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Talk to the Head Scarf
Imagine you're thirty-two, married with two little children, and you find out you're carrying a deadly cancer gene. That was me in 2005, when I when I discovered the BRAC1 gene, which meant I had an 85% chance of developing breast cancer and a 50% chance of developing ovarian cancer. I had two options - wait for the big bad cancer wolf or have radical preventative surgery. Over the following year, I had a double mastectomy and both ovaries removed, which reduced my cancer risk to 5%.
Despite this, cancer struck anyway. I've now battled and slayed cancer six times. TALK TO THE HEADSCARF is my story of how I lived, laughed and overcame some of the toughest times in my life. If you know someone affected by cancer, or if you are a fellow 'cancer club member', I know you are scared. I was too. But you are not alone. I am still here. I am living proof that, against the odds, life can and does carry on. The score so far is - Cancer O: Emma 6. And if my cancer returns, I will keep on crusading.
Despite this, cancer struck anyway. I've now battled and slayed cancer six times. TALK TO THE HEADSCARF is my story of how I lived, laughed and overcame some of the toughest times in my life. If you know someone affected by cancer, or if you are a fellow 'cancer club member', I know you are scared. I was too. But you are not alone. I am still here. I am living proof that, against the odds, life can and does carry on. The score so far is - Cancer O: Emma 6. And if my cancer returns, I will keep on crusading.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hannigan
23 books164 followersEmma Hannigan was an Irish author and blogger, best known for writing about her experience of suffering from cancer.
With a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, Hannigan's mother and maternal aunt tested positive for the responsible gene, BRCA1. She also received a 'positive' result in August 2005, which carries an 85% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. In 2006, Hannigan underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy (or both breasts removed) and a bi-lateral oopherectomy (or both ovaries removed) to reduce the risk of cancer developing to 5%. However, breast cancer soon developed, "in the neck, shoulder and under my arm", in 2007. After repeated treatment, a tumor always reappeared. She died at age 45 after her tenth battle with cancer.
With a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, Hannigan's mother and maternal aunt tested positive for the responsible gene, BRCA1. She also received a 'positive' result in August 2005, which carries an 85% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. In 2006, Hannigan underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy (or both breasts removed) and a bi-lateral oopherectomy (or both ovaries removed) to reduce the risk of cancer developing to 5%. However, breast cancer soon developed, "in the neck, shoulder and under my arm", in 2007. After repeated treatment, a tumor always reappeared. She died at age 45 after her tenth battle with cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 23, 2011
"Imagine you’re thirty-two, married, with two little children and you find out you’re carrying a deadly cancer gene? That was me in August 2005. I discovered I had the gene Brca1, which means a 50% chance of developing ovarian and an 85% chance of developing breast cancer. I had two options – wait for the big bad cancer wolf or have radical surgery. I chose the latter. Over the following year, I had a double mastectomy and both ovaries removed, which reduced my cancer risk to 5%. I was just dressing in my victory dance outfit, when my worst fears were realised. Cancer had struck anyway. Between 2007 and 2010, I battled and slayed cancer six times. This book takes you on my journey during that turbulent time in my life. If you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, I know you are scared. I was too. But I want you to know you are not alone. More than that, I want you to know that I am still here. The score so far is – Cancer 0 : Emma 6. Even if my cancer returns, I will keep on crusading. I can show you how being positive and a big dollop of black humour can go a very long way towards getting better. So chin up, wig on and don’t forget, your skin can absorb an astonishing amount of make-up on those bad hair days! Love Emma Hannigan”
Before I received Talk to the Headscarf, I was well aware Emma Hannigan had beaten cancer, I didn’t know it was six times, but I knew she was a cancer survivor. When I saw she was bringing out a memoir, I was instantly intrigued. I’m a fan of memoirs/autobiographies but don’t usually have much time to read them but I knew Emma’s was one I wanted to read desperately. Emma very kindly sent me a copy a few weeks back and at first I wasn’t sure if I was going to get the chance to read it and I wasn’t sure it would be in any way happy – after all, how can a book about somebody battling cancer be in any way cheery? But on Sunday night I picked it up because nothing else appealed to me and I was astounded by how open and honest and frank it was and I was hooked. I didn’t want to put it down to go to bed and the next morning I picked it up eagerly so I could finish it up and I wasn’t disappointed at all.
I don’t know how many memoirs there are about cancer that have been released, I assume there are probably a few but the only other one I’ve heard of is The C Word by Lisa Lynch which I haven’t read. But of all the ones undoubtedly published, you won’t find another cancer memoir that is so gloriously upbeat. Despite having to face cancer six times Emma never lets it get her down. Yes, she has her moments but on the whole she knows she needs to keep fighting, not just for herself but for her husband, kids and family, too. What’s even more astounding is that before having cancer, Emma found out she carried the cancer gene BRCA1 and had a double mastectomy along with having her ovaries removed. So to find out you have cancer after taking all those preventive measures would surely kill some people, but not Emma Hannigan. Emma has spirit and determination in absolute abundance and after reading Talk to the Headscarf she has become someone I greatly admire.
Talk To The Headscarf is not a pity party about cancer, instead it goes to show that with the right will and determination cancer is beatable. It’s possible to beat it six times in fact. The one thing that shows throughout the book is Emma’s sense of humour, the book literally made me laugh out loud at times, and I wasn’t expecting it. Emma is very self-deprecating, but her inability to give up, when a lot of people (me included) in the same situation would just not know how to function, is immense. It must have taken a hell of a lot to not break down and cry over it all, and there’s no doubt in my mind that the people around Emma were all she needed to keep going. I was truly blown away with Talk to the Headscarf and it’s really opened my eyes about cancer and what it takes to beat such a monstrous disease.
I would recommend that this book should be read by everybody, cancer patients included, because it offers an insight into a world we rarely see unless suffering from it ourselves. The book offers hope to all, and shows that there is a light at the end of the cancer tunnel, and that having cancer is not the be all and end all. This is a book like no other, and I applaud Emma for writing it. Everybody should be reading this book, I cannot say that enough because Emma has a way with words that will have you reading the chapters at speed, determined to follow Emma’s journey with her. It’s a journey I was thrilled to go on, and I only wish I had an ounce of Emma’s spirit and determinedness. If everybody in the world was as spirited as Emma, the world would be a much better place, I tell you.
Before I received Talk to the Headscarf, I was well aware Emma Hannigan had beaten cancer, I didn’t know it was six times, but I knew she was a cancer survivor. When I saw she was bringing out a memoir, I was instantly intrigued. I’m a fan of memoirs/autobiographies but don’t usually have much time to read them but I knew Emma’s was one I wanted to read desperately. Emma very kindly sent me a copy a few weeks back and at first I wasn’t sure if I was going to get the chance to read it and I wasn’t sure it would be in any way happy – after all, how can a book about somebody battling cancer be in any way cheery? But on Sunday night I picked it up because nothing else appealed to me and I was astounded by how open and honest and frank it was and I was hooked. I didn’t want to put it down to go to bed and the next morning I picked it up eagerly so I could finish it up and I wasn’t disappointed at all.
I don’t know how many memoirs there are about cancer that have been released, I assume there are probably a few but the only other one I’ve heard of is The C Word by Lisa Lynch which I haven’t read. But of all the ones undoubtedly published, you won’t find another cancer memoir that is so gloriously upbeat. Despite having to face cancer six times Emma never lets it get her down. Yes, she has her moments but on the whole she knows she needs to keep fighting, not just for herself but for her husband, kids and family, too. What’s even more astounding is that before having cancer, Emma found out she carried the cancer gene BRCA1 and had a double mastectomy along with having her ovaries removed. So to find out you have cancer after taking all those preventive measures would surely kill some people, but not Emma Hannigan. Emma has spirit and determination in absolute abundance and after reading Talk to the Headscarf she has become someone I greatly admire.
Talk To The Headscarf is not a pity party about cancer, instead it goes to show that with the right will and determination cancer is beatable. It’s possible to beat it six times in fact. The one thing that shows throughout the book is Emma’s sense of humour, the book literally made me laugh out loud at times, and I wasn’t expecting it. Emma is very self-deprecating, but her inability to give up, when a lot of people (me included) in the same situation would just not know how to function, is immense. It must have taken a hell of a lot to not break down and cry over it all, and there’s no doubt in my mind that the people around Emma were all she needed to keep going. I was truly blown away with Talk to the Headscarf and it’s really opened my eyes about cancer and what it takes to beat such a monstrous disease.
I would recommend that this book should be read by everybody, cancer patients included, because it offers an insight into a world we rarely see unless suffering from it ourselves. The book offers hope to all, and shows that there is a light at the end of the cancer tunnel, and that having cancer is not the be all and end all. This is a book like no other, and I applaud Emma for writing it. Everybody should be reading this book, I cannot say that enough because Emma has a way with words that will have you reading the chapters at speed, determined to follow Emma’s journey with her. It’s a journey I was thrilled to go on, and I only wish I had an ounce of Emma’s spirit and determinedness. If everybody in the world was as spirited as Emma, the world would be a much better place, I tell you.
February 22, 2011
Never did I think that reading a book about a woman who is currently on her seventh bout of cancer would be so uplifting. Not only is this one incredible story but it really makes you stop and think about all of the little things you let yourself get upset over that don't really matter. Everyone is different and has their own way of dealing with big events in their lives. Me and Emma Hannigan have one thing in common. If I am upset about something I let myself have my sad day and then its time to stop wallowing and get up and enjoy your life. No matter what you are going through this book can help you.
I didn't know anything about this woman when I met her. She may not remember but she came into Hughes and Hughes to sign copies of Designer Genes and she made us all love her instantly as she also brought brownies. She was probably trying to butter us all up to make sure her book was always placed in a good position front of store. But she instantly comes across as a kind spirit. I don't know her at all but I do know I want to have as much strength as her. I want to be a strong independent person who can take whatever knocks life sends. I thank god don't have cancer and I will hopefully never have to go down the road which she has faced several times over. She has helped people all over the world by sharing her story.
This book is funny and uplifting and makes you want to go out and see the sky in a whole new shade of blue. It is filled with humor. I highly recommend everyone out there to read it. Its not a self help guide its just one womans incredible story and I know I will read it again at some stage just to remember that you don't have to sit back and take it. You can fight.
I didn't know anything about this woman when I met her. She may not remember but she came into Hughes and Hughes to sign copies of Designer Genes and she made us all love her instantly as she also brought brownies. She was probably trying to butter us all up to make sure her book was always placed in a good position front of store. But she instantly comes across as a kind spirit. I don't know her at all but I do know I want to have as much strength as her. I want to be a strong independent person who can take whatever knocks life sends. I thank god don't have cancer and I will hopefully never have to go down the road which she has faced several times over. She has helped people all over the world by sharing her story.
This book is funny and uplifting and makes you want to go out and see the sky in a whole new shade of blue. It is filled with humor. I highly recommend everyone out there to read it. Its not a self help guide its just one womans incredible story and I know I will read it again at some stage just to remember that you don't have to sit back and take it. You can fight.
March 3, 2018
Emma is clearly a witty person and a talented writer and she tackles a very serious subject in a forthright and honest way. Obviously, it is very difficult being diagnosed with cancer when you are 32 and the mother of two small children, especially after you have done everything in your power to try and prevent it (by having a double mastectomy and also having your ovaries removed) but this book is also about hope and love and family ties as well.
At times, Emma's story was hard to read, especially how she was treated by some medical professionals who should certainly have known better. But I also found myself smiling at some of the ridiculous situations she found herself in as well - she is clearly a lady who sees the funny side of things too. This wasn't a book full of doom and gloom about a cancer diagnosis. This was a book about a young woman who got a diagnosis but who was determined to carry on and not let it define who she was as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend. You have got to admire that.
At times, Emma's story was hard to read, especially how she was treated by some medical professionals who should certainly have known better. But I also found myself smiling at some of the ridiculous situations she found herself in as well - she is clearly a lady who sees the funny side of things too. This wasn't a book full of doom and gloom about a cancer diagnosis. This was a book about a young woman who got a diagnosis but who was determined to carry on and not let it define who she was as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend. You have got to admire that.
March 11, 2018
Emma Hannigan was 32 when she discovered she was a carrier of the BRCA1 gene which increased her chances of developing both breast and ovarian cancer considerably.
Although she had both breasts, ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a precaution, cancer still reared its ugly head. Emma faced each bout of chemotherapy then radiotherapy with good humour and dignity.
In this memoir she shares her battle, including the best and the worst times on her journey.
May she RIP.
Although she had both breasts, ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a precaution, cancer still reared its ugly head. Emma faced each bout of chemotherapy then radiotherapy with good humour and dignity.
In this memoir she shares her battle, including the best and the worst times on her journey.
May she RIP.
August 27, 2022
What could be a very sad book was anything but. Emma had a wonderful sense of humor and
wrote a very inspiring book about her own experiences fighting cancer many, many times.
An amazing lady, I am just sad that she did not get her wish to live to old age but she gave
it a damn good try! This is a book I bought at a withdrawn sale. Maybe others passed it
by thinking it would be all doom and gloom but it will have a treasured place on my
bookshelf.
wrote a very inspiring book about her own experiences fighting cancer many, many times.
An amazing lady, I am just sad that she did not get her wish to live to old age but she gave
it a damn good try! This is a book I bought at a withdrawn sale. Maybe others passed it
by thinking it would be all doom and gloom but it will have a treasured place on my
bookshelf.
July 19, 2018
Brilliant book. Absolutely loved it. Emma is so strong and truthful, gave a great insight and inspiration flowed from the pages.
Would definitely recommend it.
Would definitely recommend it.
September 16, 2016
A brilliant read!
July 8, 2014
In purchasing this book I did know I would be reading a story about cancer but I was pleasantly surprised by how well written it was and some of the humour that was throughout the book did help with the heavy subject matter, however I did feel that this book was more aimed at people/women who have been diagnosed with cancer.
This book contained what I'm sure is valuable information for someone who has had or has cancer I was reading as someone who has cancer in my family and although there were some insights into the mind of someone trying to deal with cancer I was more reminded throughout that everyone's journey is very different and the way one person responds to challenge can be very different from someone else.
If you are looking for a book that can give you some practical advice on dealing with medical questions and staff, some techniques on finding your voice in such a scary situation after having been diagnosed then I would recommend this book. But if you were like me and wanting to read a story of one woman's journey then I found this too heavy in the detail for me and so was easy for me to put it down. I did finish the book and was glad that I did because its not a bad read just really not what I expected.
This book contained what I'm sure is valuable information for someone who has had or has cancer I was reading as someone who has cancer in my family and although there were some insights into the mind of someone trying to deal with cancer I was more reminded throughout that everyone's journey is very different and the way one person responds to challenge can be very different from someone else.
If you are looking for a book that can give you some practical advice on dealing with medical questions and staff, some techniques on finding your voice in such a scary situation after having been diagnosed then I would recommend this book. But if you were like me and wanting to read a story of one woman's journey then I found this too heavy in the detail for me and so was easy for me to put it down. I did finish the book and was glad that I did because its not a bad read just really not what I expected.
October 4, 2011
Emma is 32 she has the cancer gene
Her options are wait and see does she get it or have surgery to try and prevent it.
The book is Emma's journey with the disease and how she and her family deal with what life has thrown at them
There are times the book is boring others more then half way through when it is actually funny.
It is her third book and I suspect none of her books would have been printed except one of her best friends is the acclaimed author Cathy Kelly who encouraged her.
Her best book in my opinion was the middle book The pink ladies club. Beyond that I am not sure .
I just wonder can she write about anything else and can she up her writing to make more enjoyable for the reader .
Her options are wait and see does she get it or have surgery to try and prevent it.
The book is Emma's journey with the disease and how she and her family deal with what life has thrown at them
There are times the book is boring others more then half way through when it is actually funny.
It is her third book and I suspect none of her books would have been printed except one of her best friends is the acclaimed author Cathy Kelly who encouraged her.
Her best book in my opinion was the middle book The pink ladies club. Beyond that I am not sure .
I just wonder can she write about anything else and can she up her writing to make more enjoyable for the reader .
April 12, 2013
What an honest, uplifting account of Emma's battle with her cancer. This book made me laugh and cry in equal measures. As I was dealing with my own illness at the time, I could relate to so much of what she had written in her book. It is a 'warts n all' account, but such a postive outlook, you can't help but admire her bravery, strength and tenacity. Well worth a read
March 14, 2012
Emma is a beautiful writer so I liked this book very much, found the content sometimes hard to deal with and had to start another book whilst reading this but will definitely read more from this author as her first two are two of my favourite books. Thanks Emma for sharing your journey :)
June 23, 2011
This book is about a brave lady that has beat cancer 6 times, a great book sad but funny at times, everyone should read this book, I would definetely recomend.
November 22, 2013
A lovely memoire! the first time to read someone's fight against cancer in a funny way! She is strong , a fighter, a good mother! I wish I could know how things are going now!
March 10, 2015
I read this book a few years ago but it was one of those books that was very thought provoking. It is well written and very sympathetically written from an author who has been through it herself.
April 8, 2016
a brilliant account and an emotional roller coaster!!
January 21, 2018
I loved this book by such a brave lady.
July 21, 2018
Such a brave lady!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews