Breast Cancer and tattoos, giving some control in an uncontrollable situation

    Monday, 21 October 2024 12:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Dr. Sonya Corbin-Dwyer and Dr. Jennifer Buckle of Grenfell Campus have been doing research for the past ten years on memorial tattoos, which are done in remembrance of a loved one or pet.

    The topic was breast cancer on last week’s edition of the Plain Truth. Host Paula Sheppard says this disease affects both women and men and this year 30,500 women and 390 men will be diagnosed. Sheppard says many people opt for the surgical option which leaves scarred tissue. Guests Dr. Sonya Corbin-Dwyer and Dr. Jennifer Buckle of Grenfell Campus have been doing research for the past ten years on memorial tattoos, which are done in remembrance of a loved one or pet. Corbin-Dwyer says they had 11 women participate in the research project and some had mastectomy tattoos. She says they ranged in age from 42 to 65 and the age of diagnosis was between  34-58. Corbin-Dwyer says  listening to these women tell stories about their journey was really inspirational. She says one of their key findings found similarities with those who had memorial tattoos and the tattoos gave them some control in an uncontrollable situation. The tattoos varied with the pink ribbon incorporated, a dragon, daffodils, and some even represented important people in their lives.

     

    To report an error, submit a news tip, or provide feedback, please e-mail news@bayfm.ca or call (709) 637-0183.

    More from Local News

    • Local snowboarder

      The local grade 11 student is also an alpine snowboarder who just marked a major step forward in her competitive career

    • Icebreaking in HAWKE’S BAY

      The Canadian Coast Guard Ship HENRY LARSEN will be icebreaking in the area of HAWKE’S BAY today.

    • Corner Brook water usage

      At this week’s public meeting, Councillor Donna Wheeler says consumption is down close to 2 million litres over last year’s numbers and last month was a record.

    • Corner Brook snowclearing

      Over 380 cms of snow has fallen on Corner Brook so far this winter.

    • Curling Westside Reservoir

      The city’s share is $3.6M and the project includes a new water storage tank, water pumping station and expansion of the distribution system that can handle another 300 new homes.

     

     

     

    BayFM recognizes support from the following agencies:

                        

    Today's Weather

    • Corner Brook

      Heavy snow

      High: 1°C | Low: -1°C

    • Deer Lake

      Heavy snow

      High: 1°C | Low: -1°C

    • Stephenville

      Light snow

      High: 3°C | Low: -1°C

    Recently Played

    Podcasts

    • BayFM On-Demand

      Local snowboarder Meredith Hayden

      Beginning her journey in snow sports in 2017 as a skier, she transitioned to snowboarding in 2019, quickly discovering a passion and talent for alpine competition.

    • Qalipu Today

      Qalipu Today, Tuesday March 25, 2026

      On this edition of Qalipu Today Chief Jenny Brake shares her experiences at the First Nations Women’s Economic Empowerment and Leadership gathering.

    • Corner Brook In Council

      Corner Brook City Council Meeting, Monday March 23, 2026

      Corner Brook City Council Meeting, Monday March 23, 2026