Pink October - How about we talk about preventive mastectomy with Coraline - @CoralineBall?

For Nuhanciam, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For several years now, we’ve been giving a voice to organizations, women, and companies working to raise awareness about this cause. For this “Pink October,” we wanted to feature Coraline, who advocates daily for preventive mastectomy. In this interview, she explains her journey, shares her experience with mastectomy, and talks about her daily commitment to this cause.

 

- Could you introduce yourself in a few words?

 

My name is Coraline, I'm 33 years old, and I've been living in Paris for a few years. I'm a fashion and lifestyle influencer, and for the past year, I've been very active in breast cancer prevention because this cause is close to my heart. 

 

- What is a preventive mastectomy?

 

This procedure involves removing all of the breast tissue while preserving all or part of the skin and, in some cases, the nipple. Reconstruction is then offered, which involves inserting a breast implant or using other techniques with which I am not very familiar. This procedure is recommended when the patient carries genes that predispose her to breast cancer, such as BRCA1—as I do.

 

"As a BRCA1 gene carrier, I had an 85% risk of developing breast cancer."

 

 

 

 

- Why did you make it?

 

I did it to save my own life. I had a choice: to undergo a series of tests several times a year at a cancer specialty hospital, but it made me sick to have to go there regularly, and it broke my heart to see all those sick people. To know that after a mammogram, I might be told I had cancer. As a BRCA1 carrier, I had an 85% risk of developing breast cancer. When the oncologist told me I was a carrier, she also mentioned preventive mastectomy, and I felt that was the best solution for living more freely, without a sword of Damocles hanging over my head. 

 

 I share my journey from start to finish with my followers on social media. I've been actively talking to them about it for over a year.

 

- What are you doing to raise awareness about preventive mastectomy?

 

 I share my journey from start to finish with my followers on social media. I’ve been actively talking to them about it for over a year, ever since I found out I was a BRCA1 carrier. I try to connect with women by listening to them, answering their questions, and supporting them on their journeys...I’ve created support groups for women affected by breast cancer, hosted live streams… I’ve also taken advantage of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to share many initiatives organized by organizations, brands, and races… 

 

- What do you think of this "Pink October" awareness campaign?

 

I get the impression that there are a lot of initiatives this year—there are very few brands that aren't doing something along these lines. And there's also more and more engagement on social media among influencers. 

 

- Where can we follow you  ?

 

The easiest way is to follow me on Instagram @coralineball—I post about it regularly and answer questions I receive via DM. I've also written some posts on my blogat www.coralineb.com

 

Thank you to Coraline for her dedication and for taking the time to speak with us. Be sure to follow her on social media.