Tag: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Woman diagnosed with breast cancer at 27 after almost ignoring warning sign:

Marissa Coreno was embracing a new life in 2021. She had just moved out of her parents’ house and was spending more time in the gym. She liked her job at a hospital in Ohio. Everything seemed to be going great — until she found a lump in her armpit.

Coreno wasn’t particularly concerned at first. She was 27 and had no family history of cancer. But her colleagues thought she shouldn’t ignore it. An ultrasound found “questionable characteristics.” That was followed by a mammogram, then a biopsy.

Three days later, Coreno was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. She said she felt like her world had been turned upside down.

“It was devastating. It took a while to process. I knew it was positive, and I knew I had breast cancer but in my head, it was like ‘No way,’” Coreno said. “You hear about these cases and you see them on TV but it was hard to believe that this was now my life.”

Marissa Coreno.

Marissa Coreno

An increase in young diagnoses

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in U.S. women aged 20 to 49, and the incidence rate of breast cancer in women under 50 has risen faster than in women over 50, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“I’ve been a physician for over 25 years. When I first started practicing, we saw women in their 40s and now we’re seeing the late 20s and early 30s more commonly,” said Dr. Mary Gemignani, the director of the Women’s Early Onset Cancer Program and chief of the Division of Breast Surgery at NYU Langone, who was not involved in Coreno’s care.

Still, breast cancer diagnoses in women as young as Coreno are rare. The American Cancer Society estimates that only about 1 in 1,344 women will develop breast cancer in their 20s. Younger patients are unlikely to have regular screenings, Gemignani said, since most women do not receive mammograms until they are 40. Younger women also tend to have “more aggressive” tumors or be diagnosed with rarer disease subtypes, Gemignani said. There is no proven reason for the increase, she said.

Gemignani said younger women tend to have unique needs, including fertility concerns, which make it important for them and their doctors to develop a personalized treatment plan. Coreno said she found few research studies that looked at outcomes for her age group but spoke candidly with Dr. Baidehi Maiti, a medical oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic, about her best options.

“Being so young and not having a lot of research or studies or proof out there, every option I had along the way, I chose the most,” Coreno said. “I was very protective.”

Connection amid “exhausting” chemotherapy

Coreno’s treatment started with four months of “exhausting” chemotherapy to stop her cancer from spreading any further. Her mom moved in to help take care of her, while her dad drove her to every appointment. Coreno said she lost her hair and could barely leave the house.

“Going from such an active life — I was in my prime, I was working out on the regular, I was so proud of what I had accomplished — to not even having enough energy to get off the couch was hard,” Coreno said.

Marissa Coreno in the hospital.

Marissa Coreno

There was one bright spot: One night, Coreno decided to “eat (her) feelings” and ordered Crumbl cookies. She posted a picture of the delivery on Instagram. She received a message about the sweet treat from Anthony, a former classmate. The two struck up a conversation and “just never stopped talking.”

“It was so nice to talk to somebody, have somebody listen to me, have a new friend that I could confide in,” Coreno said.

Eventually, the two went on a date. Coreno dreaded leaving the house and was self-conscious about wearing a wig but enjoyed herself.

“He didn’t even mention the wig. We just had a great time,” Coreno said. “It just felt so natural.”

Marissa Coreno in the hospital.

Marissa Coreno

After chemotherapy, Coreno underwent a double mastectomy, followed by a reconstruction surgery and 25 days of radiation therapy, Maiti said. Coreno started hormone therapy in March 2022 and will continue it until 2032. She also has regular scans. The treatment stops her body from creating estrogen to limit the chance of the cancer returning. Coreno is currently cancer-free, Maiti said.

“She has not let cancer define her life,” Maiti said. “She’s thriving as a breast cancer survivor and living her life to the fullest.”

“Life is beautiful”

The hormone therapy sent Coreno into menopause at 28. Working out is harder now, she said, and she grapples with hot flashes and has trouble sleeping. It has taken years for her to get used to the new normal.

“I thought this would be the easy part,” Coreno, now 31, said. “After treatment was over is when what I went through hit me the most.”

Amid the difficult adjustment, her relationship with Anthony turned more serious. They were married in August 2024 and spent their honeymoon in Italy. Over the summer, they celebrated their anniversary in Cancún, Mexico.

Marissa and Anthony Coreno on their wedding day.

Arlee Reust/Azkalynn Photography

Coreno also hopes that sharing her story encourages others to investigate any warning signs they experience.

“I just want everyone to realize that it seems like it will never be you, it seems like it’s always going to be someone else, it seems like it’s going to be a person on the TV, but it can happen to you,” Coreno said. “If you feel uncertain about anything, you need to speak up and get checked out. If, for some reason, you don’t get the best news, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It might not seem like it. It might seem like it’s a very long tunnel. But life is beautiful afterwards.”

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October 18, 2025
Ohio State researchers developing AI model to detect cancer early
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new artificial intelligence tool could help doctors detect breast cancer earlier and predict when it might return, part of new research underway at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital.
What You Need To Know

Ohio State researchers are developing an AI model to help detect lobular breast cancer recurrence earlier

The AI tool analyzes digital pathology images to identify signs that are hard for doctors to see

The study is still in early stages but could lead to more personalized care for breast cancer survivors
Dr. Arya Roy, a breast medical oncologist at The James, leads the project focused on lobular breast cancer — a type that can be difficult to identify on mammograms because it often spreads in thin cell lines instead of forming a lump. Roy said her team is currently training the AI model using patient data to help it recognize patterns linked to breast cancer recurrence.

“Artificial intelligence will be able to identify the things that a human eye is not able to see from the pathology images,” Roy said. “Right now we are creating it and we are feeding the artificial intelligence model with several digital pathology images of several patients.”

The tool is designed to predict which patients face the highest risk of cancer recurrence, giving doctors a chance to intervene sooner and tailor follow-up care more effectively. Roy said the project remains in early stages and will take a few years to validate before moving into clinical trials.

For breast cancer survivor and advocate Bess Hagans, those advances offer hope. Diagnosed with stage 3 hormone-positive breast cancer at age 32 — just 10 months after giving birth — she endured chemotherapy, surgery, and long-term recovery.

“Recurrence is the scariest part about being a survivor. So, I’m very scared that the cancer will come back,” Hagans said.

Now cancer-free, Hagans leads Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer, an organization that helps women navigate the challenges of treatment and survivorship. She believes AI-based tools could give families a better chance at catching the disease before it advances.

“I think that we’re talking about a technology that could really help a vulnerable population,” Hagans said. “And I think when thinking of AI and how we could use it for good, this feels like a very powerful tool.”

Roy said her team hopes the AI model will eventually provide a new level of precision in breast cancer care — identifying risk factors earlier and improving survival rates.
Saima Khan

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October 17, 2025
How Workplace Leaders Can Support Employees Through Difficult Diagnoses

A breast cancer diagnosis has the power to shake worlds, not just for the patient but for all those around them as well. This is something I know well. Four years ago this month, I sat in my doctor’s office and tried to absorb the words one in eight American women will someday hear: “You have breast cancer.”

About 2.3 percent—or 1 in 43—of those with the disease succumb to it. I ended up being one of the lucky 42 who pulled through. My doctors caught the cancer early, and its impact on my daily life was minimal. The psychological impact, on the other hand, was significant.

It wasn’t just the fear of medical treatments or the potentially grim prognosis that occupied my mind in those days. Just as present and pressing was the feeling that my very being had turned on me. I am an athlete, a leader, a mother, and it was my own body that now threatened to stop me in my tracks. In that moment, I felt unmoored and profoundly alone.

Healing with help

The truth is I wasn’t. I was surrounded by people who cared about and for me, and I enjoyed and still enjoy a life of relative professional and financial stability. I had insurance, a supportive family, and an employer that put my well-being first. That’s a luxury most people facing a difficult diagnosis do not get.

An Inc.com Featured Presentation

As hard as this time was, I weathered it from a place of privilege. Even so, I was unable to free myself from the stress of “what ifs.” I can’t imagine what it’s like for patients without those comforts. I vowed that, when I returned to work, I would do what I could to extend that privilege to others. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I invite workplace leaders and executives to join me in that mission by acting to support employees affected by difficult diagnoses.

Committing to flexible work arrangements

Being sick is scary, but it’s also inconvenient. When the fear subsides, patients often find themselves staring down a calendar filled with checkups, treatments, and tests. Making flexible hours and in-office or work-from-home options standard within your operations can help workers get the care they need without worrying about the repercussions of stepping away for the afternoon.

Investing in employee assistance programs (EAPs)

While it may not be appropriate for managers or co-workers to inquire about employees’ private affairs, there are ways to offer more substantial support without prying. EAPs provide a wide range of services and resources, like short-term counseling and referrals, to workers without requiring them to disclose their circumstances to their employer. Providing access to an EAP can ensure that employees have a trusted first stop when dealing with difficult news.

Championing employee resource groups (ERGs)

Along similar lines, ERGs can help provide in-office support to workers who may be feeling alienated and isolated after learning of a medical issue. Establishing a strong network of employee-led groups encourages workers to find and open up to like-minded peers, which can help them feel like they have allies should they face a serious illness.

Modeling balance

The way leadership acts and talks inform how employees view themselves within the company, how comfortable they are in their roles, and how they prioritize their work and home lives. Demonstrating that the company understands that work comes second to health can help foster a sense of confidence that care needs won’t impact their growth or standing within the organization.

Communicating proactively and openly

Cancer and other diagnoses tend to come with an overwhelming number of unknowns. Don’t add to them. Something as simple as clearly outlining leave policies, accommodation request processes, and available resources to all workers can make all the difference when someone has just gotten difficult news.

Resources for resilience

It’d be easy to attribute my perseverance in the face of my diagnosis to the internal resilience I’ve come to view as a lifeline. However, the truth is that my strength came as much from the support of others as it did from within. Convincing myself that there were other people who could share the load was the first step to healing.

My friends and family rallied around, committed to doing what they could to ease the path forward. The same happened in my workplace, with co-workers and leadership offering to help in any way they could. They assured me that my health was what mattered. The work would be there when I was ready.

For that, I am lucky. Not everyone has a village in place that’s ready to rally around them, and stability amid medical challenges is not the norm for far too many. Together we can change that, one workplace at a time.

The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

Louise K. Allen

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October 11, 2025
Mom, 37, diagnosed with cancer after push for early screening:

Michaela Del Barrio had always known that her family history of breast cancer meant she had a higher risk than most of being diagnosed with the disease.

In her 20s, doctors had told her she was too young to dwell on those concerns. However, after the birth of her second child, she began to worry more about her odds.

One day, during a standard doctor’s appointment, Del Barrio asked her doctor if there were any options for her to start receiving mammograms early. Her physician directed her to Northwestern University’s high-risk breast clinic. After a risk assessment, she had her first mammogram at 36 years old. The exam was clear but the clinic’s assessment also allowed her to undergo a breast MRI.

“A week later, I got a call saying they had seen two suspicious masses in my left breast,” Del Barrio said. “I was just stunned. I just didn’t even know how to process that.”

Michaela Del Barrio and her family at a wedding in 2025.

Michaela Del Barrio

Del Barrio had an ultrasound and a biopsy. In mid-February, she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. She had never had any symptoms or felt a lump. Del Barrio said she still thinks “all the time” about what could have happened if she had not pushed to receive early screenings.

“You’re doing all the steps to take care of your health and prioritize yourself. You don’t expect to receive a call that you have cancer,” Del Barrio said. “But now I think ‘Thank goodness I did speak up for myself. Thank goodness I did it when I did it, and that I didn’t wait.’”

“Throwing everything at it”

Del Barrio was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer that grows in the breast’s milk ducts. It’s the most common type of breast cancer, making up about 80% of breast cancer diagnoses, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Del Barrio’s treatment started with surgery. Because the cancer had been caught early, it had not spread beyond her left breast, said her oncologist, Dr. Annabelle Veerapaneni. Del Barrio decided to undergo a bilateral mastectomy to limit her odds of the cancer returning in the future. After the surgery was complete, an analysis of Del Barrio’s tumors determined that she would likely benefit from chemotherapy.

Michaela Del Barrio after undergoing a double mastectomy.

Michaela Del Barrio

“I was like, ‘I’m young. I want to make sure I’m doing everything and throwing everything at it for it to not come back,’” Del Barrio said.

The mother of two started chemotherapy in the summer of 2025. She was supposed to receive four rounds of treatment but had to stop after three because she experienced a delayed allergic reaction that caused her to break out in hives.

“I know that she was very anxious about not receiving that final fourth cycle of treatment but I told her that the risk of exposure to that particular chemotherapy agent was too high based upon the clinical benefit,” Veerapaneni said. “So we had a very long heart-to-heart about everything, and I gave her reassurance that she finished the majority of the planned chemotherapy, and she’s recovered very, very well.”

Michaela Del Barrio receives chemotherapy.

Michaela Del Barrio

Diagnosing breast cancer early

Women with an average risk of breast cancer are recommended to start receiving mammograms when they turn 40. Still, those at higher risk should start earlier, said Dr. Arif Kamal, an oncologist and the American Cancer Society’s chief patient officer. Breast cancer is on the rise in women under 50, CBS News previously reported.

Kamal said patients need to be aware of their personal risk of cancer. That includes being aware of any family history of cancer and undergoing appropriate screenings.

“One in 10 women are not at average risk, and for them, they need a different plan,” Kamal said.

That might mean early mammograms or breast MRIs, like it did for Del Barrio, or more frequent exams. It could also include genetic testing, Kamal said. Kamal recommended women begin speaking to their doctors in their mid-20s, and flag any family history of cancer to develop the best course of action.

Veerapaneni said she “shudders to think” how much worse Del Barrio’s case could have been. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma has a five-year survival rate of 99%, but that number falls as the disease spreads. The most advanced stage of the cancer has a five-year survival rate of just 32%.

“I really give Michaela a lot of credit for being self-aware and self-advocating,” Veerapaneni said.

“One day at a time”

Del Barrio is currently undergoing an extended endocrine therapy treatment that involves a monthly injection and a daily pill that eliminates estrogen production in her body, Veerapaneni said. Del Barrio will stay on the regimen for 10 years because of how young she was when her cancer was diagnosed. The treatment will “significantly reduce” the risk of her cancer returning, Veerapaneni said.

Del Barrio will also undergo regular scans and long-term follow-up with Veerapaneni. She said she will also have reconstructive breast surgery at the end of the year.

Michaela Del Barrio and her family in August.

Michaela Del Barrio

“I always say, ‘This part is not so bad.’ I can be a good patient, and I can follow all the instructions, the medicine, and focus on the task at hand,” Del Barrio said. “I just focus on it one day at a time.”

Del Barrio said that hopefully life will become “more routine” after her reconstruction, and allow her space to process what she has been through in the past year.

“It’s overwhelming. You get this life-changing diagnosis, but also, life just is completely normal at the same time,” Del Barrio said. “I feel like I’m just managing another project in my life, which is cancer.”

Kerry Breen

Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University’s Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News’ TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.

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October 4, 2025
Mom’s push for early mammogram leads to cancer diagnosis: “Thank goodness I did speak up”

Mom’s push for early mammogram leads to cancer diagnosis: “Thank goodness I did speak up” – CBS News

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Michaela Del Barrio knew she had a higher risk of breast cancer than most and pushed to get screened for the disease at a younger age than most. It may have saved her life.

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October 4, 2025
Drink Pink: Where to Dine and Donate in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Houston – Houston Press

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Houston’s dining scene is serving up specials for the cause. From pink cocktails to sweet treats, local restaurants and bars are offering specials that help raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and support.

Here’s where you can sip, snack and show some love this October:

Arnaldo Richards’ Pico’s, 3601 Kirby

All October, Pico’s is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its Two Dine for $69 experience. Guests enjoy a specially curated three-course menu for two, featuring authentic Mexican flavors, and $4 from each menu purchased is donated to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to support cancer research and patient care. Celebrate with great food and a cause that matters.

The Audrey Restaurant & Bar, 9595 Six Pines

All month long, the “Pink Lady Oyster” special is $4 per oyster, paired with Veuve de Vernay Brut Rosé by the glass ($9) or bottle ($35). A portion of all Pink Lady Oyster sales is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Azumi, 4444 Westheimer

October means $1 from every glass of rosé or rosé sake at Azumi goes directly to local nonprofit The Rose and its work to provide screening and treatment options for both insured and uninsured patients.

HiFi at The Finn, 712 Main

All October, HiFi — the vinyl listening cocktail lounge inside The Finn — is raising a glass for a cause with the Rose Warrior cocktail ($10). Made with vodka, fresh lime juice, house-made hibiscus simple syrup, and carbonated hibiscus soda, $2 from each drink is donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

J-Bar-M Barbecue, 2201 Leeland

All through October, J-Bar-M Barbecue is serving up a pink Texas-sized cinnamon roll in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of proceeds from the sweet treat will be donated to The Rose – Breast Center of Excellence.

Kazzan Ramen & Bar, 191 Heights

Kazzan Ramen & Bar is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its specialty cocktail, By Any Other Name. Crafted with Nikka Coffey Gin, rose syrup, shikuwasa citrus, liqueur de pamplemousse, sparkling wine and strawberry, $1 from every drink sold benefits The Rose.

Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Deli, 2327 Post Oak

The Houston deli is painting its signature black and white cookies pink this month. $3.95 each, all month long.

Little Woodrow’s, multiple locations

Throughout October, Little Woodrow’s hosts “Pink Party” nights at all its Greater Houston locations. Expect drink specials (like Pink Whitney lemonade vodka) and fundraising raffles, with the proceeds benefiting The Rose.

Liberty Kitchen, 963 Bunker Hill, 4224 San Felipe

This October, Liberty Kitchen is serving up Pink Lady Oysters ($4 each) and Veuve de Vernay Brut Rosé ($9/glass, $35/bottle) as part of a special menu supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A portion of proceeds from every Pink Lady sale goes directly to life-saving breast cancer research.

The Spot, 2003 Emancipation

All October, The Spot is raising a glass for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its Pink Panther cocktail.

Tago, 1120 Dennis
Tago is mixing up pink for a purpose this October with its French Kiss cocktail: Prosecco, Grey Goose, Chambord, lime and pear. For every order, 25 percent of proceeds are donated to The Rose.

This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.

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Brooke Viggiano

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October 2, 2025
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Redemption Song: Erika Weathers

Weathers (above, center in pink) is an author and wrote a book about her breast cancer survival and journey, “Free Me 2 Be Me.” The book, which was self-published in 2021, is available on Amazon. Photo courtesy of Weathers

Erika Weathers was on a roll when she learned that she had breast cancer in 2004. Then, at 33, Weathers was living in Vinings, and working as a flight attendant for a local airline. She loves to travel, work out, and act, and those jobs and activities allowed the Middletown, New York native, to see the country, meet people from around the world, and entertain others. On that day, however, traveling, Zumba classes, and reading scripts were the last things on her mind.

“I was in the prime of my life,” said Weathers by phone from her home in Atlanta.

There is no history of breast cancer in Weathers’ family. She was the chosen one, and she still doesn’t know why she was chosen to go through what she went through.

“I’m the first one. It was like, ‘Why me? What’s going on in my body?” she said.

About getting the news that her life was going to change, she said, “That was devastating.”

Weathers, 56, is far from alone. Breast cancer will affect millions of Americans this year. Whether you are male or female, adult or child, the odds that you know someone who has had breast cancer inject itself into their life is high, according to data from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF).

1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Weathers (above) was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33. “Early diagnosis is key. Early detection, get it out of you, and get on with your life,” Weathers said. Photo courtesy of Weathers

1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the organization’s data. This year, there will be an estimated 316,000-plus women and nearly 3,000 men diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. One of those women was once Weathers.

Along with skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in this country. But there has been a significant decrease in breast cancer deaths since 1989, according to the American Cancer Society data. Early detection and awareness are reasons for thousands of lives being saved.

“Early diagnosis is key. Early detection, get it out of you, and get on with your life,” Weathers said.

The early detection of the cancer, Weathers’ positive attitude, and willingness to fight can all be listed as reasons she survived her first diagnosis. Along with being a flight attendant, Weathers is a realtor for HomeSmart, an Arizona-based brokerage firm, and an actress. Weathers has had roles in several Lifetime projects and routinely goes out on auditions. She also volunteers as a poll worker during local elections, and don’t forget those Zumba classes. She has also been an instructor in the past.

“I always have a positive mindset. You can only do what you can do, but it’s always better to have a positive mindset when you do it,” she said. “I just have to make everything work.”

That positive mindset came in handy when Weathers was challenged again. She was re-diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and again in late 2024. She had just finished celebrating 16 years of being cancer-free before this. Both times, she faced facts and approached hormone therapy treatments and radiation treatments with faith and a positive attitude. But it wasn’t easy. It never is, she said.

Erika Weathers (above) rang the bell at Emory University Hospital Midtown on May 9, 2025, and celebrated with family and friends. Photo courtesy of Weathers

Following surgery on her left breast, the right had been removed years earlier. Weathers got the chance to go through a national rite of passage for cancer patients. During her first battles, she never got the chance, but she did this time around.

On May 9, 2025, she rang the bell at Emory University Hospital Midtown. That day, she was surrounded by family and friends.

Weathers is also an author. She wrote a book about her breast cancer survival and journey, “Free Me 2 Be Me,” which was self-published in 2021, after she was laid off during the COVID pandemic. The time off work as a flight attendant allowed Weathers to focus on telling her story.

“I took advantage of that time. I used to always say I wanted to write a book about my life,” said Weathers, who added that she wrote the book about her entire life and not just the cancer part of the story.

In the book, she also discusses her relationship with her father, Ronald Weathers, who, along with her mother, Jackie Zoldan, twin brother Chris, other brother Erik, and stepmother Carol Weathers, has impacted her life.

Asked if she has any advice for breast cancer patients going through what she went through, Weathers simply said they have to keep on keeping on.

“Get on with your life,” she said. “It just depends on how you are. I’m always looking for the next best thing to do in my life.”

Weathers is working on a second book, preparing for more real estate training, and working the polls for the upcoming November elections.

Along with her career as a flight attendant, Weathers (above) is a working actress. Photo courtesy of Weathers

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for the past 40 years, it has been the national month of observance in the United States. Weathers enjoys speaking to groups and individuals as an advocate for breast cancer patients and survivors. She remembers needing to talk to someone who understood what she was going through

“Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone who has been through it,” she said.

Erika Weathers has been through it and back.

“I just like to know that I can get to the finish line and to know that I can do anything I can set my mind to,” Weathers said.

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Donnell Suggs

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October 1, 2025
10 years cancer-free, Joan Lunden urges women to be aware of breast density, cancer risk link

NEW YORK — Former “Good Morning America” co-host Joan Lunden is urging women to be aware of the link between the density of their breast tissue and their breast cancer risk.

In June 2014, Lunden beat stage two triple negative breast cancer and calls it the toughest battle of her life.

“Well, triple negative is extremely fast-growing and aggressive. I might not be sitting here talking to you if I hadn’t had that ultrasound that day,” Lunden said.

It was the ultrasound that saved her life only because Joan happened to have learned about dense breasts after doing a story with a doctor, on mammograms.

“I had a clean 3D mammogram,” Lunden said. “I wouldn’t have even known to ask for that ultrasound, had I not just happened to have been sent on that story.”

The battle for Joan that followed was a quest for change that took her to Washington, D.C. where she and others were at the forefront, for years, lobbying lawmakers and government agencies.

She’s on a mission to educate women about their breast density status and inform them about additional tests like ultrasound and breast MRI that could potentially catch their cancer sooner.

Breast density is a known risk factor for breast cancer.

While mammograms are the gold standard, this white tissue in dense breasts can sometimes mask cancers on a mammogram.

In September, the FDA mandated new guidelines nationwide which stipulate that all mammogram results also include information about the patient’s breast density.

It’s a big victory in the breast cancer awareness effort, but Lunden says advocates now have a new fight ahead of them — getting the additional tests covered by insurance.

“That would be logical. You would hope that everything was aligned, that what your doctor recommended would be covered by your health care provider,” Dr. Laurie Margolies with Mt. Sinai Breast Imaging and Radiology said.

“If you don’t know, call your radiology lab, and say, ‘what is my breast density?'” Lunden said.

Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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October 8, 2024
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 26 – more women of colour need to talk about their bodies

But things went downhill after that. My treatment started with egg retrieval, as I knew I wanted a family. It was only after that surgery that I found out there was another option. My breast cancer nurse had asked me what I ‘chose’ – and I realised that I should have been offered a choice to do embryo retrieval or preservation, which has a higher success rate.

Maybe it was because they didn’t know I had a boyfriend or because I was young, but there are lots of women who decide they want to be mothers long before they’re 26. I was emotional from all the hormone injections, my body was changing… I feel robbed that I didn’t have that opportunity, but I was mentally preparing for the fight of my life. I didn’t have the strength then to advocate for myself. I was also running out of time – the tumour was growing and needed to start chemotherapy, so it was too late for embryo freezing, even if it could have been organised.

My first round was delivered intravenously. A nurse was poking around during one session, and I was becoming increasingly bruised. I told her it was hurting, but her reply shocked me. “Because your skin is dark, you don’t feel pain as much as this lady,” she said, pointing to a white woman a few beds down. Cancer is scary enough, and then to have someone who’s meant to be keeping you safe say you’re not in pain when you’re bleeding in front of them? I’d prepared myself for the needles, but not that kind of hurt.

My body didn’t respond well to my second round of chemotherapy, so some other nurses let my husband stay with me. It was a huge weight off me to know somebody who genuinely cared was there. Some of the nurses even stayed past their shift to take pictures with me and my husband when I finished chemotherapy and got to ring the bell. They did a lot to make me less scared of healthcare professionals. My reconstruction surgeon was also so thoughtful and conscientious – he gave me a say in everything, even if I didn’t need it.

I could feel the treatment working. The tumour was shrinking and I wanted to focus on my future. My now-husband had proposed, and we’d taken our engagement photos while I still had my hair. I could look forward to buying a house, I could focus on healing. During my reconstruction, they confirmed there was no more cancer in my breasts. I’m now at two and a half years with no evidence of disease and looking forward to saying I’m in remission, if I have another two and half years of clear scans.

If you’re unlucky enough to join the cancer club, listen when people say ‘don’t Google it.’ I’d be crying in the middle of the night reading survival statistics. But I did find some amazing charities and communities, like Lauren Mahon who runs Girl vs Cancer and Leanne Pero of support project Black Women Rising. Being able to see that there were young Black women who lived gave me hope. We need more representation like this to know it’s possible to survive.

Miriam Fearon

Magda K Photography

I also found Breast Cancer Now – I used their guides every single day after my surgeries. Not only did they feature all different types of women, they offered practical tips on how to help my recovery. I’m proud to be wearing it pink this October with them because it might remind someone to check their breasts or get their mammogram. For such a serious disease, it’s nice to have a space for joy, celebration and empowerment.

Cancer is the most welcoming, kind and joyful club. It’s a sad community to be a part of, but once you’re here, there are so many people who care about you and want to look after you.

*Breast Cancer Now, April 2024. Research conducted by YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 510 Black and South Asian adult women. Fieldwork was undertaken between 17th – 22nd April 2024. The survey was carried out online.

**Regularly defined as checking at least once a week, once a month, or at least once every 6 weeks.

Isabella Silvers

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August 17, 2024
How to check for breast cancer, according to the experts
Breast cancer awareness month is upon us — and first and foremost, it should serve as a reminder of just how important it is for all of us to perform regular breast checks. According to Breast Cancer UK, there 56,000 new cases of breast cancer every year — in fact, it is the most common cancer in the world, with roughly 12% of all cancers being female breast cancer.

We’re all aware that we should check for breast cancer each month. But, how many of us actually do it? And how many of us really know what we should be looking for? While some have developed a good habit of regularly examining for signs, lots of us don’t make the time, or would rather bury our heads in the sand. But regular check-ups can save lives and ensure – if we ever do discover something that shouldn’t be there – that it’s treated as quickly as possible.

It’s clear there’s a lot of confusion around what exactly to look out for. A shocking six million women declared they don’t know how to check their breasts for cancer and a staggering 80% of women are unclear on what could increase their risk of breast cancer, according to Bupa Health Clinics.

It may seem scary, but getting to know our bodies regularly is the best way to keep on top of any changes and get them checked out if necessary.

When to check your boobs

Try and choose the same time every month to check them – after your period is best – so you can get to know what’s normal for you.

What to feel for when checking your boobs:
- It is important to get to now the normal rhythm of your boobs so you will detect anything abnormal quickly.
- Feel for irregular lumps (which can be relatively small) that are firm and solid.
What does a breast lump feel like?

A doctor will be able to properly examine you but a cancerous lump may feel quite rounded, soft, and tender. It may also feel quite be painful.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer to look out for

Aside from a lump, there are seven other signs that we should be looking out for (all of which are listed below) – if you spot any of these, it’s best to see your doctor. Most of the time, there’ll be another explanation for your symptom, but early detection is essential when it comes to treating breast cancer.

First, look at your breasts and check if you can notice anything visually. Lift your arms in the air to check underneath your armpits, too. Then, use the flat part of your fingers to feel and press across your breasts, armpit, collarbone and nipples. If you get into the habit of doing this regularly, you’ll quickly get to know what’s normal for you.
Ali Pantony, Bianca London, Fiona Ward, Elle Turner

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October 1, 2023
FDA plans new regulations on mammograms in effort to help women with dense breasts

Mammograms can sometimes fail to detect tumors in women who have a higher breast density. As a result, the FDA said it’s planning new regulations for informing women about their tissue type and screening options.

Dr. Sarah Friedewald, the chief of breast imaging at Northwestern Medicine, explains that denser breasts have less fat and more tissue. It can be more difficult to spot tumors in dense tissue in mammograms, since both show up as white in the images.

“About 40[%] to 50% of the women in the country actually have dense breast tissue. It just makes it a little bit harder for us to find cancer on the mammogram,” Friedewald said.

For one of Friedewald’s patients, she said that they needed additional scans, an ultrasound and an MRI to detect a large cancerous tumor due to her breast density.

In the U.S., 38 states now require patients to be notified about their breast density.

If you’re planning to get a mammogram, it’s important to ask doctors about your tissue type. If additional tests are needed, make sure to get a medical order and check if your insurance company requires pre-approval and covers the cost.

More tests can cost anywhere between a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

Eve Feinberg, 48, gets screened for breast cancer every year due to her aunts being diagnosed at a young age. She said she pays around $2,000 out of pocket each year for an MRI after insurance coverage.

She insists, though, that it’s worth it.

“Just to know that if something is detected, it will be detected at an early stage,” Feinberg said.

Breast Cancer Awareness

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October 24, 2022
Henderson Co. breast cancer survivor shares story, helps inform Spanish-speaking community

Breast cancer survivor shares story, helps inform Spanish-speaking community

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October 12, 2022
Borrowing Magnolia Wedding Resale Site Announces Sponsorship of ‘Brides Against Breast Cancer®’ Charity During the Month of October.

Press Release
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updated: Oct 12, 2020

CHICAGO, October 12, 2020 (Newswire.com)
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Borrowing Magnolia is pleased to announce that it will be an official sponsor of Brides Against Breast Cancer® Wedding Dresses (“BABC”) for October. Borrowing Magnolia will contribute 10% of all listing fees created during the month of October to BABC in support of their mission for breast cancer prevention and early detection.

Since 1997 BABC has raised over $40M in donations and generates over half its funding from reselling donated wedding dresses. Acting as a social enterprise charity, BABC has multi-aspects of benefit. Dress donors help with not only a dress contribution, but ultimately the funds generated from that dress sale. Dress buyers get a big discount on their purchase and take part in the bigger movement of recycling.

“We’re honored to be partnering with an incredible organization like Brides Against Breast Cancer. It’s a mission close to our hearts, and to be able to donate a portion of our listing proceeds to fund breast cancer prevention and detection allows us to show just how much it means,” adds Borrowing Magnolia’s Marketing Manager Shellie O’Rourke.

Borrowing Magnolia is pleased to provide support to BABC’s mission of generating awareness and detection education by supporting their funding directly. “We are always grateful for companies that help us get out our message of awareness and early detection education,” said BABC’s CEO Drew Edwards. “We pride ourselves in innovative and easy to use methods to raise awareness. New brides even share our information at their weddings,” adds BABC’s COO Rod Mackenzie. Please see BridesAgainstBreastCancer.org and www.BorrowingMagnolia.com for more information.

About Borrowing Magnolia

Borrowing Magnolia is a leader in the wedding dress resale space, offering a listing service website for preowned wedding dresses and wedding accessories. Borrowing Magnolia stands apart by providing a simple, straightforward approach to buying and selling designer wedding dresses, all with the added benefits of sustainable shopping and savings for both buyer and seller. Among hundreds of popular wedding gown designers, buyers can find Vera Wang wedding dresses, Hayley Paige wedding dresses, Maggie Sottero wedding dresses, and BHLDN wedding dresses, on Borrowing Magnolia.

Source: Borrowing Magnolia

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October 12, 2020
Revolution Dating at PGA Commons Shares Love During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Revolution Dating will donate $50 to Susan G. Komen Florida for every new client who joins the matchmaking service during the month of October.

Press Release
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updated: Oct 5, 2020

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., October 5, 2020 (Newswire.com)
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Revolution Dating at PGA Commons shares love during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Revolution Dating will donate $50 to Susan G. Komen Florida for every new client who joins the matchmaking service during the month of October. Singles ages 20 to 80 can make a connection with someone special, and help to connect breast cancer patients with needed care. New members of Revolution Dating will also receive a pink face mask displaying the breast cancer ribbon icon to show their support. Each new member at Revolution Dating gets a bio to highlight their personal attributes, a photo shoot, and introductions to fellow singles for a one-year period.

Call (561) 630-XOXO (9696) and mention the PGA Commons Special now.

… we feel this is putting your money where it counts most in charitable hands. Komen is a solid organization that knows how to stretch every dollar for the most impact. We salute Kelly Leary for big heart!

Tim Byrd, The Byrdman Publisher at PalmBeachlwp.com

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Revolution Dating wants to help Susan G. Komen Florida to invest in breast cancer research and is giving to this charity when PGA Commons attendees sign up with Revolution Dating Matchmaking Service. Revolution Dating wants to defeat breast cancer once and for all and also wants to help people find the love of their lives.

With 29 years of experience in the matchmaking business, Kelly Leary with Revolution Dating has seen more than ever before that online daters have become intolerably disenchanted with the risky game of Internet dating sites. At Revolution Dating, they meet everyone face to face, separating the good from the bad. The Revolution Dating team is not just setting up dates. They are changing lives.

Revolution Dating suggests saying NO to the bar scene and online dating. Hire THE Matchmaker and Finish 2020 Strong. Revolution Dating members are prescreened and confidential. Call 561-630-9696.

Kelly Leary, Founder of Revolution Dating has a Master’s degree in psychology and 29 successful years in the dating industry. A top matchmaker, now known as THE Florida Matchmaker, she has been profiled by ABC News, The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beacher Magazine, The South Florida Business Journal, and numerous other media outlets.

Please call Revolution Dating’s hotlines which are open seven days a week at 561-630-XOXO (9696) in the Palm Beaches and South Florida area or 772-932-HERE (4373) on the Treasure Coast. You may also visit Revolution Dating’s website at www.revolutiondating.com. Revolution Dating office is located at 5090 PGA Boulevard #208, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. All inquiries are confidential. All applicants must be prescreened in person at our private practice to be eligible.

Source: Revolution Dating

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October 5, 2020