'One of the lucky ones'

A breast cancer diagnosis was the last thing I expected when I went in for my annual mammogram last December. Even when they called me back to get a better look at something they saw in the scans, I thought, “Oh, that’s normal — they call people back all the time for a closer look.” 

Within a few days I was getting a biopsy and, shortly after, a diagnosis. While a cancer diagnosis is never good, I consider myself one of the lucky ones because the cancer was not yet invasive. I had an early form of cancer called Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, or DCIS, grade 3. I had no family history of breast cancer, so it was quite a shock at 42 years old. 

If I had not gone in for my mammogram annually since I turned 40, the DCIS would not have been detected. It was not a lump like most cancers. It was a cluster of microcalcifications that I would not have been able to detect with a self-examination. For this reason, I have made it a mission to encourage women to get their annual mammograms. I am not a medical professional, but typically it is encouraged for women over 40, though I would imagine there are exceptions to that rule for some younger women if they have a family history or other medical history.  

According to the American Cancer Society’s “Breast Cancer Facts & Figures” for 2024-2025, the breast cancer death rate has dropped by 44% since 1989 because of advances in treatment and earlier detection, resulting in 517,900 averted breast cancer deaths. Also according to the report, an estimated 310,720 invasive breast cancers and 56,000 cases of DCIS will be diagnosed among women by the end of 2024, and an additional 2,970 cases in men.  

With approximately one in eight women being diagnosed, these facts help show that early detection is key to keeping the mortality rate down. Again, I feel blessed that mine was not yet invasive, but it was still stressful and scary. I had a partial mastectomy and 23 days of radiation. As hard as that was, I can’t imagine how tough it must be for those with invasive cancer who also have to go through chemotherapy. Pathology tests showed the DCIS was hormone positive, so I have to take a medication called tamoxifen for five years as well to lessen the chances of it coming back.  

I was told constantly that I had such a positive attitude throughout my surgery and treatment, which I think is really important. However, the thought is still constantly on my mind — what if it does come back? All I can do is continue my screenings and hope for the best. 

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I again just want to encourage women to get their mammograms as recommended by a physician. Cancer screening in general should be a priority for early detection of cancer in both men and women so that we can continue to see lower mortality rates.

    Mary Malone is pictured on a past climb on Mount Rainer. A mammogram led to early detection — and successful treatment — of breast cancer.