Tackling Breast Cancer in Young Women

By Karen Asp

When Amanda Nixon began experiencing odd symptoms in her right arm, breast cancer never crossed her mind. After all, she was only 27 years old, and 95 percent of breast cancers occur in women 40 years and older, according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Her doctors also didn't consider the possibility, and they kept shooing away her complaints. But when her symptoms could no longer be ignored and a mammogram was ordered, the startling truth was revealed. Nixon had breast cancer.

Now almost four years past her diagnosis, Nixon has become an advocate for breast cancer prevention and awareness in young women through her work as a Young Survivor Advocate with the Keep a Breast Foundation. She was also recently named San Diego's 2009 Honorary Breast Cancer Survivor. Here, Nixon shares her story.

AOL Health: What were your initial symptoms?

Amanda Nixon: A few months after having breast-reduction surgery in February 2005, something didn't feel right. I had tightness in my right arm, loss of strength, pain and the symptoms got progressively more bizarre. My right breast got hard, turned purple and became hot to the touch. I went to my doctors several times, and each time, they said pain was typical after surgery and turned me away. In December 2005, my plastic surgeon finally ordered a mammogram, and that's when I learned I had breast cancer.

AOL Health: To treat your type of breast cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, a rare form that represents only one in eight breast cancer cases, you went through two rounds of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, radiation therapy and finally reconstructive surgery. How did you get through all of that?

Nixon: It always felt like after I crossed one hurdle, there was another one to cross, so I decided to have little celebrations after each accomplishment. For instance, when I finished chemotherapy, my mom and I took a trip to Yosemite. And when I was done with radiation, I threw a dinner party at one of my favorite restaurants.

AOL Health: How are you feeling now?

Nixon: I'm doing really well, and I'd like to think there is no cancer in my body. I have regular mammograms and breast MRIs, and my doctor is watching me closely. So far, there haven't been any red flags.

AOL Health: How has this experience changed you?

Nixon: I've always been shy and was uncomfortable with my breasts, which is why I had a reduction. Now there isn't a day that goes by that I'm not talking about my breasts, especially since I'm now working with the Keep a Breast Foundation. So I've had to learn to be comfortable in my own skin. I've also changed some of my lifestyle habits. I'm taking a vitamin D supplement and have adopted a vegetarian/pescetarian [a form of vegetarianism that includes seafood] diet. I was always physically active before, but now I'm more conscious of getting physically activity every day.

AOL Health: What do you want young women to know about breast cancer?

Nixon: I know they're not thinking about breast cancer because at 27, I wasn't either, but they need to make their health a priority and take responsibility for their bodies. Know what normal means for your body. Do your monthly self-breast exams and have your breasts examined every year by a doctor. I also think doctors don't know that young women can get breast cancer, and I'm hoping to raise awareness of this issue.

AOL Health: What do you wish you would have known then that you know now?

Nixon: That I could have been more assertive, gotten a second opinion and asked more questions. I wish I would have known to be my own health advocate and push harder.

AOL Health: What advice would you share with young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Nixon: It's a process they need to take step-by-step, but they'll get through it, especially with support. Just know that in the end, you're going to come out a better person.