The Importance of Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is a reality that affects millions of women each year. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against breast cancer, and getting regular screenings, such as mammograms, can save lives.
Why is Screening Important?
Breast cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages, which is why screenings like mammograms are essential for detecting changes before they can be felt or cause symptoms. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances are for successful treatment.
Donna’s Breast Cancer Survivor Story
Sometimes you hear about someone being diagnosed with cancer, and one day, it becomes your story. That’s what happened to Donna. In August 2004, she found a lump in her right breast, a moment that turned her life upside down. Donna was a mother of two, a wife, and had a full-time job—cancer was not something she had time for. But she faced it, and she’s now sharing her journey as a survivor to inspire others.
“In August of 2004, I found a lump (about the size of a pea) in my right breast. Women, early detection is the key. It is so important to do monthly self-checks and yearly mammograms.
I thought… oh, it’s probably nothing but I went ahead and had it checked. I had a mammogram and ultrasound. The results came back abnormal. Not a good word to hear.
In September I had the spot removed and biopsied. The results came back as No Cancer found. After the area healed, I could feel a lump in the same spot but bigger this time.
In December I went for my 3 month follow up. I had another mammogram and ultrasound. The results came back stating the lump needs to be biopsied or watch closely. My surgeon thought the lump was scar tissue from the surgery and wanted to wait 3 months and check it again. My husband encouraged me to get a Second Opinion. If you feel at all uncomfortable with a doctor’s decision, please don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.
In February of 2005, we went to the St. Louis Cancer and Breast Institute. That doctor did another biopsy. She called me on a Sunday afternoon and said she got the test results back and that I did have breast cancer.
My first thought was No this can’t be. Five months ago, they said I did not have cancer! I was in shock and everything she told me after that was a blur. I did a lot of crying and praying.
I knew I had to deal with the truth, so I had to decide what kind of attitude I was going to have.
Would I choose to sit around feeling sorry for myself, hate the world, be depressed or give up? NO! I had too many things to live for. God for one, two children I wanted to see grow up, and a husband I wanted to grow old with. I was determined not to let this cancer destroy me.
I had a lot of support from my family, friends, church family, and the people I worked with. So, what did I do? I stayed positive, focused on getting well, being healed, taking something bad and turning it for good. Beating cancer. Always remember: Constant anger is not healthy and negative thoughts will rob you of your energy and strength, making your immune system weak.
Cancer does change your life. Things that were important before are not so important now.” – Donna
Now, 19 years later, Donna continues to live her life to the fullest and serves as a role model for others. Her story shows that with support, positivity, and proactive health choices, cancer is not always a death sentence—you too can be a survivor.
Get Screened Today
Donna’s story emphasizes why breast cancer screening is so important. If you are over 40 or have risk factors for breast cancer, schedule your mammogram today. Self-checks and screenings can make all the difference, and your health is worth it.
Call our clinic to see if you qualify for the Show Me Healthy Women program, which offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for those who qualify.
