Anj’s Story

Early screening truly saved my life. Due to a family history of breast cancer, I started getting yearly mammograms in my early 30s. Thanks to this, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 ER+ HER2+ breast cancer in October 2022 at 33. Since then, I've gone through IVF to preserve fertility, multiple surgeries, 12 rounds of chemo, and 20 rounds of radiation.

Currently, I'm on extended treatment with Herceptin every three weeks. I began hormone therapy in July 2023 but had severe allergic reactions, so now I'm on a new type with an injection every three months and daily medication.

Facing cancer in your early 30s can be overwhelming and isolating while friends are pursuing careers, traveling, and starting families. In April 2023, I began sharing my journey on Instagram (@anjscancerjourney) and found comfort connecting with the online cancer community.

I want to nominate my friend Mairead, whom I met on Instagram. She recently reached Stage 4 but inspires us with her vulnerability and resilience.

-Anj