Breast Cancer at Any Age: A Young Woman’s Journey of Survival
When it comes to breast cancer, many people believe it’s something to worry about after the age of 40. However, in this exclusive series called “Breast Cancer at Any Age,” we explore the stories of women who faced scares or battled breast cancer at a much younger age than expected. One such woman is Kayla Medley. At just 22 years old, the notion of being diagnosed with breast cancer seemed impossible for her. After all, breast cancer is often associated with middle-aged and older women. But when Kayla discovered a lump in her left breast, she decided to get it checked out.
During her annual Ob-Gyn appointment in 2021, Kayla raised her concerns about the lump to her doctor, who dismissed it due to her young age. However, as the lump continued to grow, Kayla decided to seek a second opinion. This time, the new doctor took her concerns seriously and conducted further tests. The results revealed that Kayla had Stage 2 HER2-negative ER-positive basal duct carcinoma – breast cancer in her left breast.
Kayla believes that if her concerns had been addressed earlier, her cancer wouldn’t have progressed to Stage 2 or spread to her lymph nodes. Nevertheless, she remained proactive in her treatment journey. Kayla underwent chemotherapy and opted for a double mastectomy, wanting to eliminate any chances of recurrence. Although she faced challenges and multiple surgeries, Kayla’s efforts paid off, and she’s now officially in remission.
As Kayla moves forward, she has become heavily involved with the African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Even before her diagnosis, she was part of the organization, finding comfort and support from the amazing women involved. Inspired by her situation and the AWCAA, Kayla is pursuing a master’s degree in physician assistant studies to help other women facing cancer diagnoses.
Kayla’s message to all women, young and old, is to prioritize their health. She emphasizes the importance of monthly breast exams and encourages women to speak up if they notice any abnormalities. If their concerns are not taken seriously, she urges them to seek a second opinion promptly.
In recent years, there has been an increase in cancer diagnoses among young individuals. Kayla wants everyone to be proactive and attend annual exams to ensure their health and well-being. By taking care of ourselves, we can lead long and healthy lives.
Join us for more inspiring stories of courage and survival in our series, “Breast Cancer at Any Age.”
