When you’re spending your free time writing a book and training for a marathon, everything else in life should be a cakewalk, right? Wrong. Debbie McEwan may be the ultimate badass, but even she wasn’t prepared for the whirlwind journey of facing down cancer — not once, but twice.
At 60, Debbie was thriving in Cyprus with her husband and their rescue pup, Sandy. Life was full of words, walks, and new adventures. She’d even just checked skydiving off her bucket list, raising money for cancer research in the process. But not long after celebrating her milestone birthday, she received an unexpected plot twist: a diagnosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re honored to celebrate a woman like Debbie — a Surthrivor who supported chemo warriors long before she became one herself. With the support of her loved ones and a confidence boost from Prime favorites, she made a smooth landing in her post-cancer life.
“The treatment was gruelling, marked by a cascade of side effects. Yet, thanks to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, I made it through the most arduous months of my life. In 2023, I underwent a full hysterectomy, marking the beginning of my path toward recovery.”
Only two months before her diagnosis, Debbie was celebrating her 60th birthday with friends, a luxurious hotel stay, and the feeling that life had finally fallen into place. Then came the lump, the whirlwind of scans, and the words no one wants to hear: Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Also known as one of the most aggressive forms, with limited treatment options.
She faced it head-on with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a double mastectomy, reconstruction, and rounds of radiotherapy that left her with painful burns and the need for more surgeries.
As if that weren’t enough, 2024 brought a second blow: an unrelated diagnosis of anal cancer. More chemo. More radiotherapy. More uncertainty. And yet, she came out the other side even stronger.
“Through all of these challenges, I’ve striven to remain positive, even on days when I felt like screaming. I feel fortunate to be here still to share my story, a tale I found cathartic to put into words in the form of a book chronicling my battle with breast cancer. I wouldn’t have made it without the unwavering support of my husband, who was a phenomenal carer, along with the love of my friends, family, and even our lovely dog Sandy!"
Like many women navigating treatment, Debbie’s strength wasn’t built alone. Her husband stood by her side, Sandy the rescue pup lent a paw, and her local community wrapped her in encouragement.
Research backs this up: a BreastCancer.Org study of nearly 10,000 women found that those with stronger social connections were 43% less likely to have a recurrence and 64% less likely to die from
breast cancer than more isolated women. Support saves lives, and it’s also the foundation of Prime’s Giving Program.
Despite now being cancer-free, Debbie continues to empower fellow warriors, one initiative at a time. This October, she’ll complete a 100-kilometre walk across Cyprus to raise funds for a local cancer charity, while also writing a book chronicling her journey. Her mix of grit, generosity, and advocacy mirrors what Prime has built into our Giving Program, which has already raised over $1.2 million in 2025 alone with the support of women like Debbie and the rest of the Prime community.
And now, maybe even you. Through our Charity Sale, you can uplift Surthrivors while discovering the Prime bestsellers that support confidence every day.
“I tried countless mascaras, none of which yielded the results I hoped for, until I discovered Prime Prometics online. The mascara was a revelation. Not only did it truly work, but it restored a piece of the confidence I’d lost during and after chemo. It’s the only product I’ve found that lives up to its promises.”
For Debbie, one of the hardest parts wasn’t just the surgeries or treatments; it was looking in the mirror and not recognizing herself. Her hair eventually grew back, but her eyelashes never fully returned.
Until she found Prime.
Like thousands of Surthrivors before her, PrimeLash Mascara transformed Debbie’s routine one lash at a time. As the world’s #1 pro-age mascara, it delivers 3x length and volume, zero clumping, and lash-nourishing ingredients that helped her feel like herself again after chemo.
With the help of this mascara (eye-brightening Mulberry is her favorite shade), along with our PrimeLash Growth Serum, Debbie says that eyelashes are now even thicker than they were prior to her cancer diagnosis! She’s also a big fan of the PrimeEyes Glide Eyeliner in Copper Metallic, which serves as the non-tugging, skin-nourishing solution to all your over-50 eye makeup problems.
The best part? Debbie’s go-tos are just the beginning of our bestseller collection, featuring high-quality, super-nourishing ingredients designed for women over 50. From PrimeEyes Eye Brightener for instantly alert eyes to PrimeBrow Pencil and PrimeBrow Growth Serum, you can get them all for up to 25% off in our Giving Sale.
All with the beauty of knowing that a portion of the proceeds will go to those in need… sounds like a win-win, right?
“To all you incredible women reading this, possibly navigating similar terrifying trials: remember that you are strong. And while strength is your foundation, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You are stronger still with the love and support of those around you. Whatever hardships lie ahead, know that resilience and hope will guide you through. Together, we can overcome and emerge even stronger.”
Debbie’s story is a poignant reminder of several things. Cancer may change your body, your routine, or even your outlook, but it can never take away your power to rewrite the narrative. She’s done it not once, but twice, with the courage of a woman who’s turned her personal battles into motivation for giving back.
She understands firsthand that there will be days you want to scream. But she also knows that beauty, hope, and confidence can return in the smallest ways. From a partner’s support or a wagging tail to a swipe of mascara that makes you feel like yourself again, even the littlest things can turn your day around.
This October, as we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re proud to celebrate Debbie as our Surthrivor. And through our Charity Sale, we invite you to stand with her and thousands of women like her. Every purchase helps write a new chapter, one filled with resilience, beauty, and heart.
Want to learn more about Debbie’s life as an action-junkie, writer, and breast cancer advocate? Or share your own tips for staying positive during your journey? Connect with her on Instagram @debmcewan. Or become a Giving Program partner, reach out to giving@primeprometics.com.
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