Screening Guidelines Evolve to Personalize Breast Cancer Care

One summer, community activist Eutha Prince likes to give herself a present before going on vacation: a mammogram.

- Dr Jasmeet C Singh, breast medical oncologist,

It was during one such mammogram that doctors found something suspicious on her breast. She was diagnosed with breast cancer following a biopsy and ultrasound. The doctors recommended a tailored treatment plan that included a course of immunotherapy before surgery. After undergoing a mastectomy, the doctors asked her to undergo radiation treatment and chemotherapy before breast reconstruction. About eight months after the final radiation therapy session, she underwent the procedure. Much has changed since. Eutha has resumed her role as the district manager for the community board in New York City’s West Harlem neighborhood. She lives her life to the fullest, jubilant about the second chance she got.

Eutha is among many women who are lucky enough to have detected this cancer because it was detected early. However, not everyone has a similar story to tell. The rising prevalence of breast cancer for decades has become a source of concern. Across the world, every 14 seconds, a woman is diagnosed with this cancer.