The significance of early detection and self-advocacy cannot be overstated, as breast cancer survivor Jenny Flores can attest.
At the age of 37, Jenny received the devastating news of her breast cancer diagnosis. Before this, she had noticed an unfamiliar lump during one of her routine self-examinations. Recognizing the potential implications of this discovery, she experienced fear but managed to maintain composure and promptly scheduled an appointment with her obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN). Despite describing the soreness and discomfort she was experiencing during the initial screening, Jenny was left waiting for a call that, regrettably, never came.
Despite her OBGYN’s failure to provide follow-up care, Jenny took it upon herself to seek a second opinion. This endeavor required immense courage, awareness, and an unwavering commitment to her own well-being and that of her family. Her self-advocacy ultimately led to a second screening, which resulted in the early detection of the breast cancer she had feared since her self-examination.
According to estimations provided by the American Cancer Society, approximately 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women across the United States this year. Out of these cases, 2,620 are projected to occur in the state of Nevada.
Jenny turned to Comprehensive Cancer Centers for her care, where medical oncologist Dr. Karen Jacks treated her. Faced with the choice between a lumpectomy, a procedure involving the removal of the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue known as the margin, or a double mastectomy, Jenny decided to undergo the latter. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), this course of action would effectively reduce her risk of developing breast cancer again by at least 90 percent.
Jenny encourages all women, especially women of color who may not have a screening scheduled, to always listen to their bodies and actively seek regular check-ups. She has experienced first-hand the importance of getting in and diagnosing cancer early, which allows for earlier intervention, treatment and a higher potential for cure.
Jenny feels blessed to be honored as a local breast cancer survivor. Earlier this year, she hit center ice at Dollar Loan Center Arena and dropped the ceremonial first puck at a Silver Knights home game. This year, she will continue sharing her story about the Las Vegas Lights’ breast cancer awareness game at Las Vegas Ballpark and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas versus Colorado State game at Allegiant Stadium. She hopes Las Vegas sports entities like the Silver Knights, Las Vegas Lights, UNLV Sports and Comprehensive Cancer Centers continue to advocate for breast cancer awareness and conduct meaningful proactive initiatives. She says, “You never know who is in the crowd or at home listening and will decide to get a potentially life-saving screening as a result of what they’ve seen or experienced.”
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.