Virgilia, thank you for your honesty, your strength, and for dedicating yourself to raising awareness about breast cancer. Your story is a testament to the power of resilience, early detection, and the importance of advocating for our health. We deeply appreciate you sharing your journey with the World Today News audience.
**Virgilia:**
**(Expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her story and reiterate her message of hope, vigilance, and self-care.)**
This structured interview format encourages deeper discussion and allows for exploration of multiple aspects surrounding Virgilia Hess’s experience. The open-ended questions encourage organic conversation and personal insights, offering valuable information and inspiration to viewers.
