Breast Cancer Early Detection: A Bold and Breastless Survival Story

At the 49th Annual Miami Breast Cancer Conference, the air was filled with clinical updates and data-driven breakthroughs. However, among the discussions of pathology and protocols, Shondia McFadden-Sabari, founder of Bold and Breastless, offered a powerful reminder of the human element in the cancer journey: the importance of intuition and the life-saving impact of early detection.

Fifteen years ago, McFadden-Sabari had no reason to suspect she was ill. She was 36 years old and had no symptoms, no lumps and no family history that raised red flags.

"I had no symptoms, no signs, nothing to suggest breast cancer," she recalled. That changed during a routine morning. "Something just said, you need to get a mammogram.”

Acting on that "nudge," she requested a screening from her gynecologist. Results from testing, which eventually included a biopsy, revealed a complex diagnosis: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) in her right breast, and both stage 0 and stage 1a cancer in her left breast. Because she caught it so early, her treatment path was significantly less aggressive than it might have been.

“I did not have to do chemo. I did not have to do radiation, because early detection is so important,” she explained.

Following her diagnosis, McFadden-Sabari underwent an Oncotype DX test to determine the risk of recurrence. On a scale of 0 to 100, her score was a "lucky seven." For her, the number held spiritual significance: "In the Bible that I read, seven means completion and perfection. So, I’m done.”

While her surgical oncologist only required the removal of the affected tissue, McFadden-Sabari made a definitive choice for her long-term peace of mind. She opted for a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction, choosing to live "flat" and focused on the future.

“It was my decision to have both breasts removed, and I did not want to do reconstruction,” she said. “I just wanted to heal and enjoy life.”

Today, 15 years later, she continues to do just that, standing as a testament to the fact that listening to your body — and acting quickly — can make all the difference.

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