When Jesinta Franklin’s mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer early last year, the 27-year-old decided to slow down, taking a step back from her busy lifestyle to focus on her health.
The model told news.com.au that while her mother Valerie Campbell is now cancer-free, the gene runs in the family and there is a possibility that the model could get it.
“After her reversal surgery we found out that it runs in the family and I am being closely monitored, as well as having a procedure done — a colonoscopy before Christmas,” she said.
According to Bowel Cancer Australia, in around 30 per cent of all bowel cancer cases diagnosed there is a family history, hereditary contribution or a combination of both.
Speaking as an ambassador for Moet & Chandon, the former Miss Universe Australia revealed that she is being checked every six to 12 months.
“It’s likely I could get bowel cancer at some stage in my life,” she told news.com.au.
“As hard as that is, knowledge is power and the more you know, the more steps you can take towards staying healthy and keeping on top of it.
“If they can detect it early your chances of survival are so much higher,” Franklin said, while explaining how important it is to get regular check-ups.
“Especially in this day and age when our lives are so busy and jam-packed we often forget those routine check-ups and the same goes for breast checks. It’s just so important.”
On her mother’s battle with bowel cancer, which is the second most common cancer in both men and women, Ms Franklin said it was both confronting and really difficult.
“It’s one of the hardest things seeing someone you love so much go through something so physically and mentally challenging,” she said.
“Even though she is cancer-free, she has had a few road bumps along the way and was in hospital on New Year’s Day.
“I could possibly go through what mum did, but you just have to look at the positives and that is mum is healthy and cancer-free.”
As 2018 proved to be a challenging year for the model, 2019 is looking a lot brighter.
Without revealing too much, she told news.com.au that she is working on a health, fitness and beauty-related project.
It was meant to launch in September last year but was put on the backburner to focus on the launch of husband Buddy Franklin’s new merchandise line, Buddy Franklin Authentic, where the model heads the business side of things.
She is also heading to the US in a couple of weeks — again, not able to say too much, apart from being super thrilled and excited for what’s ahead.
After taking time out of her traditional fitness regimen last year to focus on her health, Ms Franklin said she is back at it again.
“I decided to step back to give my body a break, which was difficult for me at times.”
“I didn’t stop it, I just changed the way I was training. I was a lot more gentle,” she explained.
“I was going for more swims in the ocean and long walks which I really missed at the time, but now I am back into my training. I realised how much I missed it.”
In a recent Instagram post alongside a workout video, Ms Franklin said she has found more balance. She’s teamed up with her personal trainer of seven years — looking at building back her strength.
“I love my boxing and high-intensity spin classes which I do once a week,” she said.
Overall, the blond beauty trains between four and five times a week. Her biggest fitness challenge is time.
“Back in the day I would get off a 10pm flight and go straight to the hotel gym or wake up at like 4.30am before a photo shoot and do a set, but now that I have matured, I have realised how important rest is over trying to fit in a 20-minute workout.”
The Sydney-based model is currently heading back to her former city, the Gold Coast for the opening of the Magic Millions this weekend, as Moet & Chandon ambassador for the third year running.
As strict as she is with her healthy lifestyle, the model loves to splurge every now and again — especially on chocolate and champagne.
Lucky for her she got to create a signature drink for the event — “summer on the rocks” — a combination of the brand’s latest Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial Rosé that is served over ice and garnished with mint and cucumber peel.
For advice or further information on bowel cancer, call Bowel Cancer Australia’s Helpline on 1800 555 494