Taking My Health Into My Own Hands

By Ashely Minor

I learned about illness early on growing up with autoimmune disease. My Mom was always worrying about some specialist, physical therapy session, or procedure to try and improve my ailments until her health spiraled out of control in her late 40’s. She had a history of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but was completely floored when diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer at 49. Our family had a history with cancer and other chronic illnesses that were considered to many as self induces, but as with many African Americans, racial health disparities cause many Blacks to lack the confidence and focus to support their health concerns.   

I on the other hand, learned about Lynch Syndrome and our hereditary Cancers supporting my mother’s difficult battle that took her life at the 53. With age, I too now struggle with IBS and Hormonal Imbalance but with drastic changes to my lifestyle, introducing healthier eating and exercise habits; and annual cancer preventive screenings. I now advocate for Lynch Syndrome to bring more awareness and support to Black and Brown people in Cancer Prevention and healthier lifestyle habits.