Cancer Schmancer

(Best known for the award winning sitcom, “The Nanny,” Fran Drescher is also a two-time best selling author, a lobbyist for women’s health and is now serving as a US diplomatic envoy, and is president of the Cancer Schmancer Movement.)

by Stella Strout

“You have to put yourself first.” Fran Drescher explained to hundreds of women attending the Smart Talk 2009 series in Minneapolis, Minnesota last night. “You’re useless to your family if you’re 6 feet under.”

Drescher learned that lesson first hand when she was diagnosed with uterine cancer after two years of symptoms and eight doctors.

“I was in more stirrups than Will Rogers.” She said in her distinctive voice, with a twinkle in her eyes.

Why did it take so long for Drescher to get diagnosed? That’s what she wants to know, and she’s determined to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else.

“Turning pain into purpose…” She says about surviving cancer, “What you do with it and how you handle it makes all the difference.”

Making a difference is exactly what Drescher is doing. Writing her award winning book, “Cancer Schmancer” was her first step in turning pain into purpose, and that has grown into the Cancer Schmancer Movement, which is dedicated to ensuring that all women with cancer are diagnosed in Stage 1, when it is most curable.

“Always follow your instincts.” She says about women’s health, “Who knows better than you what’s good for you?” Stressing the need for woman to be proactive about their health, she advises writing down questions for your doctor, and then writing down the answers. Bring someone with you that will be strong and support you, and won’t make it about themselves.

Drescher also advises three key points all women should know.

1. Learn the early warning signs.

2. Look at your family history.

3. Know what tests are available.

Women can find this information (and more) on her Cancer Schmancer website.

When Drescher was asked who her role model was, she said she had three. One was her mother, who supported her and showed her how to be a strong woman by being one.

Another strong woman Drescher admires is her manager, Elaine Rich. The third is her therapist, who helped Drescher find herself and discover who she is.

Now, Fran Drescher is putting herself first, and helping more people than ever.

[Go to SmartTalkWomen.com for more information about their 2009 series. Tickets are still available for Phylicia Rashad on 4/21 and Diane Keaton on 5/21.]