Electra Paskett, PhD

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your lifestyle.
A. I was born in New York City and moved around the country before settling back in Queens for high school and one year of college at New York University. I finished my bachelor's degree at the University of Utah, and worked for five years at the College of Pharmacy there before getting a Master's degree in Epidemiology. I then spent 5 years getting my Ph.D. in Epidemiology at the University of Washington. I met my husband there and we moved to Winston-Salem, NC in 1989 where I became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences. I relocated to The Ohio State University in 2002 to become the Marion N. Rowley Professor of Cancer Research in the School of Public Health. My research area is cancer prevention, control and survivorship, with a focus on behavioral interventions among minority and underserved populations.

I have three boys, aged 9 to 16. My free time is spent entertaining my boys, exercising, and reading. Exercise and watching my diet are important parts of maintaining my health and thus have become an important part of my lifestyle.

Q. Describe how you found your cancer, were you on 'watch' or did it sneak up on you?
A. My first breast cancer was found on a routine mammogram when I was 40 years old. I found my second cancer, an axillary recurrence, 4 years later. I developed mild Lymphedema following my first cancer and congestive heart failure from the chemotherapy used to treat my recurrence.

Q. Following diagnosis, what helped you cope the most, and gave you strength?
A. My faith has given me the most strength to endure these health problems. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have a strong belief in prayer and faith in healing. My family and friends provided continuous support that helped me cope with the diagnosis and treatment. Lastly, my parents instilled in me a sense of optimism and persistence which has helped me continue my work and lifestyle.

Q. How has breast cancer changed your outlook on life?
A. Breast cancer has changed my outlook on life in an interesting way. I think because I have faced this cancer twice I am less patient with many things in life, more apt to "fight for the right," and less likely to waste time. I realize that life is short, that certain things matter, and that it is important that things be fair, because many other things in life, that are out of our control, are not!

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?
A. I would tell someone newly-diagnosed with breast cancer two things. First, you will get better. Second, find and get the best treatment available and ask questions about your illness until your questions are answered. You deserve the best care and answers to your questions.

Q. How has The Breast Cancer Research Foundation been helpful to you?
A. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation has been helpful to me in two ways. First, as a researcher, to provide pilot funds for me to explore ways to prevent breast cancer so other women will not have to go through this experience. Second, as a survivor it is gratifying to see so many women working so hard to raise awareness and funds to prevent breast cancer - truly provides support to know I am not alone in this fight! Thank you!