There is a lot of research that showcases people can trace trauma or toxic environmental situations prior to their diagnosis. My first bout of cancer, I attribute to my work environment. For the first 27 years, I had great leaders. For the final 4 years, I had a narcissist non-leader boss. Many staff got sick or took leave. I survived until my retirement. A month later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I listened to a pod-cast on cancer diagnosis and one integrative oncologist discussed those with right breast cancer have toxicity in their working environment or relationship with a partner. Mine was certainly work related. He noted those with left breast cancer had unresolved mother-daughter issues. I don't use the word trauma in my case but more living within a toxic environment. For self-care today, I ensure and remove any toxic things, people, or situations in my life. You can't heal within a toxic environment.

This pathway to healing is different for everyone. As a former educator who supported students and teachers, I researched effective teaching and learning. Now, I research conventional, integrative, and functional methods to treat breast cancer. I want to answer the most important questions to support my healing. How did I get it? How can I heal? I operate my life from a balanced viewpont; therefore, I accept diverse view points and the pathways of others. I am also a yoga teacher who recognizes the importance of a balancing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people.

Some of the integrative oncologists and physicians I have studied discussing the correlation between trauma, toxic environments, and life patterns are as follows;
Dr. Eric Schoenis, a functional medicine provider and naturopathic physician specializing in integrative oncology
Dr. Bruce Lipton, PhD, cell biologist and lecturer
Dr. Bryan Ardis, DC, Acupuncture and Nutritionist
Dr. Thomas Lodi, MD, MD(H)

You posed a great question. Thank you. This is a conversation that needs to take place with diverse voices and experience. Noted above are a few of the many integrative and functional physicians I studied.

We all have experienced trauma as everyone does in life.

Some experience mini-traumas and some major traumas.

Everyone picks up the pieces and continues in life. We all carry something with us.

I guess it is common to try to figure out what causes us to get breast cancer but the truth is that BC is very common and we are more at risk the older we get. I agree with Barbara66. Some people get it and some people don't. It's that simple.

Thank you, ladies, for the depth and honesty in your responses. I think knowing these things enriches our lives and also brings to the surface things that often go undiscussed and unrecognized by society or even our close ones.
I feel like all these stories should make the “headline news” to bring awareness to the world. There’s a lot of pain and suffering happening on a daily basis and the society just keeps moving as if nothing took place. Just like the MeToo movement, I believe these abuse and trauma and stress stories should be known so that women could limit if they possibly can the damage they cause. We’re still far from an equitable world IMHO and the due love and respect that all women should have. I am with every one of you in my heart and we’re all in it together, no matter what.

My sister died of lung cancer at 40 . I felt survivors guilt . I've been in therapy for a number of years. Prior to my diagnosis, one of my sons moved back to RI. He suffers from depression and has caused me emotional and financial stress. I do think this had a lot to do with my diagnosis.