Breast cancer survivors emphasize early detection, community support

Two survivors share their experiences during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encourage people to seek screening guidance and support

PORTLAND, Ore. – When Susan Stearns found a lump in her breast eight years ago, she scheduled a mammogram that day. Within weeks, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Today, as CEO of Pink Lemonade Project, Stearns draws on her experience to help others navigate diagnosis, treatment and life beyond cancer.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Stearns and Brooks Fuentes, program associate for community support at Young Survival Coalition (YSC), are sharing their personal experiences to emphasize the importance of breast health, early detection and emotional support. “I found a lump in the shower in April of 2018 and panicked,” Stearns said. “I almost knew I had breast cancer, but I scheduled a mammogram that day rather than worrying about it and putting it off.”

Founded in Vancouver, Wash., 16 years ago, Pink Lemonade Project serves 42 counties across Oregon and southwest Washington. Its programs provide emotional, practical and financial support to people affected by breast cancer at every stage, including those living with metastatic disease.

“Breast cancer incidence rates are climbing for women under 40 —so before the screening age,” Stearns said. “We know that more younger women, and specifically people of color, are getting diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, which is a more complicated kind to treat. We know that people in rural communities are getting diagnosed at later stages and with a diagnosis are dying at higher rates than they are in urban areas.”

“The fact is one in seven women will be diagnosed in this region,” Stearns added, “so it’s more important than ever to educate people how to do a self-exam, when to start getting screened and why early detection can be lifesaving.”

Finding support through treatment

For Fuentes, a family history of breast cancer prompted her to get her first mammogram at age 36. Her mother had been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at 46 and later died from the disease.

“I saw my mom go through metastatic breast cancer and pass away and knew that that was just so important from the get-go,” Fuentes said. “I was diagnosed with cancer right then. I couldn’t even feel it.”

Fuentes was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Her treatment included chemotherapy, lumpectomy, radiation and immunotherapy.

She turned to local organizations, including Pink Lemonade Project and Breast Friends, as well as YSC, to find others who understood what she was experiencing.

“And it really saved my life,” Fuentes said. “Just as a clinician will give you chemotherapy, you also need that psychosocial support. And I was able to find some of my best friends through these organizations.”

Now a five-year breast cancer survivor, Fuentes helps connect others with resources and community through her work at YSC. She understands how isolating a diagnosis can be, especially for younger adults who may struggle to find others facing similar experiences.

“When you’re the youngest person in that cancer waiting room, you feel so isolated and alone,” she said. Fuentes encourages people to understand their individual risk and talk with a health care provider about appropriate screening, particularly if they have a family history of breast cancer or notice changes in their body. “I’m a five-year survivor and doing great. So, early detection and knowing your normal is essential,” she said.

“The really big message is that pink is not just a marketing tactic,” Stearns said. “We are literally talking about a preventable and screenable cancer, where, if caught early, there are more life-saving treatments than ever before.”

Both women’s experiences underscore an important message: know your body, understand your risk, and seek timely, regular screenings. It is crucial. And when breast cancer changes a person’s life, compassionate support and connection is just as important as medical care, making a meaningful difference throughout the healing journey.

People affected by breast cancer, including family members and caregivers, can learn more about resources and support through these organizations:

• Oregon ScreenWise Program: ScreenWise
• Pink Lemonade Project: pinklemonadeproject.org
• Young Survival Coalition: youngsurvival.org
• Breast Friends: breastfriends.org