Mary Kay Mullen was 49 years-old when she had a screening mammogram in August 2017. After she was told they needed a second look at her right side, she went to the Cleveland Clinic Fairview Mall Center for another mammogram on Sept. 20, 2017.

Following her appointment, a nurse took her into a small room to discuss her results. The nurse told Mullen that she needed a biopsy to further diagnose what was going on. After the biopsies, the radiologist called her with the results. 

At first, Mullen was diagnosed with ADH (Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia), which isn’t a form of breast cancer. 

Atypical hyperplasia is a precancerous condition that affects cells in the breast. Atypical hyperplasia describes an accumulation of abnormal cells in the milk ducts and lobules of the breast. Atypical hyperplasia isn’t cancer, but it increases the risk of breast cancer, according to MayoClinic.org. 

However,  Mullen’s doctor at the Fairview clinic called her several more times with different news each time; and eventually, she was diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ).  

According to Cancer.org, DCIS means the cells that line the milk ducts of the breast have become cancerous, but they have not spread into surrounding breast tissue. DCIS is considered non-invasive or pre-invasive breast cancer. 

Mullen remembers the doctor told her that she never had a diagnosis change from her original. But for some reason, the doctor felt a need to keep looking back at Mullen’s biopsy results. 

Screening mammograms, according to Cancer.org, overall, do not find about one in five breast cancers. It is common for doctors to overdiagnose, which leads to some women getting treatment that’s not really needed (overtreatment) because the cancer never would have caused any problems. Doctors can’t always tell which cancers will be life threatening and which  won’t ever cause problems. Because of this, all cases are treated. This exposes some women to the side effects of cancer treatment, even though it’s not really needed. 

Mullens said she was scared, confused, and sad when she and her husband had the first appointment with her breast surgeon. Her cancer was at the earliest stage. She needed a mastectomy on her right side, and it was a lot for her to take in. 

At the time, her children were 16 and 13 years-old. She remembers them being quiet about the diagnosis, but she knows they were concerned, scared, and young. Mullen said she wanted to be strong for them. She also remembers her husband being extremely supportive and loving; and after her surgeries, he took over many of the household responsibilities. 

She said she is extremely grateful that her cancer was found so early. She did not need radiation or chemotherapy. 

Mullen’s first cousin had breast cancer too. Recently, her first cousin’s mother (at 80) was also diagnosed with breast cancer. 

The American Cancer Society affirms that about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, meaning that they result directly from gene changes (mutations) passed on from a parent. 

The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. On average, a woman with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation has up to a 7 in 10 chance of getting breast cancer by age 80. 

It’s important to note that most women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease; however, having a first-person relative with breast cancer almost doubles a woman’s risk. Having two first-degree relatives increases a woman’s risk about 3-fold. 

Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer can be one of the most distressing events women ever experience. Feeling overwhelmed is a perfectly normal response to a breast cancer diagnosis. However, the American Psychological Association informs that a diagnosis can lead to severe problems. 

Women with breast cancer may start eating poorly, eating fewer meals and choosing foods of lower nutritional value. They might cut back on their exercise, may have trouble getting a good night’s sleep, might withdraw from family and friends, and may use alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs in an attempt to soothe themselves. 

Mullen said her sister is her go to person when she is feeling down or discouraged, and that she offered her alternative ways of dealing with the stress and trauma her body was going through. 

For some women, for example, the news leads to depression, which can make it more difficult for them to adjust, make the most of treatment, and take advantage of whatever sources of social support are available. 

Psychologists can help patients work through their grief, fear, and other emotions. Psychologists can also help spouses manage the challenge of offering both emotional and practical support while dealing with their own feelings. Children, parents, and friends involved in caretaking can also benefit from psychological interventions, according to AmericanPsychologicalAssociation.org. 

Mullen noted, “Often I would tell her that my diagnosis was really nothing, I am so lucky, and others have so much worse than I do. She helped me see that my diagnosis and journey was my own and had no comparison to others. My journey was my own. It was ok to feel what I was feeling; the sadness, loss.”

Mullen recalled walking 60 miles for the Susan G. Komen foundation in Cleveland before she was ever diagnosed.  She also participated in that walk two times. 

Mullen stated, “It is an awesome, amazing, life-changing experience. I walked with survivors, cancer patients, and families of loved ones lost. I walked for my cousin, who is a survivor.”

Mullen offered advice for other women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. “Breathe. Ask questions and take your time deciding what you want to do,” she said.

As reported by NationalBreastCancer.org, one in eight women will develop breast cancer this year. Everyone at average risk should start testing at age 45 via a mammogram, blood test, or physical exam. 

“The initial appointment with my surgeon is a foggy memory, so take notes, and bring a loved one with you to your appointments. Know that you are not alone,” Mullen said.

Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2021, an estimated 2,650 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the US, as further stated by NationalBreastCancer.org 

Mullen said,  “…even though so many women have breast cancer, your experience is your own.”

According to NationalBreastCancer.org, there are over 3.8 million cancer survivors in the US. Death rates have been declining since about 1990, in part due to better screening and early detection, increased awareness and continually improving treatment options. 

 “Acknowledge your feelings, validate your thoughts and talk to those who can hear what you really need to say. As you heal, a sense of humor about it all helps,” Mullen encouraged. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. The goal is to get as many people as possible involved in raising awareness and funds to help support life-saving research. 

You can get involved by wearing pink, volunteering with organizations or at fundraising events, educating yourself and others about the importance of screening for cancer early and yearly, and participating in a walk or run.