Jul 29, 2026
For many families, cancer doesn't affect just one person. It can
shape generations. When a parent is diagnosed with cancer,
children often carry more than memories. They may inherit
questions, uncertainty, increased risk, and life-changing decisions
of their own.
In this conversation, Ashley Dedmon shares her experience of losing
her mother to metastatic breast cancer, learning she carried the
BRCA2 gene mutation, and ultimately making the decision to undergo
a preventive mastectomy.
Together, we discuss hereditary cancer risk, genetic testing,
prevention, family planning, and how understanding your family
history can empower you to make informed decisions for yourself and
future generations. Ashley also shares how her personal
experience inspired her work as a national public health leader,
patient advocate, and children's book author helping families
navigate conversations about cancer and family health history.
Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that while we cannot
change our family history, we can make informed decisions that help
shape what comes next.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
To learn more about Ashley Dedmon's work, follow her on Instagram
at @PinkLegacy5050 and explore her
children's books, The Big Discovery and The Big Family Trip, which help
families navigate conversations about cancer and family health
history.
For additional education and support, visit Living
Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) or follow @LivingBeyondBC on Instagram.
The information shared on Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful is for
educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as
medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified
healthcare provider regarding your individual medical care and
treatment decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are
their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Cancer
Fashionista.