The Importance of Early Detection: Survivor Stories

 As a registered nurse, Stephanie Cosby recognizes the importance of adhering to breast cancer screening recommendations, so, shortly after her 40th birthday, she scheduled a mammography screening. Due to the density of her breasts, Cosby was called in for a follow-up mammogram to allow for a more precise evaluation. During this follow-up mammogram, an otherwise undetectable lump was discovered, and, after a biopsy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. However, it had been determined that her breast cancer was at an early stage of development, allowing medical professionals to manage and mitigate the cancer. Prior to the discovery of a lump in her mammogram, Cosby was asymptomatic and reported feeling “the healthiest I’d ever felt in my life.” Therefore, without the insight provided by the mammogram, Cosby’s breast cancer would have been detected much later into its development.

Unfortunately, Cosby’s mother did not endure such fortunate circumstances. Her cancer was diagnosed around the same time as Cosby’s; however, Cosby’s mother experienced symptoms that went undiagnosed for a significant period of time. Because of this, her breast cancer was detected at a later stage of development than Cosby’s. This late detection was unfortunately fatal for Cosby’s mother, who passed away due to her late-stage breast cancer.

 An email in Carol Bailey’s inbox regarding the University of Maryland’s breast cancer screening services served as an important reminder to Bailey that she was due for a mammogram. Much to Bailey’s surprise, the mammogram she received revealed a tumor on her breast which was shown to be cancerous after a biopsy. Nevertheless, due to her breast cancer being detected at an early stage, Bailey was able to receive efficient treatment that maximally reduced her cancer over several years. Because of her experience with early detection, Bailey has become an advocate for established breast cancer screening methods, including mammography.

 Prior to one of her regular mammogram appointments, Cynthia Smalls chose to take advantage of the innovative service of 3D mammography, which can provide a more detailed, higher definition view of the breast. During this exam, professionals discovered a cancerous lump that was not present during her exam the previous year. After her diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer, Smalls underwent six radiation therapy, which was extremely effective in removing the cancer. Smalls attributes this efficacy to the early development stage of the cancer, and she attributes the detection of the cancer to the recent innovations made in 3D mammography.