Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer seen throughout the country, and in Ohio alone, around 10,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in 2019, according to the American Cancer Society.
It can affect more than just women over 40, like Brigitte Edwards, who says at the age of 34, she had a dream that spurred her on to get a mammogram - where it was discovered that she did have breast cancer.
"I had a dream that there was a woman with breast cancer, and I when woke up and I said to God that it can’t be me, and He said 'yes, it’s you'," said Edwards.
Now 19 years later and cancer-free, she says the biggest support she's seen is her family, especially her two grandchildren.
"The kids keep you going because it gives you something that you can live for, you want to see them grow up," said Edwards. "I want to see them grow up to be healthy, young men; that helps me to keep going."
While getting breast cancer under the age of 40 is not as common, those with an increased chance of getting breast cancer, like those with a family history of the disease, should think about getting a mammogram at an earlier age.
"Women or men who’ve had a strong family history of breast cancer, we recommend starting screening for breast cancer with mammography 10 years younger than your family member was diagnosed," said Dr. Nicole Nelson, Medical Director of Radiology at St. Ritas. "It really depends on when your relative was diagnosed, so talk to your physician. You can find that information on the American Cancer Society website, it’s excellent and has the most up-to-date information."
Getting that testing done might make all the difference in the world - and might be a chance for someone to live on and tell their story. "Catching cancers in the early stage is crucial, therapy so much easier, less surgery, and you may not need chemotherapy because you’re catching it when it’s small," said Dr. Nelson.
