Now to that important medical news about early detection. Amy is taking a closer look as the third anniversary of her own breast cancer diagnosis approaches on Sunday. “I cannot believe it's been three years.” “I know. It really is incredible how time flies. Sunday actually is my three-year anniversary of the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer. All because this woman right here, Robin, urged me to get my first mammogram at age 40.” But women younger than her are hearing those same words, and for many, early detection can be lifesaving.
“I feel free when I'm dancing. I feel like it's my safe place.” For Olivia Hutcherson, there’s nothing quite like taking center stage. “Everyone talks about Beyonce and her Sasha Fierce. When I get on stage, it's like other Olivia comes out. Other Olivia… Other Olivia. I need to come up with a cooler name than that, though.” But on the night of her 26th birthday, at the height of her career as a professional dancer, Olivia’s life took an unprecedented turn.
“I remember looking down at the end of the night, seeing blood on the inside of my blouse. The following day, I went into the doctor's office. They told me that it was nothing to worry about, but I felt like something was wrong. I went back to the doctor just three days later, and I requested a mammogram.” “And you requested a mammogram?” “I requested a mammogram. They didn’t want to give it initially because I was 26. I had never smoked. I had no family history, but I wasn’t leaving until I got it.” “And you were the picture of health, a professional dancer.” “Yeah. Cancer does not discriminate.”
While her doctors were not able to explain the bleeding, after three mammograms, Olivia was diagnosed with DCIS, the earliest stage of breast cancer. During surgery, her doctors, who had recommended a double mastectomy, found a stage 1 tumor on the right side, which meant she needed chemotherapy, even though only 5% of breast cancer cases occur under 40—about 12,000 women a year. These are women with lives before them—dating, marrying, having babies, and fighting battles different from older women.
Jennifer Finkelstein knows this experience all too well. “I had just turned 32. It was five weeks before my wedding, which was shocking. I underwent a single mastectomy and began chemotherapy a week later instead of a honeymoon. It was the most isolating experience of my life.” Jennifer launched Five Under 40, an organization that provides medical, emotional, and beauty services to women under 40 fighting this disease. “They help me with the wig. They help me with the head shaving. There’s always somebody on the other end of the line to just kind of get you through the moment.”
“You’ve just lost both of your breasts. You had to freeze your eggs. I mean, just talk a little bit about what it’s like dating after breast cancer.” “I was on first dates. Who tries to date, by the way, when they’re going through this?” “26-year-olds.” “26-year-olds, of course. And I’m out on a date with my wig. I’ll never forget. And this guy was like, ‘Babe, you have the most beautiful hair.’ And I’m like, ‘Huh, that’s… awkward.’” Now, almost a year and a half since her diagnosis, Olivia has ditched her wig and returned to the dance studio with a new motto: Live strong. “Who do you see now when you’re dancing and looking in those mirrors?” “I see this strong soul. A warrior princess is who I see.” She realized she didn’t want to go back to who she was—she wanted to embrace who she is now.
Dr. Jen Ashton, senior medical contributor, explains how breast cancer affects younger women. “We know that breast cancer does affect younger women. It’s less common than in older women, but it can tend to be more aggressive and can be diagnosed at more advanced stages. That really underscores the importance of knowing your body. If you notice something like a lump, any skin changes, discharge from the nipple, or rarely pain, see your doctor and be persistent. No one knows your body like you do.”
Amy adds, “With all of these confusing headlines now saying you should wait until 45 or 50, that wouldn’t have worked for me or Robin. My daughters will start getting tested in their 20s.” Dr. Jen emphasizes options for younger women: “You have to distinguish between general population screening and imaging for diagnosis. In our arsenal, we have sonograms, mammograms, MRIs, and a newer technique called contrast-enhanced spectral mammography, which shows promising accuracy. They’re not all for everybody, so talking to your doctor will tell you which is appropriate. Be your own advocate.”
Dr. Jen thanks Amy for her tireless reporting and advocacy, noting the importance of raising awareness about early detection and support for younger women facing breast cancer.
Young Breast Cancer Survivor Shares Her Story
Re: Young Breast Cancer Survivor Shares Her Story
As Amy approaches her third anniversary since diagnosis, stories like Olivia Hutcherson’s and Jennifer Finkelstein’s highlight that breast cancer can strike young women, often aggressively. Experts like Dr. Jen Ashton stress early detection, body awareness, and self-advocacy. Screening decisions vary, but persistence and timely imaging can be lifesaving
