Erica Packer, ex-model and former spouse to one of Australia’s wealthiest figures, James Packer, opens up about her family’s troubling history with breast cancer on Australian Story.
This captivating narrative unfolds from the sisters’ hometown of Gunnedah, reaching as far as Sydney, Melbourne, and London.
“Breast cancer has consistently cast a shadow over my family,”
reveals Erica Packer.
This daunting family history showcases a plethora of female relatives, especially on her mother’s side, who succumbed to the ailment.
Notably, Erica’s own sister, Jo Hunter, faced a diagnosis at the tender age of 39. Tragically, this was also the year they lost their mother, Sheelah Baxter, after a prolonged 12-year battle against breast cancer. Adding to the list, the sisters have mourned the loss of their aunt, grandmother, and several maternal cousins.
Despite this clear pattern suggesting a genetic link, the mystery deepens. No known gene mutations, typically linked with breast cancer, have been identified within their family. Consequently, Erica is steered by medical advice to undergo rigorous bi-annual screenings, each time plagued by the apprehension of potential life-altering news.
“There’s this incessant trepidation of, will it be now?”
comments Erica, shedding light on the emotional toll this takes.
Both Erica and Jo have been staunch advocates for breast cancer initiatives. In particular, Erica holds a prominent role as a patron for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This foundation is a significant backer of scientific endeavours undertaken at Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Here, experts are striving to determine the genetic markers responsible for the onset of breast cancer in countless Australian families. A clear understanding could pave the way for enhanced screening processes and targeted treatment plans.
As viewers, we join the Packer sisters on a poignant journey, seeking answers to the enigmatic genetic conundrum that has profoundly impacted their lineage. Catch
Presented by Leigh Sales
