A New York woman, Megan Liscomb, has shared her experience of beating breast cancer in her 30s and revealed a surprising sign of the disease. Instead of the typical breast cancer symptom of a lump, Liscomb noticed visual changes in her breast, which she initially attributed to aging. In her first-person piece on Buzzfeed, she emphasized the importance of knowing the signs of breast cancer, especially for younger patients who may not be regularly screened until their 40s or 50s.
Liscomb described how her right breast started to sag while her left breast remained in its usual position. She also noticed that her left breast was folded in half inside her bra cup, with the nipple appearing sunken in the middle. Upon self-examination, she discovered a bulge on one side of her left breast and noticed dents when she raised her arm.
When Liscomb first consulted a doctor about these changes, he reassured her that it was normal. However, a few months later, she sought a second opinion and was immediately sent for an ultrasound and mammogram. The ultrasound technician’s reaction made her realize the seriousness of her condition, and she underwent a same-day biopsy. A week later, she received the diagnosis of stage two invasive lobular carcinoma, the second-most-common form of breast cancer, accounting for about 10 percent of cases.
Fortunately, Liscomb’s cancer was curable, and she is currently cancer-free. Her story highlights the importance of being aware of the signs of breast cancer, even at a younger age, and advocating for further medical investigation if any changes or concerns arise. The recent recommendation to lower the age for regular breast cancer screenings to 40 reflects the need for early detection and treatment.
How did Megan Liscomb initially notice the symptoms of her breast cancer, and why did she attribute them to aging?
A New York woman, Megan Liscomb, has opened up about her battle with breast cancer in her thirties and the surprising symptom she experienced. Instead of the usual breast cancer indicator of a lump, Liscomb noticed visual changes in her breast, which she initially attributed to aging. In a heartfelt post on Buzzfeed, she stressed the importance of recognizing the signs of breast cancer, particularly for younger patients who may not undergo regular screenings until their forties or fifties.
Liscomb detailed how her right breast began to sag while her left breast remained in its usual position. She also observed that her left breast appeared folded in half within her bra cup, with her nipple appearing sunken in the middle. After conducting a self-examination, she discovered a bulge on one side of her left breast and noticed dents when she raised her arm.
When Liscomb initially consulted a doctor about these changes, he assured her that they were normal. However, a few months later, she sought a second opinion, which prompted an immediate referral for an ultrasound and mammogram. The ultrasound technician’s reaction made her realize the gravity of her condition, and she underwent a biopsy on the same day. A week later, she received a stage two invasive lobular carcinoma diagnosis, which accounts for approximately 10 percent of breast cancer cases and is the second-most-common form.
Thankfully, Liscomb’s cancer was treatable, and she is currently cancer-free. Her story underscores the importance of recognizing the signs of breast cancer, even at a younger age, and advocating for further medical investigation if any changes or concerns arise. The recent recommendation to lower the age for regular breast cancer screenings to 40 reflects the necessity of early detection and treatment.
Breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age. This brave woman’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and a strong support system. Her survival is proof that it’s never too early to be vigilant about our health.