A Tennessee woman, Savannah White, recently shared her incredible story of how breast reduction surgery saved her life. At the age of 30, she opted for the surgery due to agonizing back and shoulder pain, as well as friction sores caused by a lump under her breast. Doctors initially dismissed the lump as a harmless cyst, but during the surgery, they made a shocking discovery – the lump was actually stage 4 breast cancer.
White recalls the emotional moment when the doctor informed her of the cancerous lump, saying, “It didn’t hit me until later. I just remember bawling [on the way home]. It was a complete shock.” With a diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer, White faced a daunting prognosis, with a life expectancy of just five to 10 years.
Breast cancer is a significant concern for women in the United States, being the most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death after lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), nearly 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and 43,000 will lose their lives to it.
Stage 4 breast cancer is particularly grave, with a five-year survival rate of just 31 percent once it has spread to other areas of the body. Therefore, White’s diagnosis at the young age of 29 is exceptionally rare, as the average age for breast cancer diagnoses is 63.
White firmly believes that if she had been sent for a mammogram instead of being misdiagnosed with a cyst, her cancer may have been caught earlier and never reached stage 4. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself when it comes to healthcare, particularly for younger patients whom doctors may dismiss. “Advocate yourself as far as talking to doctors because they definitely want to dismiss younger patients,” she advises.
Since her diagnosis, White has undergone 12 rounds of chemotherapy and is currently in remission. However, she now relies on oral chemotherapy and hormone blockers for the rest of her life. These treatments have forced her into early menopause and rendered her unable to have children. Looking ahead, White plans to start her own non-profit organization, provide therapy for other cancer patients, and is writing a book about her experience.
White’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body and persisting in seeking the necessary medical attention. She hopes that her story will encourage others to advocate for their health and receive timely screenings. “Cancer is [more] curable if you can find it early enough,” she emphasizes.
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