Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us how essential early detection, education, and support are in the fight against breast cancer. This year, two women with deeply personal connections to the disease are sharing their stories to highlight why awareness truly matters. Their experiences show how quickly breast cancer can change a life, how life-saving timely screening can be, and how important it is to have emotional support throughout the journey.
A personal story—Susan Stearns and Pink Lemonade Project
When Susan Stearns found a lump in her breast eight years ago, she got a mammogram that same day. Within a few weeks, she learned she had breast cancer. Stearns said, “I found a lump in the shower in April of 2018 and panicked. I almost knew I had breast cancer, but I scheduled a mammogram that day rather than worrying about it and putting it off.”
Today, as CEO of Pink Lemonade Project, Stearns uses her own experience to help others understand their diagnosis, get through treatment, and navigate life after cancer.
Pink Lemonade Project began in Vancouver, Wash. 16 years ago. It now serves 42 counties in Oregon and southwest Washington, offering emotional, practical, and financial support to people at any stage of breast cancer.
Stearns explained that breast cancer rates are rising among people under age 40. She 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.”
She added, “The fact is one in seven women will be diagnosed in this region, 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.”
“The really big message is that pink is not just a marketing tactic. We are literally talking about a preventable and screenable cancer, where, if caught early, there are more life-saving treatments than ever before.”
Finding support through treatment—Brooks Fuentes
Brooks Fuentes had her first mammogram at age 36 because breast cancer ran in her family. She said, “I saw my mom go through metastatic breast cancer and pass away and knew that this was just so important from the get-go. I was diagnosed with cancer right then. I couldn’t even feel it.”
Fuentes was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma and went through chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, radiation, and immunotherapy. She sought help from local organizations such as Pink Lemonade Project, Breast Friends, and Young Survival Coalition (YSC), and credits them for saving her life.
“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 five years cancer-free, Fuentes works at YSC and helps others find resources and community. She understands how lonely a diagnosis can feel, especially for younger adults.
She said, “When you’re the youngest person in that cancer waiting room, you feel so isolated and alone.”
Fuentes encourages people to learn about their personal risk and talk with their health care provider about screening, especially if they have a family history or notice any changes in their body. She said, “I’m a five-year survivor and doing great. So, early detection and knowing your normal is essential.”
Know your body, know your risk
Both women’s stories reinforce the same message: know your body, understand your risk, and get timely screenings. When breast cancer affects someone’s life, emotional support and connection matter just as much as medical treatment.
Support is available
Whether you’re facing a diagnosis yourself or supporting someone who is, resources and compassionate communities are here to help every step of the way.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA)’s ScreenWise program maintains a network of health care providers who offer free screenings for eligible people. If someone is diagnosed, ScreenWise also helps connect them to treatment resources.
