Brigitte (71) was asked before her operation whether she would donate some blood and tissue for research. She didn't have to think twice and agreed. Her material is now in a biobank and helps scientists to develop new and better treatments for patients.
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago. The news really blew me away,"
Brigitte explains. She is one of 69,000 women in Germany who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The good news is that most sufferers can now be helped thanks to ever-improving treatment methods. Brigitte was operated on immediately after her diagnosis. Before the operation, she was asked by her doctor if she would donate some of the surgical tissue for research. She didn't have to think twice and agreed:
"Even if it doesn't benefit me directly, I can use it to support research and help other women who develop breast cancer in the future."
Brigitte explains her decision. The tissue is now in a biobank and is used by researchers for studies. "I had never heard of a biobank before," says the agile older lady. "I am very happy that I can so easily make a positive difference with my donation. I am very grateful that I was treated so well at the clinic and I am pleased that I can give something back with my tissue donation.
"My wish is that one day every cancer can be treated this well!"