Shaw Finds Her Shine
- Bershan Shaw of Bravo’s Real Housewives shares with her Instagram followers how she stays positive and cares for her mental health.
- Shaw is a stage 4 breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in 2007; in 2009, it returned and was diagnosed as stage 4.
- Focusing on positivity and gratitude through a cancer battle can improve prognosis, in some cases.
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“Showing myself #selflove and #selfcare #myway. I'm not afraid to speak about it or talk about my issues anymore. I was hiding for way too long now it is what it is,” she continues.
Being vulnerable, especially when you’re going through a health challenge, is an empowered move that will leave you feeling stronger and more supported. Reach out to those around you for support, and “speak about it,” as Shaw encourages.
She also recently shared how she built her interior design business, and encourages others to believe in their dreams. She writes, “This is motivation for you. This business started as a hobby and then I went to online design school and then one client referred me to another client that then referred me to another client and now this has become a six figure business for me along with my speaking business, my mental wellness and business coaching business while I'm launching a mental health app www.Urawarrior.com. You can have multiple streams of income and live in abundance too.”
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Bershan’s Cancer Battle & Family Histories
Shaw was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in 2007. She treated it with a lumpectomy and radiation. In 2009, her cancer return and was diagnosed as stage 4. She was told she had 3 months to live. Breast cancer runs in Shaw’s family; her mom died of the disease in 1997. However, Shaw does not have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
Related: When Should I Get a Mammogram?
In an earlier interview, Shaw told SurvivorNet about her mom’s zest for life, saying, “My mom was a fighter. She was a go-getter. She took action," Shaw says. "She was about living and that's what I'm about. I screen write too. I write movies. I do interior design. I'm living my best life."
For people with an elevated risk of breast cancer due to a family history of the disease, you should start getting mammograms earlier than the recommended age of 45. Women aged 45 to 54 with an average risk of breast cancer should screen annually. Speak with your doctor if you have relatives who have battled breast cancer, and ask for a mammogram.
Additionally, if you have a family history of the disease, you may want to undergo genetic testing to see if you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation, which increases your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Some women with this gene choose to have preventative mastectomies.
Focusing on the Good Through Cancer
Shaw is a positive force of light in the world, which is all the more impressive given the mountains she has overcome, including beating cancer twice. Keeping a positive, hopeful attitude through cancer and into remission is beneficial.
In some cases, experts say, an attitude of gratitude and positivity may improve your prognosis. This is not always the case; however, keeping a strong, healthy mindset through cancer is an asset. If you’re having intrusive negative thoughts, speak with a psychologist who can help you develop healthier thought patterns.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.