Mina Pan
Breast Cancer Survivor, Founder of 花漾女孩gogogo
This October 2021, in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we reached out to breast cancer survivors in our #LBCommunity to share their stories of strength, hope and love. Read on to find out how Mina overcame this adversity and how she help other sisters with breast cancer.
After 3 months of saying ‘Yes, I do’ to happily ever ever, Mina found out she was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer and everything changed. However instead of resigning to a new fate, she chose to lead life with courage.
Today she continues to be a strong voice for Breast Cancer awareness; as the founder of one of the largest breast cancer community support groups in Taiwan, 花漾女孩gogogo, allowing a safe space for recovering patients to seek comfort, companionship and advice throughout their Breast Cancer journeys.
Tell us about yourself.
Hi I’m Mina. I’m a mom, radio host, founder of 花漾女孩gogogo, a Breast Cancer community support group on Facebook and a Breast Cancer survivor myself.
"Emotionally, I was totally wrecked. Worrying about the change of my appearance, imagining the treatments and fear of cancer caused me a lot of stress."
Share with us a little bit about your journey with Breast Cancer. When & how did you first discover you had Breast Cancer?
At the age of 32, I felt a sliding lump when taking a shower, which had not happened before. Out of caution, I went for a body check. The oncologist diagnosed it as a high chance to be a fibroadenoma. To play it safe, a biopsy was taken. The report turned out to be Stage 1 Breast Cancer.
How has it changed you, the roles you play, and your life in general?
A healthy person becomes a cancer patient. For this reason, I got a chance to think of what I really wanted in life and started to try out all kinds of things. Ever since I was diagnosed, I used my own experience to help women who’re on a similar journey by forming an association on Facebook. We have served over 3,000 breast cancer patients so far. Meanwhile, I've been hosting a podcast and many events, wishing to spread the importance of breast cancer awareness through different touchpoints.
"The truth is, there are women fighting for breast cancer in different countries and cities. I would like to say 'You’re not alone'."
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced throughout this journey?
In my early thirties, when I should devote myself to my career but messed it up with breast cancer, I have to stop working to receive treatments. Emotionally, I was totally wrecked. Worrying about the change of my appearance, imagining the treatments and fear of cancer caused me a lot of stress.
What are some of the motivating factors that powered you through all these challenges?
Support from family and friends. I have a pair of sunglasses from Gentle Monster to go with my super short hair during the treatment.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Looking back, everything was meant to be. It was a really good choice that I have brought myself to finish all the treatment and surgeries.
What do you look forward to most next?
To watch my kid grow up.
What’s one advice you’d share with the #LBCommunity women about Breast Cancer awareness?
Over the years, breast cancer has been increasingly common in the younger generation. I hope that every woman will take her breasts more seriously. It would be a great help to go for regular examinations.
What’s one word of encouragement you’d give for all the women in their Breast Cancer recovery journey?
People who suffer from illness often feel loneliness that no one else could understand. The truth is, there are women fighting for breast cancer in different countries and cities. I would like to say “You’re not alone.”
