Nicole Kidman, 53, Gives Sister a Foot Massage; The Actress Became a Trained Masseuse to Care for Her Mom During Breast Cancer Battle

 

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Kidman’s Mom’s Cancer Story

Kidman isn’t just giving her sister a massage for kicks the actress is actually a trained masseuse! And the reason she became one all has to do with her family’s cancer journey.

Related: Breast Cancer: Overview

When Nicole was 17 years old, her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. In an interview with Byrdie last year, Kidman revealed her path to becoming a trained masseuse, which was motivated by her mom’s breast cancer treatment. She says, “I know, people are shocked by that [that I’m a trained masseuse]. It's an interesting story because my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 45, I was 17, and I became a masseuse and did a course because we couldn't afford for her to get massages after her chemo and her radiation.”

Related: Alcohol Can Increase the Risk of Developing Breast Cancer

“We didn't have enough money. So I learned to give massage. And then I really fell in love with giving massage,” Kidman says. People who have a history of breast cancer in the family, as Kidman does, may be at a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. For those with elevated breast cancer risk, it’s imperative to screen early and often for the disease, via mammograms, which look for lumps in the breast tissue and signs of cancer.

Related: New Research Claims All Breast Cancer Patients Should Get Genetic TestingIs It True?

For women who have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which create an elevated breast cancer and ovarian cancer risk, there are options. Dr. Freya Schnabel, the director of breast surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center, says in an earlier interview, “When I meet with women who are at increased risk for breast cancer because of BRCA mutations, I like to talk about the three options that they have for managing their risk. The first option is intensive surveillance. And this is an option that focuses on early detection of disease if it should occur.”

Related: What is a BRCA Mutation?

“The second option is a discussion about using medication to lower the risk for developing breast cancer. Tamoxifen is the one we use in young women, and then aromatase inhibitors can also be used in post-menopausal women, that have been associated with lowered risk for developing hormone sensitive breast cancer.”

What Are the Options if You Have a High Risk of Developing Breast Cancer?

Being a Caregiver

Kidman is a shining example of a devoted and loving caretaker for someone battling cancer. Being a caregiver to a person fighting cancer can feel overwhelming at times, that’s why it’s important to prioritize your health and wellness first, so you can be the best “you” for your loved one.

Related: Actor Kristen Bell Honors Cancer Caregivers: 'I Know What it's Like to Lose Someone'

Dr. Jayanthi Lea, a gynecologic oncologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says in an earlier interview, “The role of the caregiver cannot be minimized. A caregiver can be anyone who’s a spouse, any of your loved ones, and sometimes it’s even a friend or somebody who lives close to you. I encourage caregivers to come in to visit with my patients because, in that way, the caregiver is also listening to the recommendations.”

“What should be done in between these visits? Any changes in treatment plans? Any toxicities that we need to look out for? Changes in dietary habits, exercise, et cetera. I have a tremendous amount of respect for these individuals because I know the work is extremely hard,” says Dr. Lea. “Caregivers not only take care of themselves but they also have to take care of the patient. So it’s very much a dual role.”

How to Be a Better Caregiver for Your Loved One 

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