Laura Hernández, a 39-year-old Colombian American journalist, discovered a lump under her left armpit in January 2022. Despite her gynecologist’s initial dismissal, a mammogram and subsequent biopsy confirmed she had breast cancer. Hernández, now in remission, lives in New York City with her family. Her story reflects a broader issue: each year, about 42,000 women in the U.S. die from breast cancer, with the disease being a leading cause of death among Black and Latina women.
Breast cancer is often misconceived as affecting only older women, but in 2022, 4% of invasive breast cancer cases were detected in women under 40. The American Cancer Society recommends regular mammograms starting at age 40, or earlier for those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Regular self-examinations are also crucial.
Julieta Cruz, a 33-year-old Mexican American from Sarasota, Florida, found a lump in her breast while breastfeeding. Initially told it was a hormonal lump or accumulated milk, Cruz insisted on further testing. After several months and a second opinion, a biopsy confirmed she had stage 1 cancer. Opting for a double mastectomy, Cruz is now in remission and has pursued her dream of becoming a makeup and hair artist.
These stories highlight the importance of self-advocacy and persistence in healthcare, especially for young women who may face misdiagnoses or underestimation of their symptoms.