Article

Could Be Cancer

Three words no one wants to hear

Could Be Cancer

Futile attempt to make eye contact

The man in the white coat looms over me in the ultrasound room

Doctor, what do you think?

A plea, a question, a whisper

In a voice that was not mine but emanated from me

He spoke into his armpit

Could be cancer

He uttered expressionless

As if he said could be cloudy with a chance of rain

Words like water droplets remain stagnant in the air we both shared

Discarding the hospital gown

I escape

Only

To later learn

Escaping was impossible

Newsletter

Stay up to date on cancer updates, research and education

Subscribe Now!
Related Videos
Image of two doctors with text.
Imiage of two doctors with text.
Enhertu with Perjeta nearly doubled progression-free survival versus standard treatment in metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, study shows.
Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli discusses the early use of camizestrant with a CDK4/6 inhibitor to target ESR1 mutations, as it may improve outcomes in metastatic breast cancer.
Image of woman.
Picture of Dr. Pouneh Razavi
Image of a woman wearing a headband and glasses
Image of doctor.
Image of woman.
Related Content
Image of women with text.
June 25th 2025

June Breast Cancer Highlights: Top 5 Updates Patients Should Know

Ryan Scott
June brought major breast cancer updates, and CURE is sharing the latest treatment combinations, biomarker-driven care and patient well-being.
FDA, Cancer Vaccine Updates and a Misguiding of Breast Cancer Treatment
February 5th 2024

FDA, Cancer Vaccine Updates and a Misguiding of Breast Cancer Treatment

Alex Biese Brielle Benyon
One cancer vaccine may still be years away from being available, a breast cancer test may be misguiding treatments for Black women and the review of two oncology regimens are being expedited by the FDA.
Dr. Rita Mukhtar sits down for a conversation with Dr. Joshua Sabari to discuss the potential use of ctDNA to guide breast cancer therapy: © stock.adobe.com.
June 24th 2025

How a Blood Test May Help Guide Breast Cancer Treatment

Ryan Scott
Dr. Rita Mukhtar sits down for a conversation with Dr. Joshua Sabari to discuss the potential use of ctDNA to guide breast cancer therapy.
Cancer Horizons podcast logo
December 12th 2023

Conference Highlights from SABCS

Alex Biese Brielle Benyon
CURE® recently covered the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. In case you missed it, here is some news that came out of the conference that patients should know about.
After my breast cancer diagnosis, faith guided me through fear: © stock.adobe.com.
June 23rd 2025

Faith, Friendship and Finding Purpose After Breast Cancer

Shirley Rakuljic
After my breast cancer diagnosis, faith guided me through fear, and in passing on a blessed bracelet, I found healing and an unexpected reconnection.
Advocacy text.
June 19th 2025

Self-Advocacy Can Help Patients Navigate Cancer Treatment Challenges

Mindy Sue Cohen
Speaking up during cancer treatment helped one patient manage side effects, address insurance issues and stay productive throughout chemotherapy.