SARASOTA (SNN)– Eighty-five percent of people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the illness. For SNN Weekend Anchor Emma Sears’ family, that fact rang true.
“I was never diligent of getting annual mammograms or doing any type of self-breast examinations,” said Jane Sears, Emma’s mother and a breast cancer survivor.
It had been five years since Sears had undergone her last breast exam.
“February of 2020,” Sears said. “I don’t know why but I had decided to make an appointment for a breast exam and it’s a good thing I did.”
It was clear to her that something was wrong.
“During my mammogram, it was pretty apparent that the radiologist saw something,” Sears said. “I was brought back in within a few days for a biopsy and it did show positive for cancer.”
With no history of breast cancer in her family, Sears was shocked and frightened when she heard the word cancer.
“The scariest thing for me,” said Sears. “Is when you don’t have a family history you don’t think it’s going to affect you.”
A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed. But breast cancer can happen to anyone, regardless of family history.
“Breast exams improve the chances of finding Breast cancer earlier and it’s easier to treat. Scheduling those exams can really be life-saving,” said Family Medicine Doctor Stacy De-Lin.
Thankfully, for Sears, her cancer was caught early enough. As of a few months ago, she is cancer-free but that doesn’t mean her fight is over. Sears still gets screened regularly and will be on anti-estrogens for the next 5 years.
SNN’s Emma Sears says, when she thinks of her mom, she thinks of incredible strength and unwavering kindness. Emma says sharing her mom’s story is difficult, but she believes it is important to help raise awareness on getting examined.
If you are looking for a place to get examined, Sarasota Memorial offers mammography and advanced breast imaging services at 8 convenient locations in Sarasota County. To make an appointment, call 941-917-7322.
