Raleigh Police Chief Racing For The Cure To Breast Cancer

When Jane Perlov was sworn in as Raleigh's police chief, her biggest obstacle was getting support as the first woman in the position. But last year she discovered her biggest challenge would be breast cancer.

Perlov spoke publicly for the first time to WRAL about her personal battle with the disease.

"I've spent my life in law enforcement, preventing and managing crises, and this was the first time I was the crisis," Perlov says.

Named the honorary chairwoman of the

2005 Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure

, she is now taking a more public role when it comes to the disease.

"I think it's really important for someone in my position to share (my experience) with other people, because it's a really scary thing to go through," Perlov says. "It's scary whether you're a police chief, a nurse, a teacher or a mom."

Perlov underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and is now cancer-free.

"It's really hard to lose your hair," she says. "I lost all of my hair. When it was coming out, my husband and I decided to buzz it off, and my husband and I did it together."

Now, Perlov hopes to be an inspiration to other women.

"This is nine months later," Perlov says. "My hair's growing back in and I have my strength back and I'm healthy. Ready to move on and help others move on. There is an end to it."

Perlov went to work during her treatments. She says focusing on work kept her busy and positive and helped her become the survivor she is today.

"Most of the challenges I've been through in my life, I've come out learning a lot from," she says. "I always learn more from my challenges than successes. You always emerge better and I think I have."

Perlov, along with more than 80 officers, will participate in Race for the Cure June 11.