Vital Statistics
Paulette Merchel
  • Age 61
  • Resident of Lackawanna County
  • Associate Professor of Theatre
  • Breast Cancer Advocate
  • Breast Cancer Survivor
Paulette’s breast cancer was detected by a mammogram in 1995. She had the mammogram at the insistence of her sister, Bonnie, who had already been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Once she was diagnosed, Paulette started talking with family members to see if there were any familial patterns regarding breast cancer. She was surprised to learn there was a high incidence of breast cancer among several women in one segment of her family, but this fact had never been discussed previously. With everyone’s agreement, Paulette and her family contacted the Family Risk Program at the Fox Chase Cancer Center. They’ve since participated in genetic testing through the Family Risk Program.

Paulette feels wonderful today. She advises all individuals to “listen” to their bodies and err on the side of caution. Paulette also found it important to talk about her breast cancer. She was self-conscious about the attention it drew at first, but her sister Bonnie said, “Let people love you. It will heal you.” And Paulette now knows that Bonnie was right. For Paulette, the love and support of people was palpable.