Why One Breast Cancer Survivor Refused to Stop Screening After Age 75

There is a family history of breast cancer on my maternal side.

My mother and two of her sisters were diagnosed when they were in their 70s.The fourth sister was diagnosed in her 40s, twice. One first cousin was diagnosed in her late 40s, and one second cousin at age 29.

So, being diagnosed with breast cancer seemed to be inevitable for me. It wasn’t a question of “will I ever get breast cancer” but “when will I get breast cancer?”

The ”when” question was finally answered at age 62 while I was in my last year of teaching. I was diagnosed with breast cancer (stage 1 ER+, PR+, HER-) via a routine mammogram. The treatment plan was a lumpectomy, seven weeks of radiation, five years of an aromatase inhibitor, and Fosamax (alendronate).

I didn’t know much about breast cancer at the time, so I searched for a local support group (nothing available) and any helpful information online (sketchy). A couple of years later, I volunteered to become a breast cancer peer navigator because I wanted newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to have the support that I had not had access to when I was first diagnosed. I continue to participate in the peer navigator program.

Fast forward 15 years: I was 78 years old, and it was the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. I tried to get my yearly mammogram, but my medical group said no for two reasons: They weren’t scheduling routine mammograms at that point during the pandemic, plus I was told I didn’t “need” a mammogram anyway because I was over the age of 75.

That reasoning obviously did not sit well at all with me because of my previous history with breast cancer and the knowledge of breast cancer issues that I had gained from being a peer navigator. So, during a doctor visit for an unrelated issue, I asked that doctor to order a mammogram for me, and she readily agreed. That definitely turned out to be the right decision because the mammogram and biopsy showed stage 1 breast cancer again in the same breast. This treatment plan consisted of a second lumpectomy, an aromatase inhibitor and Zometa (zoledronic acid).

Fast forward again three years: I was 81 years old and observed a small red spot on the same breast which did not go away. I contacted the doctor who had been following me after my second breast cancer diagnosis. She performed a punch biopsy and the results showed the same stage 1 cancer cells for a third time! This time the treatment plan consisted of a mastectomy and an aromatase inhibitor.

I am now 82, and I will continue to insist on a yearly mammogram. After all, I do have one breast left!

The main takeaways from my 20-year breast cancer journey:

• Whether you are under 40 or over 80, breast cancer knows no age limits.
• Don’t stop getting mammograms just because “they” say you don’t need one after a certain age or “it looks like nothing to worry about”.
• Advocate for yourself. Get a yearly mammogram when you think you should.
• Find a breast cancer peer support person or group.
• Pay attention to something on your breast, however small, that doesn’t look right.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.